Acipam Tablet 10 mg

Acipam Tablet is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) containing Escitalopram Oxalate 10 mg. Manufactured by Ibn Sina Pharmaceuticals Ltd, this tablet treats depression, anxiety disorders, and OCD. Priced at ৳10 per unit, it offers cost-effective mental health management with proven efficacy.

The tablet effectively addresses major depressive episodes, panic disorders (with/without agoraphobia), social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and OCD. Clinical studies show relief within 2-4 weeks. Dosage starts at 10 mg/day, adjustable up to 20 mg based on response. Long-term use (6+ months) prevents relapse in chronic conditions.

Key pharmacological action: Escitalopram inhibits serotonin reuptake 100x more potently than R-enantiomer, enhancing neurotransmitter activity without affecting adrenergic/dopamine receptors. This selectivity reduces anticholinergic side effects compared to older antidepressants.

Dosage guidelines:

• Depression: 10 mg/day initially; max 20 mg
• Panic disorder: Start with 5 mg for 1 week
• OCD: 10-20 mg with long-term maintenance

Avoid MAOIs for 2 weeks before/after treatment.

Common side effects include nausea, insomnia, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction. Rare risks include serotonin syndrome (<1%) and QT prolongation. Store below 30°C, protected from moisture. Pregnant/nursing women require risk-benefit assessment before use.

As a premium SSRI antidepressant, Acipam Tablet balances efficacy with tolerability. Its budget-friendly pricing (৳100/strip) makes long-term therapy accessible. Always consult doctors for dosage adjustments or alternative SSRIs.

Initial adult dose: 10 mg once daily, maximum 20 mg. Can be taken with/without food. Treatment duration varies from 6 months to several years based on condition. Dose adjustment required for renal/hepatic impairment patients.

SSRIs are less sedating and have fewer antimuscarinic and cardiotoxic effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Side-effects of the SSRIs include gastrointestinal effects (dose-related and fairly common include nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation), anorexia with weight loss (increased appetite and weight gain also reported) and hypersensitivity reactions including rash, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis, arthralgia, myalgia, and photosensitivity; other side-effects include dry mouth, nervousness, anxiety, headache, insomnia, tremor, dizziness, asthenia, hallucinations, drowsiness, convulsions, galactorrhoea, sexual dysfunction, urinary retention, sweating, hypomania or mania, movement disorders and dyskinesias, visual disturbances.

Pregnancy Category C: Use only if potential benefit justifies risk. Excreted in breast milk – monitor infants for irritability/feeding difficulties.

Monitor for signs of mania/hypomania. Regular ECG recommended in cardiac patients. Check electrolytes in elderly patients periodically.

Geriatric: Start with 5 mg. Pediatric: Contraindicated <18 years. Hepatic impairment: Reduce dose by 50%. Renal impairment: No adjustment needed for mild-moderate cases.

Symptoms: Symptoms seen in a reported overdose of escitalopram include symptoms mainly related to the central nervous system (ranging from dizziness, tremor, and agitation to rare cases of serotonin syndrome, convulsion, and coma), the gastrointestinal system (nausea/vomiting), and the cardiovascular system (hypotension, tachycardia, QT interval, prolongation, and arrhythmia) and electrolyte/fluid balance conditions (hypokalaemia, hyponatremia).

Management: There is no specific antidote. Establish and maintain an airway, ensure adequate oxygenation and respiratory function. Gastric lavage and the use of activated charcoal should be considered. Gastric lavage should be carried out as soon as possible after oral ingestion. Cardiac and vital signs monitoring are recommended along with general symptomatic supportive measures. ECG monitoring is advised in case of overdose, in patients with congestive heart failure/bradyarrhythmias, in patients using concomitant medications that prolong the QT-interval, or in patients with altered metabolism, e.g. liver impairment.