Medicine Information

Amber

Name: Amber
Brand: Amber
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet10 mgAntidepressantsATC: N06AB10

Generic Name

Escitalopram

Manufacturer

Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
amber 10 mg tablet	৳ 20.00	৳ 200.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Amber 10 mg Tablet contains Escitalopram, an antidepressant belonging to the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.

Uses & Indications

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

Panic Disorder (with or without agoraphobia)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Dosage

Adults

For MDD and GAD, initially 10 mg once daily. May be increased to 20 mg once daily after at least one week. For SAD, Panic Disorder, OCD, typically 10 mg once daily. Maximum 20 mg/day.

Elderly

A starting dose of 5 mg once daily is recommended. Maximum 10 mg/day.

Renal_impairment

No dosage adjustment is generally needed for mild to moderate renal impairment. Use with caution in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min).

How to Take

Take Amber 10 mg Tablet orally once daily, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

Mechanism of Action

Escitalopram selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) into the presynaptic neuron, thereby increasing the concentration of 5-HT in the synaptic cleft. This potentiation of serotonergic activity in the CNS is thought to be responsible for its antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Therapeutic effects typically begin within 2-4 weeks of continuous treatment.

Excretion

Excreted primarily in urine and feces, predominantly as metabolites. A small fraction is excreted unchanged.

Half life

Approximately 27-32 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing.

Absorption

Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, not significantly affected by food. Peak plasma concentration reached in approximately 5 hours.

Metabolism

Extensively metabolized in the liver by CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6 to its primary metabolites, S-desmethylcitalopram and S-didesmethylcitalopram.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to escitalopram or citalopram.
Concomitant use with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of discontinuing an MAOI.
Concomitant use with pimozide.
Concomitant use with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue.

Drug Interactions

Alcohol

Additive CNS depressant effects; avoid alcohol consumption.

Pimozide

Concomitant use is contraindicated due to risk of QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias.

Triptans (e.g., sumatriptan)

Increased risk of serotonin syndrome.

Warfarin and other anticoagulants

May potentiate the anticoagulant effect, leading to increased bleeding risk. INR monitoring is recommended.

MAOIs (e.g., selegiline, phenelzine)

Increased risk of serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal. A washout period of 14 days is required.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include dizziness, tremor, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, QT prolongation, and seizures. Management should involve supportive care, maintaining an open airway, cardiac and vital sign monitoring, and activated charcoal if ingested recently. There is no specific antidote.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Avoid use in late pregnancy due to potential for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Escitalopram is excreted in breast milk; therefore, caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing mother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets per blister, 30 tablets per box50 tablets per box (hospital pack)

Shelf Life

24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture, depending on manufacturer specifications.

Availability

Available in pharmacies and hospitals

Approval Status

FDA Approved, DGDA Approved

Patent Status

Off-patent

Clinical Trials

Escitalopram has been extensively studied in numerous randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in the treatment of MDD, GAD, SAD, Panic Disorder, and OCD.

Lab Monitoring

Liver function tests (LFTs) periodically, especially in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment.
Serum sodium levels, particularly in elderly patients, those on diuretics, or those who are volume-depleted, due to risk of hyponatremia.
ECG monitoring in patients with cardiac conditions or those taking other QT-prolonging drugs.

Doctor Notes

Assess for suicidal ideation, especially at the initiation of therapy or after dose changes, particularly in young adults.
Monitor for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, especially during concomitant use with other serotonergic agents.
Caution advised in patients with a history of seizures, mania, or angle-closure glaucoma.
Gradual dose reduction is necessary when discontinuing to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

Patient Guidelines

Take your medicine regularly as prescribed, do not stop abruptly without consulting your doctor.
It may take 2-4 weeks to experience the full benefits of this medication.
Report any unusual mood changes, suicidal thoughts, or worsening depression to your doctor immediately.
Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor about all other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Driving Precautions

This medicine may cause dizziness, somnolence, or blurred vision. Exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how Amber 10 mg Tablet affects you.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Ensure adequate sleep and practice stress-reduction techniques.
Avoid illicit drugs and excessive caffeine consumption.

Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh

Similar medicines available in the market

Ectas (Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)Esita (Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)Exium (ACME Laboratories Ltd.)Esopram (Drug International Ltd.)Denyl (Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)