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Antidepressant medications are prescribed for various conditions such as depression and other mental health disorders. These drugs can significantly reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts, among other benefits. However, research indicates that a minority of users, particularly those under 25, may experience an increase in depression, changes in mental health, or suicidal ideation and behavior.

It is crucial to engage in a detailed discussion with a healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of antidepressants, particularly for individuals younger than 25, regardless of whether the treatment is for a mental health issue.

Key points to monitor and communicate to the healthcare provider include:

• Any signs of worsening depression or other psychiatric symptoms.
• Unusual changes in behavior, including the emergence of suicidal thoughts or attempts.
• New or worsening anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, irritability, feelings of hostility or anger, impulsive behavior, severe restlessness, or rapid speech.

These symptoms warrant particular attention when initiating a new antidepressant or adjusting the dosage. Immediate communication with a healthcare provider is advised if such symptoms are observed.

You may experience some common side effects such as nausea, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, constipation, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, or increased sweating. These are generally mild, but if they persist or worsen, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. Most individuals taking this medication do not encounter serious side effects.

However, be aware of serious side effects like decreased sexual interest or ability, and easy bleeding or bruising. If you notice these, inform your healthcare provider promptly. Seek immediate medical attention for very serious side effects such as black stools, fainting, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, vomit resembling coffee grounds, seizures, eye pain or swelling, enlarged pupils, or vision changes like blurred vision or seeing rainbows around lights at night.

This medication can elevate serotonin levels and may rarely lead to serotonin syndrome, especially if taken with other serotonin-increasing drugs. Urgent medical help is needed if you experience symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, lack of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle twitching, unexplained fever, or unusual agitation.

In rare instances, males might experience a painful or prolonged erection lasting four hours or more. Discontinue use and seek immediate medical help to prevent long-term issues. Although severe allergic reactions are rare, seek medical attention immediately if you experience a rash, itching or swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

This summary does not cover all possible side effects. If you notice other unusual effects, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Certain medications can interact with this drug, which may lead to increased risk of side effects or reduced effectiveness. These include:

1. Bleeding Risk: Medications that may cause bleeding or bruising, such as antiplatelet drugs like Clopidogrel, NSAIDs like Ibuprofen and Naproxen, and blood thinners like Dabigatran and Warfarin. Aspirin can also heighten bleeding risk when combined with this drug. However, if your doctor has recommended low-dose aspirin (81-162 mg daily) to prevent heart attack or stroke, continue taking it unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional guidance.

2. Serious Drug Interactions: MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, Rasagiline, safinamide, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine) can cause severe, potentially fatal interactions with this medication. Avoid these inhibitors both during treatment and for two weeks before and after using this medication. Your doctor can provide specific instructions on when to start or stop these medications.

3. Serotonin Syndrome Risk: The likelihood of serotonin syndrome or toxicity can increase if you are taking other serotonin-boosting drugs. This includes illicit drugs like MDMA, herbal supplements like St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (such as SSRIs like Fluoxetine and paroxetine, and SNRIs like Duloxetine and Venlafaxine), and Tryptophan. The risk is higher when starting or increasing the dose of these medications.

4. Drowsiness: Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are using products that cause drowsiness, such as alcohol, marijuana, antihistamines (like Cetirizine and diphenhydramine), sleep or anxiety medications (like Alprazolam, Diazepam, and Zolpidem), muscle relaxants, or opioid pain relievers (like codeine).

5. Medication Labels: Check all your medication labels for ingredients that might induce drowsiness or elevate bleeding risk. This includes common over-the-counter products for allergies, pain, fever, or cough and cold. Your pharmacist can help ensure safe use of these products.

6. Heart Rhythm Effects: Some medications, besides Escitalopram, can affect heart rhythm (QT prolongation). These include Amiodarone, Pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, and Sotalol.

7. Citalopram: Since escitalopram is very similar to citalopram, do not use these medications together.

8. Lab Tests: This drug may interfere with specific medical or lab tests, such as a brain scan for Parkinson's disease, potentially leading to inaccurate results. Ensure all lab personnel and your doctors know you are taking this medication.

Always consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your specific health needs.