Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking escitalopram as follows: Follow closely on the expiration date of the medication. If using a pillbox, check the expiration date on the medication container every time you fill the pillbox. If you are taking this medication for longer periods of time, set reminders on your phone, one 10 days ahead, the next a week ahead, and then every day, before you run out of the [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Escitalopram as follows: Serotonin is one chemical in the brain, which in permissible amounts, is believed to reduce anxiety and promote happiness and well-being. Very excessive concentrations of serotonin in the brain can lead to serotonin syndrome. Individuals with serotonin syndrome can present with mania, excitement, hallucinations, agitation, insomnia, pounding heartbeat, very rapid heart rate, overactive reflexes, and diarrhea. Escitalopram use, especially along with other antidepressants acting on [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Escitalopram as follows: Escitalopram carries significant risk for obstruction to the drainage of fluid (aqueous humor) inside the eye. This blockage of fluid in the eye can result in increase in the intraocular pressure, eye pain, headache, blurred vision with haloes around light, compromised vision, and glaucoma. So, escitalopram is contraindicated or cautiously administered in glaucoma patients. Individuals with history of glaucoma must discuss with their physician on [...]

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 [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on side effects of using Escitalopram as follows: Serotonin syndrome                                                                          Serotonin is one chemical in the brain, which in permissible amounts, is believed to reduce anxiety and promote happiness and well-being. Very excessive concentrations of serotonin in the brain can lead to serotonin syndrome. Individuals with serotonin syndrome can present with mania, excitement, hallucinations, agitation, insomnia, pounding heartbeat, very rapid heart rate, overactive reflexes, and diarrhea. Escitalopram use, especially along with a [...]