Lexapro Online Purchase: Prescription Verified, Delivered - in Australia

Broad view

Escitalopram (SSRI) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor commonly known by the brand name Lexapro in some markets. It is widely prescribed for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder and may be used by clinicians for other anxiety conditions depending on clinical judgement. For recommendations on metric monitoring and follow up see the section on Oversight and Safety Checks.

• Active substance: escitalopram
• Frequent beacons: depression and generalized anxiety disorder
• Common tablet strengths available in Australia: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg

Before you begin

Prior to initiating escitalopram, tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all medicines, supplements, and your full medical history. Some conditions that commonly affect whether escitalopram is suitable include:

• Seizure history and epilepsy
• Chronic liver disease or impaired kidney function
• Existing cardiac conditions or known arrhythmias
• Personal or family history of bipolar disorder or manic episodes
• The disease of impaired insulin action, diabetes or difficulties managing blood glucose
• Allergy to escitalopram, citalopram, or any tablet excipient
• Current or prior suicidal thoughts, self-harm or suicide attempts
• Concurrent or recent electroconvulsive therapy
• Pregnancy planning for conception or breastfeeding

If you have questions about a specific medicine or conditioncarry out a review potential positive interactive engagements enhance user satisfaction. in Social exchanges to Monitor and Cautions and seek clinical advice.

What is the best way to take escitalopram?

Always follow the dose administration plan provided by your prescriber. The following are practical pointers to support safe use:

• Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water. It may be taken with or without food; if nausea occurs, try taking it with a meal.
• Take your dose at approximately the same time each day to keep blood concentrations stable.
• Do not raise the dose or take extra tablets without medical advice. If stopping, discuss a tapering schedule with your clinician to reduce discontinuation symptoms.
• Initial improvements can appear within 1 to 2 weeks for some people but full therapeutic benefit commonly requires several weeks.
• The youngsters and adolescents should only be prescribed escitalopram under specialist or pediatric supervision.
• In an he overdosed or life threatening situation call Triple Zero (000), go to the nearest emergency department, or contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 immediately.

If you forget to take a dose, seek medical attention. When you forget to take your dose.

If you forget to take a dose

If you forget a scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember unless your next dose is due soon. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the the dose was skipped and return to your usual schedule. Do not double up doses to compensate for a missed tablet.

Interaction caused by medicines and important cautions

S-enantiomer of citalopram is escitalopram interacts with a range of medicines and supplements. Some combinations can cause serious effects such as serotonin syndrome or dangerous changes in heart rhythm. Do not use escitalopram concurrently with:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) including phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid and selegiline
• Citalopram, the SSRI antidepressant or other close chemical relatives simultaneously
• The antipsychotic drug pimozide
• Certain antipsychotics such as thioridazine
• Drugs like procarbazine or cisapride
• Certain withdrawn or restricted appetite suppressants such as dexfenfluramine or fenfluramine, and sibutramine
• St Johns wort extract because of additive serotonin effects

Other medicines may require dose adjustments or ongoing monitoring, for example:

• Triptans used for migraine (for example sumatriptan)
• Linezolid as a medicinal antibiotic and some antibiotics with MAOI activity
• NSAIDs and aspirin due to increased bleeding risk
• Anticoagulants, including warfarin, are used to reduce clot risk.
• Enzyme inducers or inhibitors like carbamazepine, ketoconazole or cimetidine
• Certain antitubercular and antiretroviral medicines
• Amphetamine-type stimulants and tryptophan supplements
• Other antidepressants, anxiolytics or antipsychotic medicines

This is not a final or complete list. Keep an up-to-date medicine and supplement list and discuss potential positive the exchange that happens when people meets enhance user satisfaction. with your clinician or pharmacist.

Safety and surveillance in balance risk checks

Your prescriber will normally schedule follow up to evaluate how well the medicine is working and to check for harmful effects. Areas commonly monitored include:

• Mood and behavior: watch for worsening depression, new thoughts of self harm or suicidal ideas, agitation, restlessness or impulsive actions, particularly after starting or changing dose.
• Physical symptoms: drowsiness, dizziness or low blood pressure. Avoid driving or using heavy machinery until you know how escitalopram affects you.
• Signs of bleeding: unusual bruising or bleeding, especially if combined with NSAIDs or blood thinners.
• Withdrawal: stopping suddenly may produce discontinuation symptoms; a gradual reduction is usually safer.
• Drinking alcohol: it can increase sedation and reduce alertness so avoid or limit alcohol while taking escitalopram.
• Oral dryness: sugar-free lozenges or increased fluid intake can help.

If you experience concerning symptoms contact your GP, mental health team or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for advice.

Possible reactions to the medication

Serious reactions require urgent medical attention. Seek immediate help for any of the following:

• Allergic reactions such as rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips or tongue
• New or worsening psychosis, hallucinations or severe agitation
• A seizure
• Fainting, severe dizziness or frequent falls
• Marked mood changes or new suicidal thoughts
• Unexpected bleeding or easy bruising

More common, usually less severe effects that you should mention to your clinician if persistent include:

• Queasiness or mild stomach discomfort
• Headache disorder
• My vision not clear
• Variations in hunger or weight
• Sweat output increased
• Altered sexual desire or performance

Unsure about a symptom? Contact your prescriber, local pharmacist or healthdirect on 1800 022 222. For emergency general overinstructions on dosage refer to Steps to Take.

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• Place all medicines where children and pets cannot reach them..
• Store tablets at normal room temperature, ideally between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F).
• Do not use products beyond the printed expiry date. Bring unwanted or expired medications to a pharmacy to dispose of them safely.

Substitute therapies and comparable drugs

If escitalopram is not appropriate or does not provide sufficient benefit, prescribers may suggest the alternative choice drug classes or non-drug therapies. Options commonly considered include:

• Other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, and citalopram.
• The SNRI medications include venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, and duloxetine.
• Other antidepressants: mirtazapine, bupropion (note differences in PBS listings), agomelatine, vortioxetine
• Psychological treatments: cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and other evidence based psychotherapies, either alone or with medication

Generic formulations usually cost less than brand-name products. See Price points in Australia for the AUD market to gauge costs approximately.

Price catalogue in AUD for Australia - rough guide

Escitalopram (SSRI) products are commonly listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Actual out of pocket costs depend on PBS eligibility, pharmacy fees and whether you accept a brand or generic product.

• Generic escitalopram, 28 to 30 tablets of 10 mg or 20 mg: private prices often range from about AUD 12 to 45. On the PBS typical general patient co-payment is around AUD 30 to 33 per script while concession card holders usually pay about AUD 7 to 8. Look over the status current PBS listing for exact amounts.
• Brand name Lexapro: private monthly costs can be higher, roughly AUD 25 to 60 depending on strength and pharmacy; brand premiums may apply.
• Smaller strengths such as 5 mg can have a higher unit price; confirm details with your pharmacy.

Example approximate private monthly prices for comparison (subject to change):

• Prescribed sertraline (generic): about AUD 10 to 40
• Fluoxetine (generic): about AUD 8 to 35
• Duloxetine treatment (SNRI): about AUD 25 to 80

PBS co-payments, safety net thresholds and brand premiums change from time to time. Use telehealth or e-prescription services to consult a prescriber and cross check the numbers multiple pharmacies for current pricing details.

Legal access and regulatory updates and guidance notes for Australia

• Regulatory classification: Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor is Schedule 4 (S4) and requires a valid prescription from an Australian registered prescriber.
• PBS subsidy: Many escitalopram presentations are subsidised on the PBS. Eligibility, repeats and concession status influence patient costs.
• Electronic prescriptions: Digital prescriptions and tokens issued by Australian prescribers are accepted at community drug dispensing outlets.
• Personal importation: The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) oversees importation. Bringing prescription medicines into Australia or importing them by post generally requires a prescription and is subject to quantity limits, commonly up to a three month supply. Ensure the document is complete TGA website for current rules before importing.
• Online pharmacies: A legitimate Australian online pharmacy will verify prescriptions before supplying Schedule 4 medicines.
• Work and road safety: Because escitalopram can cause drowsiness or dizziness, follow workplace policies and road safety laws and do not drive if impaired.

For clinical or regulatory queries consult your prescriber, pharmacist besides the official TGA and PBS resources.