Elicea – composition, action, dosage, side effects, price

Proven content

Elicea is an antidepressant drug containing escitalopram. The drug has been used in the treatment of major depressive episodes and anxiety disorders, such as seizure syndromes, social phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders and generalized anxiety disorder. Check what is worth knowing about Elicea.

Elicea – composition

The active substance is escitalopram, which belongs to the group of serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, i.e. a substance that is responsible for proper communication between neurons.

The place where two neurons touch each other is called a synapse. There is a cell in front of it, the task of which is to transmit information. It is she who releases the so-called synaptic cleft. mediator, i.e. a substance that is captured and recognized by the receiving cell behind the synapse.

This mediator is serotonin. Some of its particles are captured back by the receptors of the neuron upstream of the synapse, known as serotonin reuptake.

The active substance in Elicea Its task is to inhibit the process of serotonin reuptake, thanks to which the duration of serotonin activity in the synapse extends, and the receiving cell is stimulated for a longer time. In addition, nerve impulses are sent much more often.

The stronger stimulation of serotonin-dependent cells is due to the pharmacological and clinical action of escitalipram. It is worth noting that this substance shows little or no relationship with other receptors.

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Elicea – indications

Elicea preparation it is indicated in the treatment of major depressive episodes, anxiety disorders with anxiety attacks with or without agoraphobia, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders. In the opinion of people taking the preparation, the side effect is rapid weight gain in the first weeks of taking the drug and the initial fatigue that lasts for about the first 7 days after starting the treatment.

Elicea – action

The action of escitalopram is to inhibit the serotonin reuptake process, and thus extend the time of serotonin action in the synapse and the time of stimulation of the recipient cell. Nerve impulses are sent more frequently. This means that the levels of serotonin in the body are kept in balance, leading to the well-being of the person taking Elicea. It should be remembered that it is the decrease in serotonin that is responsible for the deepening of depression, phobias and anxiety disorders. Elicea allows you to maintain the optimal level of serotonin for the body, which eliminates the psychological side effects of its decrease.

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Elicea – contraindications

Please note that even if they exist indications for the administration of Elicea, this is not always possible. The main contraindication to the use of the drug is hypersensitivity, i.e. allergy to the active substance or any other component of the drug.

The use of MAO inhibitors in parallel with escitalopram is contraindicated. Escitalopram is contraindicated in patients with known ECG QT prolongation or congenital long QT syndrome. Concomitant treatment with escitalopram with other drugs known to prolong the QT interval is contraindicated.

Elicea – precautions

Patients should be aware that certain diseases and other health-related conditions may prevent the use of the drug or may be an indication for a modification of its dosage. Some cases require regular checkups.

Caution should be exercised in the case of:

1. Children and adolescents under 18 years of age – data on long-term safety is limited. Therefore, it is not known what impact it will have lek Elicea on the cognitive development and behavior of a child. Therefore, if the physician considers it necessary to administer the drug to a patient of this age, regular monitoring of the child’s development and behavior with regard to suicidal ideation and behavior is necessary. It is worth mentioning that in this group of patients the risk of their occurrence is high. Therefore, any irregularities should be reported to the pediatrician immediately;
2. worsening of anxiety symptoms – in some patients, after receiving Elicea, you may notice an increase in anxiety symptoms in the first two weeks of taking the medicine. Therefore, the doctor usually recommends starting therapy with a low dose of the drug;
3. unstable epilepsy – Elicea should not be used in people with unstable epilepsy. If the disease is stabilized, it is necessary to control the patient’s condition. If the seizure frequency increases, or an epilepsy attack occurs in a healthy person, consult a doctor immediately. It may be necessary to stop treatment;
4. diabetes – in this group of patients it may be necessary to change the dosage of insulin and other antidiabetic drugs – but the decision is made by the doctor;
5. suicidal ideation as a result of depression – because effects of using Elicea may occur after a few weeks or even later, people prone to suicidal thoughts and behavior should take the medicine after close medical supervision. Taking Elicea in this group of patients is associated with the risk of a suicide attempt by the patient. Changes in the patient’s behavior should be reported to the doctor each time;
6. During the first weeks of taking the drug, akathisia may appear, i.e. a state of anxiety, lack of control over certain movements. The doctor does not usually increase the dose of the drug after such symptoms appear;
7. while taking Elicea, hyponatremia may occur due to disturbances in the secretion of antidiuretic hormone – caution should be exercised in the elderly, with cirrhosis of the liver and those taking medications that may lead to hyponatraemia;
8. electroconvulsive therapy – no data on the use active substance of Elicea in this group of patients. Caution is advised;
9. agitation, hyperthermia, tremors or muscle clonic convulsions – see your doctor promptly if you develop these symptoms. This may be due to the life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

