Exodus (Escitalopram)

Exodus is an antidepressant medicine, whose active principle is Escitalopram oxalate, indicated for the treatment of depression and other mental disorders such as anxiety, panic syndrome or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

This medicine is produced by the Aché laboratories, and is marketed in the main pharmacies, only with a prescription. It can be found in coated tablet forms at doses 10, 15 and 20 mg, or in drops at a dose of 20 mg / ml. Its price varies, on average, between 75 and 200 reais, depending on the dose, quantity of product and the pharmacy it sells.

What is it for

Escitalopram, the active ingredient in Exodus, is a widely used medicine for:

• Treatment of depression or relapse prevention;
• Treatment of generalized anxiety and social phobia;
• Treatment of panic disorder;
• Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

This medication is also used as an adjunct to the treatment of other mental disorders, such as psychosis or mental confusion, for example, when indicated by a psychiatrist or neurologist, mainly to help control behavior and reduce anxiety.

How it works and how to use it

Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and acts directly on the brain by correcting low concentrations of neurotransmitters, especially serotonin, responsible for the symptoms of the disease.

Generally, Exodus is given orally, in tablet or drops, once daily or as directed by your doctor. Your action, as well as any antidepressant, is not scheduled, and may last from 2 to 6 weeks for its effect to be noticed, so it is important not to stop using the medication without first talking to the doctor.

Possible side effects

Some of the major side effects of Exodus include, decreased appetite, nausea, increased or loss of weight, headache, insomnia or drowsiness, dizziness, tingling, tremors, diarrhea or constipation, dry mouth, altered libido and sexual impotence.

In the presence of side effects, it is important to talk with the doctor to evaluate the possibility of changes in treatment, such as doses, time of use or change of medication.

Who should not use

Exodus is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Persons who are hypersensitive to Escitalopram or any of the ingredients of its formula;
• Patients taking concomitant medicinal products of the MAOI class (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), such as Moclobemide, Linezolid, Fenelzine or Pargiline, eg due to the risk of serotonergic syndrome, which causes agitation, increase in temperature, tremor, coma and risk of death;
• People diagnosed with heart disease called QT prolongation or congenital long TD syndrome or who use medications that cause QT prolongation due to the risk of cardiovascular complications;

Generally, these contraindications are necessary not only for Exodus but also for any medication containing Escitalopram or another drug of the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Understand what antidepressant medications are most used, the differences between them and how to take.