Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Escitalopram as follows:
- Do not take escitalopram, if you ever manifested any allergic responses to intake of escitalopram or any other medications belonging to the same group as escitalopram, such as, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline. In the event of an allergic response with any of these medications, check with your physician regarding your safety with intake of escitalopram.
- Escitalopram can interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. If you are being newly started on escitalopram, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with escitalopram. Also, if you have been taking escitalopram for long, discuss with your physician regarding your history of escitalopram intake, when you are being started on any new medication.
- Alcohol, opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, a number of OTC cough medications, antihistamines, and antianxiety medications can further add to the dizziness and confusion caused by escitalopram. This can result in compromised safety, falls, and accidents and so, must be avoided taken together with escitalopram.
- Escitalopram intake can thin the blood and increase risk for bleeding in the skin and mucus membranes. This risk is further more in individuals concurrently taking blood thinners and anticoagulants, such as, aspirin, warfarin, Xarelto, and Eliquis. Some other antidepressants and antipsychotic medications also contribute to thinning of blood and episodes of bleeding. Administration of escitalopram along with these medications can also precipitate dangerous bleeding episodes. Check with your physician on the safety with escitalopram use and the possibility for interaction with other medications on your list.
