Feliz S 5 Tablet

FELIZ S 5 TABLET

Name: FELIZ S 5 TABLET (Brand Name), Escitalopram (Common Name)

Composition: Each film-coated tablet contains Escitalopram Oxalate equivalent to Escitalopram 5 mg. Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Uses: FELIZ S 5 TABLET is an antidepressant primarily used to treat various mental health conditions by optimizing serotonin levels in the brain. It is prescribed for:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Panic Disorder, with or without agoraphobia
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Dosage and Administration: FELIZ S 5 TABLET is typically administered once daily, either in the morning or evening, with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not chewed, crushed, or broken. For adults and children, the usual dose for depression is 10-20 mg once daily, which may be increased gradually after at least a week if necessary. For panic disorder, an initial dose of 5 mg is recommended for the first week before increasing to 10 mg daily. The doctor will determine the appropriate dose and duration of treatment based on the patient's condition. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting a doctor, as it may worsen the condition or lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

• Nausea, headache
• Fatigue, sleepiness, or difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Decreased or increased appetite, weight gain
• Diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth
• Increased sweating
• Dizziness, tremors
• Decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, or difficulty achieving orgasm in women

Serious side effects, though less common, can include confusion, convulsions, fast heartbeat, and an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in teenagers, children, and young adults. Seek immediate medical attention if severe side effects occur.

Precautions:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly necessary, as it may harm the baby. Escitalopram may pass into breast milk and cause unwanted effects in the breastfed baby.
• Alcohol: Unsafe to consume alcohol with Feliz S 5 Tablet as it can increase side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment.
• Driving: May cause drowsiness, reduce alertness, and affect driving ability, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of epilepsy (seizures), diabetes, liver or kidney disease, heart problems (including irregular heart rhythm, coronary heart disease), high cholesterol, or abnormally elevated mood.
• Drug Interactions: Contraindicated with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). Exercise caution and inform your doctor about all medications, including other antidepressants, lithium, tryptophan, tramadol, sumatriptan, cimetidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole, fluconazole, ticlopidine, warfarin, phenprocoumon, dipyridamole, mefloquine, propafenone, flecainide, and tamoxifen, as interactions can occur.
• Suicidal Thoughts: This medication can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in teenagers, children, and young adults. Monitor for unusual changes in behavior.

Storage: Store FELIZ S 5 TABLET in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from moisture and light. Keep out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

1. What is FELIZ S 5 TABLET used for?

FELIZ S 5 TABLET is primarily used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. It may also be prescribed for other anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

2. How does FELIZ S 5 TABLET work?

FELIZ S 5 TABLET contains Escitalopram, which belongs to a class of medications called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a natural chemical messenger in the brain. This helps to improve mood, alleviate symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive disorders, thereby promoting mental balance.

3. What is the usual dosage for FELIZ S 5 TABLET?

FELIZ S 5 TABLET contains 5mg of Escitalopram. While the usual recommended dose of Escitalopram is often 10mg once daily, a 5mg dose is typically prescribed as a starting dose, especially for sensitive patients or as a maintenance dose. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose based on your response and clinical condition, up to a maximum of 20mg per day. For individuals with liver problems, the maximum recommended dose is generally 10mg per day. It can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.

4. What are the possible side effects of FELIZ S 5 TABLET?

Common side effects can include nausea, headache, dry mouth, increased sweating, difficulty falling asleep or feeling sleepy/tired, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, and sexual problems (e.g., decreased sex drive, difficulty achieving orgasm, problems with erection or ejaculation).

More serious side effects, though less common, can include:

• Serotonin Syndrome: Symptoms like agitation, confusion, fast heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching, sweating, and high fever.
• Low Sodium Levels (Hyponatremia): Symptoms such as confusion, headache, weakness, and unsteadiness.
• Abnormal Bleeding or Bruising: Increased risk of bleeding, especially if also taking blood thinners or NSAIDs.
• Heart Rhythm Changes: Rare but dangerous heart rhythm problems.
• Suicidal Thoughts or Actions: Especially in children, teenagers, and young adults during the initial months of treatment or with dose changes.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Escitalopram may increase eye pressure.

Report any bothersome or severe side effects to your doctor immediately.

5. Is FELIZ S 5 TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. While escitalopram can be taken during pregnancy, some studies suggest a small, potential risk to the baby's heart development. If taken in the weeks before delivery, it may cause short-term withdrawal symptoms or, rarely, breathing problems in newborns.

Escitalopram passes into breast milk in small amounts. It is generally not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants, particularly those older than 2 months. However, monitor the baby for unusual irritability, restlessness, sleepiness, or poor feeding, and consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

6. Can FELIZ S 5 TABLET be taken with other medications?

It is crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking. FELIZ S 5 TABLET should not be taken with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI, as this can lead to a dangerous interaction called serotonin syndrome.

Exercise caution or avoid combining it with:

• Other antidepressants: Including other SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants.
• St. John's wort: An herbal remedy for depression.
• Blood thinners: Such as aspirin, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), and warfarin, as this can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
• Pimozide: Concomitant use is contraindicated due to severe heart problems.

7. What precautions should be taken while taking FELIZ S 5 TABLET?

• Do not stop suddenly: Abruptly stopping this medicine can lead to withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, dizziness, headaches, irritability, nausea, and trouble sleeping. Your doctor will advise a gradual reduction in dosage.
• Drowsiness/Impaired Judgment: It may cause drowsiness or affect your thinking and coordination. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase side effects like drowsiness.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of seizures, bipolar disorder, glaucoma, liver or kidney problems, heart conditions, low blood sodium levels, or bleeding disorders.
• Suicidal Thoughts: Monitor for worsening depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, especially at the start of treatment or after dose changes, particularly in young individuals.

8. What happens if a dose of FELIZ S 5 TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose, 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 forgotten one.

9. How should FELIZ S 5 TABLET be stored?

Store FELIZ S 5 TABLET at room temperature, ideally between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep it in a tightly closed container, away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze. Ensure it is kept out of reach of children and pets.