Cipralex Tablet Uses

Cipralex is a medication primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. The following are some common uses and indications of Cipralex Tablet:

1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Cipralex is used for the treatment of major depressive disorder, which is characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and various other symptoms.
2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): It is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, a condition marked by excessive worry and anxiety about various aspects of life.
3. Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Cipralex can be prescribed to individuals with social anxiety disorder, which involves an intense fear of social situations and possible judgment by others.
4. Panic Disorder: It is effective in treating panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder characterized by sudden and recurrent panic attacks.
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Cipralex may be used as part of the treatment plan for individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder, a condition characterized by recurrent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Cipralex can be part of the treatment approach for individuals with PTSD, a mental health condition that may develop after experiencing a traumatic event.
7. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): In some cases, Cipralex may be used to alleviate the symptoms of PMDD, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that significantly impairs daily functioning.

Off-label Uses of Cipralex Tablet

1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Cipralex may be used to alleviate symptoms of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can include mood swings, irritability, and physical discomfort.
2. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder): While primarily indicated for major depressive disorder, Cipralex may be considered in cases of dysthymia, a milder form of chronic depression.
3. Other Mood Disorders: In certain cases, Cipralex may be used to manage symptoms associated with other mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or cyclothymic disorder, especially when combined with other mood-stabilizing medications.
4. Somatoform Disorders: Cipralex may be considered as part of the treatment for somatoform disorders, which involve physical symptoms that are not fully explained by a medical condition.
5. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Some studies have suggested that Cipralex may be helpful in the treatment of body dysmorphic disorder, a condition characterized by obsessive preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance.
6. Eating Disorders: In certain cases, Cipralex may be used to address symptoms associated with eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder.

Cipralex is one of the leading brands of Escitalopram, manufactured and marketed by Lundbeck Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.

The following are some alternative brands of Cipralex and their manufacturers.

• Exapro : (CCL) Consolidated Chemical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Estar : Pharmevo (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Citanew : Hilton Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Morcet : Searle Pakistan Ltd.
• Prolexa : Genetics Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
• Depsit : Genix Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Ufrim : High Q Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
• Lexapro : Navegal Laboratories.
• Seradep : Barrett Hodgson Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
• Zevget : Getz Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
• Questa : Bosch Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Presently, Cipralex is available in tablet form.

• Cipralex Tablet : 10mg strength.

Cipralex tablets have specific contraindications, which are situations where the use of the medication is not recommended or should be avoided.

1. Hypersensitivity: Individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Escitalopram or any of the other ingredients in the Cipralex tablet should not take it.
2. Concomitant Use with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Cipralex should not be used within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI. Similarly, MAOIs should not be initiated within 14 days of discontinuing Cipralex. This combination can lead to potentially serious, even life-threatening, interactions.
3. Concomitant Use with Pimozide: Cipralex is contraindicated in combination with the antipsychotic medication pimozide, as it may lead to QT prolongation, a potentially dangerous heart rhythm disorder.
4. Serotonin Syndrome Risk: Cipralex should not be used in combination with other serotonergic drugs, as it may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms like agitation, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure.
5. Severe Renal Impairment or End-Stage Renal Disease: Cipralex may be contraindicated in individuals with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease, as it may lead to elevated drug levels in the body.
6. Severe Hepatic Impairment: Use of Cipralex may be contraindicated in individuals with severe liver dysfunction, as it may lead to elevated drug levels in the body.
7. Child and Adolescent Use for Major Depressive Disorder: The use of Cipralex in children and adolescents under 18 years old for the treatment of major depressive disorder is associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It should be used with caution in this age group.
8. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The use of Cipralex during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be carefully considered. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits against potential risks, and the decision should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
9. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Cipralex may increase the risk of seizures during ECT.

Cipralex Tablet Dose for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):

• Starting dose: One Tablet of 10 mg once daily.
• The dosage can be adjusted based on individual response, with a maximum dose of 20 mg per day.

Cipralex Tablet Dose for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

• The starting dose: One tablet of 10 mg once daily.
• The dosage may be increased to 20 mg daily based on individual response.

Cipralex Tablet Dose for Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia):

• The starting Dose for Adults: One tablet of 10 mg once daily.
• The dosage may be increased to 20 mg daily based on individual response.

Cipralex Tablet Dose for Panic Disorder:

• The starting Dose: A Half tablet of 10 mg (5 mg) once daily for the first week, then increased to 10 mg once daily.
• Some patients may require a higher dose, up to 20 mg daily.

Cipralex Tablet Dose for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

• The Starting Dose: One tablet of 10 mg once daily.
• The dosage can be increased to 20 mg daily based on individual response.

Cipralex works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron. This means that more serotonin is available to bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, which results in increased serotonin activity.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood, sleep, appetite, and pain perception.