Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to take escitalopram as directed. Take missed doses on the same day as soon as remembered and consult health care professional. Resume regular dosing schedule next day. Do not double doses. Do not stop abruptly, should be discontinued gradually

• May cause dizziness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known

• Advise patient to avoid alcohol and other CNS-depressant drugs during therapy and to consult a health care professional before taking other Rx or OTC medications or herbal products

• Instruct female patients to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if they plan to breastfeed an infant

• Caution patients that escitalopram should not be used for at least 14 days after discontinuing MAO inhibitors, and at least 14 days should be allowed after stopping escitalopram before starting an MAO inhibitor

• Emphasize importance of follow-up exams to monitor progress

• Encourage patient participation in psychotherapy to improve coping skills

• Refer patient/family to local support groups

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