Regular monitoring while taking Elicea is necessary in the case of:

1. mania – if a manic phase occurs, the doctor will probably stop the treatment;
2. use of oral anticoagulants, drugs that affect the function of platelets or other drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding, e.g. tricyclic antidepressants or acetylsalicylic acid. In addition, people with a hemorrhagic diathesis should also be cautious, as Elicea can lead to prolonged or abnormal bleeding;
3. Coronary heart disease – there are no safety data for Elicea in this patient group.

Elicea cannot be suddenly withdrawn as different withdrawal reactions can occur. Most often, after sudden staining, the following appear:

1. dizziness;
2. sensory disturbances, e.g. paresthesia;
3. sleep disorders, incl. insomnia and vivid dreams;
4. agitation or restlessness;
5. nausea and / or vomiting;
6. tremors;
7. entanglement;
8. sweating;
9. headaches;
10. diarrhea;
11. palpitations;
12. emotional lability;
13. irritability;
14. blurred vision.

Therefore, it is recommended to gradually discontinue the drug, even over a period of several weeks or months. This should be done under the supervision of a doctor and strictly adhere to his recommendations.

Caution should also be exercised by people suffering from bradycardia, after recent acute myocardial infarction and with decompensated heart failure. Therefore, even people with stable heart disease should have an ECG before starting treatment. In addition, electrolyte disturbances (hypokalaemia and hypomagnesaemia) should be corrected before starting Elicea, as this increases the risk of malignant arrhythmia. The occurrence of heart rhythm disturbances during the use of Elicea should be promptly consulted with your doctor, who most often recommends discontinuation of the treatment and an ECG test.

People with galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or malabsorption of glucose-galactose should not take Elicea because the medicine contains lactose. Additionally, the drug may interfere with the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery and equipment. You should also be careful as the medicine may affect your ability to make decisions and react in an emergency.

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Elicea – dosage

Elicea is a medicine in the form of oral tablets. During use, remember not to exceed the doses recommended by the doctor, because this will not increase the effectiveness of the drug, and may adversely affect our health and threaten the safety of life. Any doubts related to the use of Elicea should be consulted with a doctor.

Dosage of Elicea is as follows:

1. for disorders and conditions such as major depressive episode, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, the usual dose is 10 mg daily. If necessary, your doctor may decide to increase the dose to a maximum of 20 mg per day. In depression, improvement in the patient’s condition becomes apparent after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment. The use of the preparation should be continued for at least 6 months after the symptoms of depression have subsided to ensure a lasting response to treatment. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a chronic disease, and patients should be treated for an appropriate length of time to ensure that symptoms have resolved.
2. in the case of social phobia, the usual dose is 10 mg daily. If necessary (after 2 to 4 weeks of use), your doctor may decide to reduce the dose to 5 mg per day or increase the dose to a maximum of 20 mg per day. It is recommended that the preparation be continued for 12 weeks in order to obtain a lasting response to treatment. It is always the doctor who decides the length of treatment with Elicea. It is therefore imperative that the progress of treatment is monitored by him regularly;
3. in the case of anxiety disorders with panic attacks – the most common dose is 10 mg per day. Treatment is started with a dose of 5 mg daily for the first week. If necessary, the dose is increased to 20 mg daily. The highest effectiveness of the drug is noted 3 months after the start of treatment. The doctor decides about the length of treatment, but it should last up to several months. Older people should always start with 5 mg a day and the daily dose should not exceed 10 mg.

Dosage adjustment of Elicea is necessary in people with mild to moderate kidney problems. These people should exercise caution. This also applies to people with mild and moderate hepatic impairment and those who slowly metabolize drugs with the participation of the cytochrome P-2 isoenzyme CYP19C450. These cases require dosage adjustment.

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Elicea – pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, you should not take any medication without consulting your doctor. It is important that the woman clarifies any doubts related to the risks and benefits of using the preparation before starting the use of the drug. Women planning pregnancy or trying to conceive should also talk to their doctor.

In the case of Elicea, it should not be taken by pregnant women, unless the doctor considers that the woman’s condition absolutely requires it. The benefits of other alternative treatments need to be considered. It is also not recommended for women who are breastfeeding, as escitalopram passes into breast milk.

