Selectra. Instructions for use, price, patient reviews

The drug Selectra belongs to the category of effective antidepressants. The medicine is intended for the prevention and treatment of depressive conditions. The drug helps cope with panic disorders. The drug contains components that allow inhibition of serotonin reuptake.

Numerous reviews from patients who took the drug confirm the fact that if the recommended treatment regimen is followed, adverse reactions occur in isolated cases. But before purchasing a medicine, you need to consult with a psychologist, who, after collecting an anamnesis and determining a diagnosis, will prescribe an effective drug therapy regimen.

Escitalopram: not a panacea, but it will help

As some experts note, of all the alternatives, this substance as an antidepressant provokes a relatively mild withdrawal syndrome if taken carefully. But it effectively fights a wide list of negative manifestations of mental pathologies. However, you have to pay for everything. In the case of the drug "Selectra" - side effects.

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A remedy will only help if it is suitable for a particular situation. A specialist can establish this fact. You cannot prescribe this medication or any other antidepressant on your own. As can be seen from the responses, the medicine effectively eliminates the main manifestations of depressive disorders. It's not just about mood (although its fluctuations are also a thing of the past). Reviews about Selectra indicate that apathy goes away, it becomes easier to overcome lack of will and laziness. Many patients also noted a decrease in irritability and tearfulness. As can be seen from the reviews, Selectra perfectly relieves the symptoms of anxiety and panic disorders.

Indications for use

Selectra belongs to the category of effective antidepressants. The drug is recommended to be taken to combat various types of depressive disorders and panic attacks. In some cases, psychologists may recommend the parallel use of other medications that are aimed at treating depression and eliminating obsessive thoughts.

Numerous reviews from patients who took Selectra confirm that this medicine helps overcome obsessive-compulsive, generalized and social anxiety disorders. Escitalopram is effective for depressive disorders of any severity.

Lots of experience

Although the described medication is sold only by prescription, you can find a huge number of responses about it on the virtual Web. To some extent, this indicates the widespread prevalence of various deviations from the norm and the unstable mental state of many people. The fact also demonstrates that the drug “Selectra” is highly valued by doctors - it is indeed often prescribed, since its reputation for extensive practice of use is quite good. At the same time, already at the stage of issuing a prescription, the doctor warns that the instructions for using Selectra must be carefully followed. Otherwise, you cannot do without side effects, and even strict adherence to the recommendations cannot insure against them - too much depends on the characteristics of a particular organism.

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Antidepressants in general are a group of medications based on mechanisms that are insufficiently studied in our time, therefore many of them provoke negative responses of the body, both in the present and delayed. Perhaps the most significant negative point mentioned in reviews of Selectra is withdrawal syndrome.

Long but effective

The doctor at your appointment will probably not be able to tell you exactly how much to take Selectra. The drug is designed for a long-term therapeutic course - sometimes months, sometimes years. Much will depend on the characteristics of the individual patient, the body’s reaction to the drug, and the effectiveness of the active component. Typically, the doctor prescribes regular re-examinations of the patient, changes the drug to another as necessary, or completely cancels the therapeutic program. Neither replacement nor cancellation can be initiated independently. As can be seen from the reviews, Selectra in this case provokes various unpleasant consequences: the return of previous symptoms in a more severe form or even the appearance of new complications.

Many people note that they take the product for months. The doctor explains the features of the course. In the first week, the dosage is relatively small; with normal tolerance, the volume is gradually increased, bringing it to an effective therapeutic dose. This is determined by assessing the degree of pathology, its nature and characteristics, as well as the individual characteristics of the organism. The instructions for use of Selectra contain general recommendations regarding the dosage regimen, but they are not universal. If the doctor recommended a regimen different from that indicated by the manufacturer, you must follow his advice.

Reviews from patients who took the drug

Cirapralex is a prescription drug that belongs to the group of SSRI antidepressants; it inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. Due to this, its pronounced antidepressant effect is observed.

The advantages of this medicine include its relatively easy tolerability by patients. The most difficult thing I have encountered is the adverse reactions to stopping it. But in general, patients tolerate it well, provided they strictly adhere to the treatment regimen.

The disadvantage of an antidepressant is that it takes weeks to wait for the effect and it is not suitable as a first aid remedy.

I have persistent vegetative-vascular dystonia, and I constantly experience the pressure of panic attacks. I am constantly treated in neurology, as the fear is very strong.

I took courses of Cipralex. The opinion about it is positive, it relieves the severity of the manifestations of the disease. It’s a pity not immediately, but only after two weeks of treatment. I had no side effects and tolerated it well.

