What Is Loxalate Used For?

Loxalate contains escitalopram, which belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications help restore the balance of brain chemicals that control mood.

Primary Uses

Loxalate is primarily used to treat depression – a condition that’s more severe and longer-lasting than normal mood changes from everyday stress. It may also be used to treat social anxiety (fear of social situations), generalized anxiety disorder (excessive worry), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (unwanted repetitive thoughts and behaviors).

How It Works

Loxalate works by affecting brain chemicals called amines that are involved in controlling mood. Depression is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance in parts of the brain, and Loxalate helps correct this imbalance to relieve symptoms like low mood, loss of interest in activities, sleep problems, and lack of energy.

How to Take Loxalate

Take Loxalate exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It’s important to take it at the same time each day for the best effect and to help you remember.

Dosage Instructions

The standard dose is 10 mg per day, which may be increased to 20 mg per day if needed. For elderly patients over 65, the maximum recommended dose is 10 mg per day. Patients with liver disease should start with 5 mg daily for the first two weeks. Take as a single dose either morning or evening, with or without food. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water – do not chew them.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you remember within 12 hours of your usual time, take the missed dose right away and continue with your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Headache
• Stuffy or runny nose, sore throat
• Flu-like symptoms
• Decreased appetite
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation
• Stomach pain, indigestion, gas
• Back pain, joint pain
• Trouble sleeping
• Fatigue, drowsiness, yawning
• Increased sweating
• Sexual problems (decreased desire, erection problems, difficulty reaching orgasm)

Important Warnings

Before taking Loxalate, it’s crucial to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor to ensure it’s safe for you.

Who Should Not Take Loxalate

Do not take Loxalate if you are allergic to escitalopram, citalopram, or any ingredients in the medication. Do not take it with certain medications including pimozide, MAOIs (like phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide), linezolid, or selegiline. Wait periods are required between stopping MAOIs and starting Loxalate.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have: bleeding disorders, diabetes, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, bipolar disorder, history of seizures, restlessness, eye pressure problems or glaucoma risk, or if you’re receiving electroconvulsive therapy. Also mention if you have allergies to foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Discuss with your doctor if you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Loxalate may affect sperm quality and could impact fertility. During pregnancy, especially the last three months, it may affect your newborn and increase risk of breathing problems. It can also increase bleeding risk after delivery. The medication passes into breast milk and may affect nursing babies.

Drug Interactions

Many medications can interact with Loxalate and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.

• Nicotine dependence medicines (bupropion)
• Stomach acid medicines (cimetidine, omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole)
• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, NSAIDs)
• Blood thinners (ticlopidine, warfarin)
• Antifungal medicines (fluconazole)
• Anti-malaria medicines (mefloquine)
• Migraine medicines (sumatriptan)
• Pain medicines (tramadol)
• Heart medicines (flecainide, propafenone, metoprolol)
• Mood medicines (lithium)
• Antipsychotics (risperidone, thioridazine, haloperidol)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine, desipramine)
• St John’s Wort
• Other depression or anxiety medicines

Alcohol & Driving

Loxalate can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact with alcohol. Take precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Alcohol

It’s not advisable to drink alcohol while being treated for depression with Loxalate. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol so they can provide appropriate guidance.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Loxalate affects you. The medication may cause blurred vision, nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, and dizziness, especially early in treatment. If you experience these symptoms, avoid driving or operating dangerous equipment.

Storage

Store Loxalate in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture. Keep tablets in their original packaging and away from children. Don’t store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Take expired or unwanted medicine to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Overdose Information

If you think you’ve taken too much Loxalate, seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, agitation, tremor, and rarely seizures or coma. Call the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26, New Zealand: 0800 764 766), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately, even if you feel fine.

Frequently Asked Questions