Side effects most often develop in the first or second week of treatment and then usually become less intense and occur less frequently with continued therapy.
The following side effects occur when taking drugs belonging to the class of SSRIs and noted when taking escitalopram. The information is presented on the basis of data from placebo-controlled clinical trials and spontaneous reports. The frequency is indicated as: very often (≥1 / 10), often (from ≥1 / 100 to <1/10), infrequently (from ≥1 / 1000 to <1/100),rarely (from ≥1 / 10000 to <1/1000), very rarely (<1/10000), or unknown (the frequency of occurrence can not be estimated based on existing data).
From the side of the blood and lymphatic system: unknown - thrombocytopenia.
From the immune system: rarely anaphylactic reactions.
From the endocrine system: unknown - insufficient secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
Metabolic disorders and eating disorders: often - decreased appetite, increased appetite, weight gain; infrequently - weight loss; unknown - hyponatremia, anorexia.
From the side of the psyche: often - anxiety, anxiety, unusual dreams, decreased libido, anorgasmia (in women); infrequently - bruxism, agitation, nervousness, panic attacks, confusion; rarely - aggression, depersonalization; hallucinations; unknown - mania, suicidal thoughts, suicidal behavior. Cases of the appearance of suicidal thoughts and behavior were noted when taking escitalopram and immediately after the abolition of therapy.
From the nervous system: often - insomnia, drowsiness, dizziness, paresthesia, tremor; infrequently - a violation of taste, sleep disturbance,syncopal states; rarely - serotonin syndrome; unknown - dyskinesia, motor disorders, convulsive disorders, psychomotor agitation / akathisia.
From the side of the organs of sight: infrequently - mydriasis (dilated pupil), visual impairment.
From the side of the hearing organ and labyrinthine disorders: infrequently - tinnitus (tinnitus).
From the side of the cardiovascular system: infrequently - tachycardia; rarely - bradycardia; unknown - prolongation of QT interval on electrocardiogram, orthostatic hypotension.
On the part of the respiratory system, the organs of the thorax and the mediastinum: often sinusitis, yawning; infrequently - epistaxis.
From the gastrointestinal tract: very often - nausea; often - diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth; infrequently - gastrointestinal bleeding (including rectal bleeding).
From the liver and bile ducts: unknown - hepatitis, impaired liver function.
From the skin and subcutaneous tissues: often - increased sweating; infrequently - hives, alopecia, rash, itching; unknown - ecchymosis, angioedema.
From the side of the musculoskeletal and connective tissue: often - arthralgia, myalgia.
From the side of the kidneys and urinary tract: unknown - urinary retention.
From the reproductive system and breast: often - impotence, violation of ejaculation; infrequently - metrorrhagia (uterine bleeding), menorrhagia; unknown - galactorrhea, priapism.
From the side of the body as a whole and violations in the place of administration: often - weakness, hyperthermia; rarely - swelling.
During the post-registration period cases of lengthening of the interval QT, mainly in patients with pre-existing heart disease. In double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of ECG in healthy volunteers, the change from baseline QTc (correction according to Friderichia's formula), was 4.3 msec at a dose of 10 mg / day and 10.7 msec at 30 mg / day.
Epidemiological studies involving patients aged 50 years and older showed the existence of an increased risk of bone fractures in patients taking SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants. The mechanism of this risk is not established.
The abolition of SSRI / SSRIs (selective norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors) (especially severe) often leads to withdrawal symptoms. Most often there is dizziness,sensitivity disorders (including paraesthesia and sensations of the current passage), sleep disturbances (including insomnia and intense dreams), agitation or anxiety, nausea and / or vomiting, tremor, confusion, sweating, headache, diarrhea, palpitations, emotional instability, irritability, visual disturbances. As a rule, these effects are mild or moderate, and pass quickly, but they can manifest themselves in a more acute form and / or longer in some patients. It is recommended to gradually phase out the drug by reducing its dose.