Ecitelo Plus Tab

ECITELO PLUS TAB by MANKIND PHARMA LTD.

Ecitelo Plus Tablet is a prescription medicine manufactured by Mankind Pharma Ltd., used primarily for the treatment of anxiety disorders.

• Composition Ecitelo Plus contains a combination of two active ingredients: Clonazepam (0.5mg) and Escitalopram (5mg).

  • Clonazepam: This component belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medicines. It works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that calms abnormal electrical activity in the brain, thereby producing a calming effect and helping to treat seizures and panic disorders.
  • Escitalopram: This is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It functions by increasing the levels of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps improve mood, behavior, and cognition.

• Uses Ecitelo Plus is prescribed for the management of:

  • Anxiety disorders, reducing symptoms like excessive worry, tension, and promoting a sense of calm.
  • Depression, by regulating mood and emotions.
  • Panic disorder, by reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
  • It may also help improve sleep quality by alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms.

• Dosage and Administration This medicine should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but it is advised to take it at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level in the body. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet; swallow it whole with a glass of water. It is crucial not to stop taking this medicine abruptly as it can cause withdrawal symptoms.

• Side Effects Common side effects may include:

  • Nausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue
  • Confusion, memory impairment
  • Sleeping problems, breathlessness, poor coordination of movements
  • Stomach upset, vomiting
  • Decreased libido (low sexual desire), delayed ejaculation, anorgasmia (decreased orgasm)
  • Weight gain or weight loss. More serious side effects can include suicidal thoughts or worsening anxiety.

• Precautions

  • Inform your doctor about any allergies to its components, existing medical conditions (seizures, liver disease, sleep disorders, lung problems, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, diabetes, heart disease, bleeding disorders), and all other medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihypertensives, antibiotics, antacids like cimetidine, asthma medicine like theophylline, birth control pills, other epilepsy medicines, sleeping pills, heart or blood pressure medicines like verapamil, buprenorphine, disulfiram), including herbal supplements, you are taking.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol as it can increase the risk of side effects.
  • Ecitelo Plus may cause dizziness and drowsiness; therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
  • It is unsafe for use during pregnancy and generally not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Discuss birth control options with your doctor.
  • Do not exceed the prescribed dose to avoid overdose.

• Storage Store in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight and moisture, at room temperature (10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC). Keep out of sight and reach of children.

What is Ecitel Plus Tab used for?

Ecitel Plus Tab is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders. It may also be prescribed for depression, panic disorder, and to help improve sleep quality by alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.

How does Ecitel Plus Tab work?

Ecitel Plus Tab is a combination medication containing clonazepam and escitalopram. Clonazepam works by calming the brain through suppressing abnormal electrical activity of nerve cells. Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin levels in the brain, which helps to improve mood, behavior, and cognition in individuals with anxiety.

What is the usual dosage for Ecitel Plus Tab?

The dosage of Ecitel Plus Tab should always be taken as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but it is advised to take it at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. For panic disorder, an initial adult dose of 0.25 mg taken twice daily may be increased if necessary. For seizure disorders, the initial adult dose should not exceed 1.5 mg per day, divided into three doses.

What are the possible side effects of Ecitel Plus Tab?

Common side effects may include nausea, headache, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, fatigue, sleeping problems, breathlessness, poor coordination of movements, stomach upset, decreased libido (low sexual desire), memory problems, delayed ejaculation, vomiting, and changes in weight (gain or loss). More serious concerns include the potential for suicidal thoughts or worsening anxiety. If any side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Is Ecitel Plus Tab safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Ecitel Plus Tab is generally considered unsafe during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. While a doctor may rarely prescribe it in life-threatening situations if the benefits outweigh the potential risks, it is typically not recommended. It is also probably unsafe during breastfeeding, as limited human data suggest the drug may pass into breast milk and harm the baby.

Can Ecitel Plus Tab be taken with other medications?

It is crucial to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal tonics, and supplements. Ecitel Plus Tab can interact with various medicines such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihypertensives, certain antibiotics (e.g., cimetidine, theophylline, doxycycline, erythromycin, itraconazole), birth control pills, other epilepsy medicines, sleeping pills, heart or blood pressure medicines (e.g., verapamil), buprenorphine, and disulfiram.

What precautions should be taken while taking Ecitel Plus Tab?

You should avoid consuming alcohol while taking Ecitel Plus Tab, as it can increase the risk of side effects. Due to potential dizziness and drowsiness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you understand how the medication affects you. Use caution if you have severe liver or kidney impairment, seizures, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, diabetes, heart disease, or bleeding disorders. It is important not to stop taking this medicine abruptly, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any suicidal thoughts or unusual changes in mood or behavior.

What happens if a dose of Ecitel Plus Tab is missed?

If you miss a dose of Ecitel Plus Tab, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should Ecitel Plus Tab be stored?

Ecitel Plus Tab should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, and out of sight and reach of children. The ideal storage temperature is generally between 10ºC and 25ºC or below 30ºC.