Nexito Forte 20 Mg Tablet ( 10 Tab )

NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET is a prescription medicine manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., primarily used for the treatment of various anxiety and depressive disorders.

Name

• Brand Name: NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET
• Common Name: Nexito Forte 20 Tablet

Composition

Each tablet contains a fixed-dose combination of:

• Escitalopram Oxalate: 20 mg
• Clonazepam: 0.5 mg

Escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, improving mood, behavior, and cognition. Clonazepam, a benzodiazepine, enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), producing a calming effect by suppressing abnormal nerve cell activity in the brain.

Uses

NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET is prescribed for the management of:

• Anxiety disorders
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Depression, including major depressive disorder
• Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia
• Comorbid depression and anxiety disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Social anxiety disorder

Dosage and Administration

Take NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not chew, crush, or break it.
• 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.
• Do not stop taking this medication abruptly, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may gradually reduce the dose.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, dry mouth
• Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, fatigue, sleepiness, sleeping problems
• Decreased appetite, increased appetite, weight changes
• Increased sweating
• Nervousness, restlessness
• Memory impairment, poor coordination of movements, uncontrolled body movements
• Low sexual desire (libido), delayed ejaculation, decreased orgasms
• Blurred vision
• Muscle and joint pain
• Yawning

Serious Side Effects (Seek immediate medical attention if experienced):

• Suicidal thoughts or changes in mood and behavior
• Allergic reactions (e.g., skin rash, swelling of face, sudden wheezing)
• Signs of heart-related problems (e.g., breathlessness, chest pain, fast heartbeat, irregular heart rate)
• Convulsions
• Abnormal bleeding or bruising
• Decreased urine output

Precautions

• Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption during treatment as it can increase the risk of side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not recommended or should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for advice.
• Pediatric Use: This medicine is not recommended for use in patients below 18 years of age due to unestablished safety and efficacy.
• Elderly Patients: Use with caution in patients above 65 years of age, as they may be more sensitive to the medicine's effects, and dosage adjustments may be necessary.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: May cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of seizures, liver or kidney problems, heart disease (especially abnormal rhythm), diabetes, lung problems, bleeding disorders, low sodium levels, suicidal thoughts, or drug abuse.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including herbal supplements. Avoid taking with other central nervous system depressants, MAO inhibitors, sedatives, and certain pain medications. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice may interact with this medicine.

Storage

Store NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET at room temperature, typically between 20-25°C (68-77°F), or below 30°C. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and light. Keep the medicine in its original packaging and out of the sight and reach of children.

What is NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET used for?

NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET is a combination medication primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It is also indicated for the management of comorbid depression and anxiety disorder.

How does NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET work?

This medicine combines two active ingredients: Clonazepam and Escitalopram. Clonazepam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines and works by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger in the brain that helps to calm nerve cell activity. Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases the levels of serotonin, another chemical messenger in the brain, which helps to improve mood, behavior, and cognitive function. Together, these actions help to reduce anxiety and improve mood.

What is the usual dosage for NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET?

The dosage of NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET is determined by your doctor based on your condition and response to treatment. It can be taken with or without food, but it's advisable to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent medicine levels in your body. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not chew, crush, or break it. The initial adult dose often starts with lower strengths of its components, gradually increasing to a maintenance dose, typically ranging from 0.5 mg to 2 mg of Clonazepam and 10 mg to 20 mg of Escitalopram Oxalate per day. The Clonazepam dose is usually divided into 2-3 administrations, while Escitalopram is taken once daily.

What are the possible side effects of NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET?

Common side effects may include nausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, fatigue, problems with sleep, poor coordination of movements, stomach upset, and decreased sexual desire or sexual problems (such as delayed ejaculation). Other side effects can include increased or decreased appetite, restlessness, anxiety, abnormal dreams, tremors, dry mouth, increased sweating, muscle and joint pain, and changes in weight. If any side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Is NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it may have toxic effects on the fetus. If taken in the third trimester, it can cause problems for the newborn. It should only be used if clearly advised by a doctor after a careful assessment of benefits versus risks. Similarly, it should be used with caution during breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk and potentially harm the infant. Your doctor may recommend stopping breastfeeding while on this medication.

Can NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET 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 supplements, and vitamins. NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET should not be taken with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or pimozide. Caution is advised when taken with other central nervous system depressants (like alcohol, sedatives, or certain pain medications), as this can increase drowsiness and respiratory depression. Interactions can also occur with certain antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, antihypertensives, antibiotics, valproic acid, carbamazepine, rifampin, rifabutin, aspirin, NSAIDs, and anticoagulants.

What precautions should be taken while taking NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET?

Do not stop taking NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET abruptly, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Avoid consuming alcohol, as it can intensify side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. Due to the potential for dizziness and drowsiness, do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you understand how the medicine affects you. Use with caution if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, seizures, diabetes, lung problems, acute narrow-angle glaucoma, or bleeding disorders. Your doctor will monitor you for any changes in mood or behavior, including suicidal thoughts, especially at the beginning of treatment.

What happens if a dose of NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET, 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 double the dose to compensate for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

How should NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET be stored?

Store NEXITO FORTE 20 MG TABLET in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, ideally at room temperature (between 10°C and 25°C or below 30°C). Keep it in its original foil packaging until just before use. Ensure the medicine is kept out of the sight and reach of children and pets, and do not store it in the bathroom.