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Escitalopram 10 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes

Prescription required (Schedule H)

Common uses: Depression (major depressive disorder); Generalised anxiety disorder – constant worry and tension.

Listed MRPs range from ₹0.94 to ₹9.68 per tablet across 6 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.

Price comparison

NPPA ceiling price: ₹9.22 / 1 tablet (NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam – ceiling price, S.O. 1575(E) dated 25-Mar-2026, 19 October 2026)
BrandManufacturerPackMRP₹ / tabletAs on
Escitalopram Tablets IP 10 mgJan AushadhiJan Aushadhi (PMBJP)10₹9.38₹0.9419 October 2026
Stalopam 10Lupin Ltd10₹96.65₹9.6719 October 2026
Feliz-S 10Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd10₹96.72₹9.6719 October 2026
S-Celepra 10Micro Labs Ltd10₹96.72₹9.6719 October 2026
Nexito 10Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd15₹145.15₹9.6819 October 2026
Rexipra 10Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd10₹96.81₹9.6819 October 2026

MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.

Uses

  • Depression (major depressive disorder).
  • Generalised anxiety disorder – constant worry and tension.
  • Panic disorder, with or without fear of open places.
  • Social anxiety disorder.
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

How to take it

Take one tablet once a day, morning or evening, with or without food, swallowed with water. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and increase it after a couple of weeks. It usually takes two to four weeks before you feel better, and a course for depression often lasts six months or more after you improve, to stop it coming back. Do not stop suddenly – your doctor will reduce the dose gradually over weeks to avoid withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, irritability and electric-shock sensations. If you feel worse or have thoughts of harming yourself, especially in the first weeks, contact your doctor straight away.

Side effects

Common

  • Nausea, which usually eases within a couple of weeks.
  • Headache, dizziness or feeling sleepy.
  • Sweating, dry mouth.
  • Sleep problems or restlessness.
  • Reduced sex drive or difficulty reaching orgasm.

Serious

Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.

  • Thoughts of self-harm or worsening low mood, especially early in treatment or when the dose changes.
  • Serotonin syndrome – fast heartbeat, high fever, sweating, shaking, muscle twitching, confusion – when combined with other serotonin medicines.
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising, black stools.
  • Fainting, palpitations or an irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation).

Safety information

Alcohol

Best avoided – alcohol worsens drowsiness and can worsen depression and anxiety.

Pregnancy

Can be used in pregnancy if needed; your doctor will weigh the benefits and use the lowest effective dose. Small amounts pass into breast milk – discuss before breastfeeding.

Kidney problems

No dose change usually needed in mild to moderate kidney disease; used with caution if severe.

Liver problems

A lower dose is used if you have liver disease because escitalopram is cleared by the liver.

Children

Not usually used under 18; a child psychiatrist may prescribe it with close monitoring.

Missed dose

Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Never take two doses to catch up.

Interactions

  • MAOI antidepressants and linezolid – dangerous serotonin syndrome; must be separated by two weeks.
  • Tramadol, sumatriptan, lithium and other antidepressants – added serotonin effect; only on a doctor's advice.
  • Blood thinners and painkillers – warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, ibuprofen, diclofenac – increase bleeding risk.
  • Medicines that affect heart rhythm – some antibiotics (azithromycin), antipsychotics, domperidone, hydroxyzine.
  • Omeprazole and cimetidine raise escitalopram levels; St John's wort should be avoided.

Frequently asked questions

What is Nexito 10 used for?

Nexito 10 contains escitalopram 10 mg, an SSRI antidepressant. It is prescribed for depression, generalised anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety and OCD.

How long does Nexito 10 take to work?

Sleep and appetite may improve within the first week or two, but mood and anxiety usually take two to four weeks to lift, and sometimes longer. Keep taking it and tell your doctor how you feel at follow-up.

Nexito 10 vs Nexito Plus – what is the difference?

Nexito 10 contains only escitalopram. Nexito Plus adds clonazepam, a benzodiazepine for short-term anxiety and sleep. The combination is habit-forming and is meant for brief use – do not take it long term without review.

Can I take Nexito with alcohol?

It is best avoided. Alcohol makes drowsiness worse, can deepen depression and reduces the benefit of treatment.

Does Rexipra cause weight gain or sexual problems?

Reduced sex drive and delayed orgasm are fairly common, and some people notice weight or appetite changes. These often improve with time or a dose adjustment – discuss them with your doctor rather than stopping.

Can I stop Nexito 10 once I feel better?

No. Stopping too early makes relapse likely and stopping suddenly causes withdrawal symptoms. Doctors usually continue for at least six months after you feel well and then taper slowly.

Is Nexito 10 safe in pregnancy?

Escitalopram can be continued in pregnancy when the benefits outweigh the risks, at the lowest effective dose. Do not stop it on your own – discuss with your psychiatrist and obstetrician.

Can I take Nexito with painkillers like Combiflam?

Paracetamol is fine. NSAIDs like ibuprofen (in Combiflam) and aspirin raise the risk of stomach bleeding when combined with SSRIs, so use them sparingly and ask your doctor.

Is escitalopram a sleeping pill or habit-forming?

No. It is not a sedative and does not cause addiction, although stopping abruptly causes withdrawal effects. Clonazepam or alprazolam sometimes given alongside are the habit-forming ones.

Sources

Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated

This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms