Escitalopram comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take escitalopram, take it around the same time every day, in the morning or in the evening. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take escitalopram exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of escitalopram and increase your dose after 1 week.

It may take 1-4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of escitalopram. Continue to take escitalopram even if you feel well. Do not stop taking escitalopram without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

Escitalopram may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

upset stomach
diarrhea
constipation
changes in sex drive or ability
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
drowsiness
increased sweating
dizziness
heartburn
stomach pain
excessive tiredness
dry mouth
increased appetite
flu-like symptoms
runny nose
sneezing
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience either of them, call your doctor immediately:

unusual excitement
seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
Escitalopram may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

dizziness
sweating
upset stomach
vomiting
tremor
drowsiness
fast or pounding heartbeat
seizures
confusion
forgetfulness
fast breathing
coma