Galop 20 Tablet (Escitalopram Oxalate 20mg)

INTRODUCTION

GALOP 20 MG TABLET contains Escitalopram which belongs to the group of medicines called Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used to treat depression (major depressive episodes) and anxiety disorders (such as panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder).

GALOP 20 MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease, epilepsy, diabetes, decreased sodium levels in the blood or if you frequently get injuries or bleed easily (history of bleeding issues), are undergoing electroconvulsive therapy, coronary heart disease, recently had a heart attack, low resting or irregular heart rate and glaucoma.

It is not recommended for use in patients born with or have heart problems (such as irregular heart rhythms). Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking GALOP 20MG TABLET. GALOP 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast-feeding women, unless it is clearly advised by the doctor.

GALOP 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (under 18 years of age) unless advised by the doctor. GALOP 20MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above).

Specific serious side effects include thoughts of harming or killing yourself. Consult your physician immediately if you experience any such thoughts.

The most common side effects of taking GALOP 20 MG TABLET are nausea, headache, decrease or increase in appetite, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth and weight gain. Consult your physician if any of the side effects worsen.

USES OF GALOP 20 MG TABLET

Treats,

• Depression (major depressive episodes)
• Anxiety disorder (such as panic disorder with or without agoraphobia)
• Social anxiety disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

HOW GALOP 20 MG TABLET WORKS

GALOP 20MG TABLET is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) acts on the brain’s serotonin-system and works by increasing the level of serotonin. Serotonin system’s dysfunction is an important factor and is thought to be the rise of disorders like depression and other related diseases.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take GALOP 20MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Depending upon your age, body weight and medical condition, your doctor will decide the appropriate dose and duration for you.

SIDE EFFECTS OF GALOP 20 MG TABLET

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Diarrhoea:

Drink lot of fluids, such as water to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid eating high-fat or spicy foods. Try to avoid taking any medicine on your own to treat diarrhea and consult your doctor if the symptom gets worse.

Headache:

Drink ample amount of water and avoid skipping meals. Get adequate rest. Try to be relaxed and stress free. Apply pain relieving balm on your forehead if necessary. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Nausea or vomiting:

Stick to simple meals while taking this medicine. Avoid eating oily rich, fried or spicy foods. Do not lie down or sleep immediately after eating. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Loss of appetite:

Eat when you feel hungry. Eat smaller meals frequently than usual. Snack only when you’re hungry. Eat a nutritious snack which is rich in calories and protein such as dried fruit and nuts. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Constipation:

Take fiber rich foods in your diet such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals and drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly (such as daily walk) and stay active. Consult your doctor if the symptom gets worse.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking GALOP 20MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• Non-selective, reversible-selective or irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine, iproniazid, isocarboxazid, nialamide, selegiline, moclobemide, tranylcypromine and fluvoxamine, clomipramine, nortriptyline, imipramine and desipramine or st. john’s wort (medicines used to treat depression)
• Neuroleptics (medicines used to treat schizophrenia, psychosis) such as pimozide, risperidone, thioridazine and haloperidol (antipsychotics)
• Certain antimicrobial agents such as sparfloxacin, moxifloxacin, erythromycin IV, pentamidine and linezolid (medicines used to treat bacterial infection)
• Lithium (medicine used in the treatment of manic-depressive disorder) and tryptophan
• Sumatriptan and similar medicines (used to treat migraine)
• Opioids such as buprenorphine and tramadol (medicines used against severe pain)
• Cimetidine, lansoprazole and omeprazole (medicine used to treat stomach ulcers)
• Fluconazole (used to treat fungal infections)
• Ticlopidine (used to reduce the risk of stroke)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Ex. ibuprofen, aspirin (medicine used to treat pain)
• Aspirin, dipyridamole, phenprocoumon and warfarin (medicines used to thin the blood).
• Anti-malarials such as halofantrine and mefloquine (used to treat malaria)
• Flecainide, propafenone and metoprolol (medicines used in cardiovascular diseases)
• Medications that lower magnesium or potassium levels in the blood
• Class I A and III antiarrhythmics such as quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone (medicines used to treat irregular heart beat)
• Antihistamines (medicines used to treat allergies) Ex. astemizole, hydroxyzine, mizolastine

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of GALOP 20MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Overdosage symptoms of GALOP 20MG TABLET are nausea, vomiting, convulsion, coma, tremor, agitation, dizziness, low blood pressure, change in body fluid or salt balance and abnormal heart rhythm.