Morcet™

[Escitalopram]

Description / Properties

Morcet™ (escitalopram oxalate) is a potent selective serotonin inhibitor (SSRI). It is the active isomer of citalopram.

COMPOSITION:

Each film coated tablet contains:Escitalopram (as oxalate)…. 10 mg.

MODE OF ACTION:

Morcet™ (Escitalopram) is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) and belongs to a group of medicines known as antidepressants. These medicines help to normalize the levels of serotonin in the brain. Disturbances in the serotonin, system of the brain are key factors in the development of depression and related disorders.

Indications

Morcet™ (Escitalopram) is used for the treatment of depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety and panic disorders.

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity to Escitalopram.

1. Liver cirrhosis accompanied by edema and or ascites, nephrotic syndrome and other edematous conditions
2. Diuretic induced hypokalemia/ hypomagnesia as adjunctive therapy
3. Establishing a diagnosis of primary hyper aldosteronism
4. Short term preoperative treatment of patients with primary hyperaldosteronism.

Spironolactone is contraindicated in patients with acute renal insufficiency , significant renal compromise, Addison’s disease, hyperkalemia, or hypersensitivity to Spironolactone.

Side Effects

The side effects are generally mild and usually disappear after a few days' treatment. If the side effects are troublesome or last for more than a week or two, the patient should consult the doctor. The common side effects are: Nausea, decreased appetite, difficulties falling asleep, feeling sleepy, dizziness, yawning, diarrhoea, constipation, increased sweating, sexual disturbances, fatigue and fever.

Warning and Precautions

If the patient has used any non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine, iproniazid, isocarboxazid, nialamide, and tranylcypromine for the treatment of depression, he will need to wait 14 days before he/she starts taking escitalopram. After stopping escitalopram the patient must allow 7 days before taking any of these medicines. If the treatment is changed from MAOI, moclobemide, to escitalopram, it is recommended that one day should elapse after the patient has finished taking moclobemide before he/she starts taking escitalopram. After stopping escitalopram it is recommended to allow 7 days before starting moclobemide. If the patient is treated with both moclobemide and escitalopram and experience symptoms like high fever and abrupt contractions of muscles with tremors, feel agitated and confused he/she must stop taking both medicines and see the doctor immediately. Consult the doctor before starting treatment of escitalopram if the patient has a severe liver disease or diabetes epilepsy or a history of seizures or fits (seizures are a potential risk with all antidepressant medication) episodes of mania, subcutaneous bleeding. Patient should be asked if he/she is taking or have taken any other medicines during the last 14 days. Escitalopram and the following medicines should be combined with caution: Lithium, selegiline, Imipramine and desipramine, metoprolol, sumatriptan and similar medicines, tramadol and cimetidine

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Pregnant women should not usually take escitalopram nor should mothers breast-feed their babies while taking this medicine.

Abrupt cessation of this kind of medication may cause discontinuation symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and headache. It is therefore advised that the dose of escitalopram is gradually reduced over a couple of weeks.

Dosage

Adults: Depression: The usual dose is 10 mg per day. The recommended maximum dose is 20 mg per day. Panic disorder: The starting dose is 5 mg per day for the first week.The dose may be increased to a maximum of 20 mg per day. Elderly patients: The usual starting dose is 5 mg per day. It is recommended that the maximum dose is kept below 20 mg. Patients with special risks: It is recommended that patients with liver disease receive an initial dose of 5 mg daily for the first two weeks which may be increased to 10 mg daily. Children and adolescents (<18 years): Escitalopram should not be given to children or adolescents (<18 years). DURATION OF TREATMENT: As with other medicines for the treatment of depression and panic disorder. It may take a few weeks before the patient feel any improvement. Therefore patient should continue to take Morcet™ even if it takes some time before he/she feel any improvement in their condition.The patient should continue to take the tablets for as long as the doctor recommends, even if he/she begins to feel better. The underlying illness may persist for a long time and if the patient stops his/her treatment too soon, the symptoms may return. Therefore it is recommended that treatment is continued for at least 6 months after the patient feel well again.

Presentations Available

Morcet™ 10 mg tablet available in the pack of 14’s film coated tablets.

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