Escitalopramdosage

Escitalopram Capsules are only available in a 15 mg strength Use another escitalopram product for dosage initiation, titration, dosages other than 15 mg once daily, and for discontinuation Escitalopram Capsules are not indicated in geriatric patients and not recommended in patients with hepatic impairment Recommended starting dosage is 10 mg orally once daily of another escitalopram product. Based on response and tolerability, may increase to the maximum recommended dosage of 20 mg once daily of another escitalopram product Escitalopram Capsules 15 mg orally once daily may be initiated in patients experiencing unfavorable tolerability to a 20 mg escitalopram dosage Administer orally once daily with or without food. Swallow capsules whole When discontinuing, reduce dosage gradually using another escitalopram product

2.1 Important

Dosage Information Escitalopram Capsules are only available in a 15 mg strength. Use another escitalopram product for initial dosage, dosage titration, administration of dosages other than 15 mg once daily, and to taper during discontinuation. Refer to the Prescribing Information of other escitalopram products for the recommended dosage for those products. Escitalopram Capsules may be initiated in patients experiencing unfavorable tolerability to a 20 mg escitalopram dosage. Escitalopram Capsules are not indicated in geriatric patients. Avoid use of Escitalopram Capsules in geriatric patients because the recommended dosage in these patients cannot be achieved with the Escitalopram Capsules 15 mg strength. Escitalopram Capsules are not recommended in patients with hepatic impairment because the recommended dosage in such patients cannot be achieved with the Escitalopram Capsules 15 mg strength.

2.2 Recommended

Dosage for Major Depressive Disorder The recommended starting dosage of escitalopram for MDD in adults younger than 65 years of age and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older is 10 mg orally once daily. Use another escitalopram product for dosage initiation. Based on clinical response and tolerability, the dosage may be increased to the maximum recommended dosage of 20 mg once daily of another escitalopram product after at least 1 week in adults younger than 65 years of age and after 3 weeks in pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. Escitalopram Capsules 15 mg orally once daily may be initiated in patients experiencing unfavorable tolerability to a 20 mg escitalopram dosage.

2.3 Recommended

Dosage for Generalized Anxiety Disorder The recommended starting dosage of escitalopram for GAD in adults younger than 65 years of age is 10 mg orally once daily. Use another escitalopram product for dosage initiation. Based on clinical response and tolerability, the dosage may be increased to the maximum recommended dosage of 20 mg once daily of another escitalopram product after at least 1 week in adults younger than 65 years of age. Escitalopram Capsules 15 mg orally once daily may be initiated in patients experiencing unfavorable tolerability to a 20 mg escitalopram dosage. Additional pediatric use information is approved for AbbVie Inc.’s LEXAPRO (escitalopram) tablets and LEXAPRO (escitalopram) oral solution. However, due to AbbVie Inc. ’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

2.4 Administration

Information Administer Escitalopram Capsules orally once daily, in the morning or evening, with or without food. Swallow capsules whole; do not open, crush, or chew.

2.5 Screen for

Bipolar Disorder Prior to Starting Escitalopram Capsules Prior to initiating treatment with Escitalopram Capsules or another antidepressant, screen patients for a personal family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.

2.6 Switching

Patients to or from a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor Antidepressant At least 14 days must elapse between discontinuation of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant and initiation of Escitalopram Capsules. In addition, at least 14 days must elapse after stopping Escitalopram Capsules before starting an MAOI antidepressant.

2.7 Discontinuing

Treatment with Escitalopram Capsules Adverse reactions may occur upon discontinuation of Escitalopram Capsules. Gradually reduce the dosage rather than stopping Escitalopram Capsules abruptly whenever possible. Given that 15 mg is the only available dosage strength of Escitalopram Capsules, gradual dosage reduction will require the use of another escitalopram product.