Elicea – interactions with other drugs

Before starting to use Elicea, inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including those without a prescription. Elicea should not be combined with:

1. irreversible MAO inhibitors – the risk of serotonin syndrome. Elicea can be started at the earliest 2 weeks after stopping treatment with an irreversible MAOI. However, MAO inhibitors can be taken one week after stopping Elicea. However, if necessary, treatment should be started from the lowest possible dose under strict medical supervision;
2. the simultaneous use of selegiline in a dose of up to 10 mg per day is safe, while the concomitant use of escitalopram with other drugs inducing QT prolongation, such as class IA and III antiarrhythmic drugs, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, some antibacterial drugs, some antihistamines, etc. .

Caution should be exercised when using Elicea at the same time:

1. with serotonergic drugs – serotonin syndrome may appear;
2. with drugs that may lower the seizure threshold – an adverse combination of these effects may occur. These include, for example, tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, and neuroleptics;
3. with lithium and tryptophan – risk of intensification of their effects;
4. with preparations from St. John’s wort – greater risk of side effects of escitalopram;
5. with oral anticoagulants – it can change their action, so it is necessary to control blood clotting parameters;
6. with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – increased bleeding tendency;
7. with inhibitors of the cytochrome P-2 isoenzyme CYP19C450 or cimetidine – a doctor may need to reduce the dose of escitalopram;
8. with drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, which are metabolized by the cytochrome P-2 isoenzyme CYP6D450, which are administered to patients with heart failure, or with certain CNS drugs that are metabolized by this isoenzyme – a doctor may need to adjust the dose .

Do not drink alcohol while taking Elicea.

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Elicea – side effects

Elicea, like any other drug, may cause side effects. However, it should be remembered that they do not appear in every patient. In addition, the expected benefits usually outweigh the possible risk of side effects. The most important side effects include nausea. In addition, it often appears:

1. less or greater appetite;
2. weight gain;
3. anxiety;
4. psychomotor restlessness;
5. abnormal dreams;
6. lowering libido;
7. no orgasm in a woman;
8. sleep disorders – both insomnia and drowsiness;
9. dizziness;
10. paresthesia;
11. tremors;
12. sinusitis;
13. yawning;
14. gastrointestinal problems – constipation and vomiting;
15. dry mouth;
16. increased sweating;
17. joint and muscle pain;
18. ejaculation disorders and impotence;
19. tiredness;
20. fever.

Less often it may appear:

1. weight loss;
2. bruxism;
3. agitation and nervousness;
4. panic attacks;
5. confusional states;
6. taste disturbance;
7. sleep disturbance;
8. fainting;
9. pupil dilation;
10. blurred vision;
11. Tinnitus;
12. tachycardia;
13. nose bleeds;
14. gastrointestinal bleeding, including rectal bleeding;
15. hives, rash, itching;
16. alopecia;
17. uterine hemorrhage;
18. breakthrough bleeding;
19. swelling.

Rare side effects associated with the use of Elicea have:

1. anaphylactic reaction;
2. aggression;
3. depersonalization;
4. hallucinations;
5. serotonin syndrome;
6. bradycardia.

In addition, the use of Elicea may also result in the following:

1. thrombocytopenia;
2. inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion;
3. hyponatremia;
4. prolongation of the QT e ECG interval;
5. anorexia;
6. angioedema;
7. mania;
8. suicidal behavior;
9. urinary retention;
10. bruises;
11. psychomotor agitation / akathisia;
12. ventricular arrhythmias;
13. mlekotok
14. thoughts of suicide;
15. orthosatic hypotension;
16. movement disorders and convulsions;
17. hepatitis;
18. abnormal liver function tests;
19. dyskinesia;
20. priapism, which is a painful and long erection that occurs without sexual arousal;
21. association with torsade de pointes.

It should also be remembered that there are also cases of suicidal thoughts and behavior while taking Elicea, both during and immediately after treatment. Epidemiological studies have also shown an increased risk of bone fractures in users of the drug. However, the causes of these fractures are unknown. ECG QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias have also been reported. This is especially true for women, people with hypokalemia, and people diagnosed with QT prolongation and other heart conditions.

Elicea — dinner

The price of Elicea varies from PLN 45,35 for coated tablets in a 10 mg / 28 package to PLN 89,26 for coated tablets in a 20 mg / 28 package.

Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home. Now you can use e-consultation also free of charge under the National Health Fund.