I experienced a strong crisis during staff reductions; I, the head of a large department, was fired. Always busy and socially active, I was left out of work. On this basis, a mental disorder and severe depression developed. I wanted to die, but my daughter placed me in a psychiatric clinic in time.

I was treated for a long time, including Cipralex. The drug is effective, but it must be taken with caution. Since the beginning of treatment, I have had interruptions in cardiac activity and tachycardia. Gradually it passed and the course of therapy was completed and depression was overcome.

I have been suffering from social phobia for a long time, which is why I am constantly receiving treatment. I tried Cipralex several times, it’s a good product, it helps to consolidate the results for a long time.

Side effects include dry mouth, increased appetite, and decreased libido. But against the backdrop of my fears, this is not the point; the main thing is to eradicate them, at least for a short time.

The list of possible incorrect reactions of the body to treatment was quite large. The instructions for use described side effects such as digestive disorders, hypotension (low blood pressure), urinary retention, myalgia and even sinusitis. I decided to surf a little on different forums and look for people’s reviews of such reactions.

“I took Cipralex for 10 weeks. I was worried that there would be complications on the liver or heart. Fortunately, nothing bad happened. About a month later, I suddenly realized that I was enjoying the sun and happily going for a walk in the park. The depression gradually lifted. The pills really help..."

There were few negative reviews, but they should also be mentioned. Usually they complained about the price and duration of therapy. Still, 3 months is really a lot.

“Our local doctor prescribed Cipralex for me. There were problems with potency caused by psychological overload. I asked a specialist to recommend something relaxing. The panic and worries went away, but the intimacy didn’t improve. It turns out that the pills have side effects that affect libido. I refused treatment and my erection returned...”

I didn’t find anything particularly scary in the reviews and decided that I would start treatment. I really wanted to return to my former self, before my nervous breakdown.

Features of use

If the active substance of Selectra (escitalopram) does not show the required effectiveness or over time the effectiveness of taking the drug begins to decrease, if the doctor decides to discontinue the therapeutic course, discontinuation must be carried out carefully. The dosage of the drug is reduced gradually, the doctor monitors the body’s response.

Usually in such situations they warn that the side effects of Selectra are expressed in the activation of previously eliminated symptoms of pathology. Anxiety increases, panic attacks and mood swings may occur. Some patients experience depression and have suicidal thoughts. During the period of drug withdrawal, especially after a long-term course of treatment, it is important to constantly monitor the patient’s condition and provide him with the necessary assistance. Usually, responsibility falls not only on the patient and the attending physician, but also on close people - relatives, friends of the person taking the pills. It is unacceptable to combine Selectra and alcohol, this leads to increased side effects (and in their absence, to the appearance of them), and also negatively affects the functioning of the brain and provokes severe conditions of VSD.

Release forms and composition of the drug

Selectra (reviews from patients who took the drug indicate that the drug helps relieve acute depressive disorders) is available in tablet form. The active substance is contained in the drug in a concentration of 5-20 mg. The drug is sold in cardboard packaging containing 4 blisters.

Escitalopram is used as the active ingredient.

Excipients include:

• Sodium.
• Talc.
• Microcrystalline cellulose.
• Silicon.
• Magnesium.

  

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Before using the drug, the patient should consult with a psychologist to find out the cause of poor health and eliminate the possibility of adverse reactions.

Is it worth the money

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Currently, the price of Selectra is about 800 rubles. If the doctor has prescribed this medication, it can be replaced with a similar one based on the same substance. There are several cheaper alternatives on the market. The fact of replacement must be agreed with the attending physician. Popular analogues:

• "Elycea";
• "Escitalopram";
• "Lenuxin".

Quite often, Cipralex is chosen as an alternative solution. Sometimes the doctor recommends stopping at Sancipal or Miracitol. The specific option depends on the diagnosis for which Selectra was initially prescribed.

Expert opinion about Cipralex tablets

During a conversation with a psychotherapist, it turned out that such problems arise in men quite often. Depression occurs as a consequence of age-related changes, problems at work or in personal life. Therefore, the specialist knows everything about Cipralex.

“Patients often come in and get themselves into problems for virtually no reason. It is clear that problems in bed or financial problems need to be solved, but I don’t quite understand why to aggravate the situation. I recommend drug treatment and support from loved ones to such patients. I often prescribe Cipralex. A good drug for a relatively low price...” Ivan Mikhailovich, psychotherapist, Moscow

I don’t know why, but the consultation at the clinic cheered me up a little. I took the prescription and went to the nearest pharmacy to get the medicine.

Pharmacology

The drug belongs to the group of antidepressants. Its effectiveness is due to its effect on receptors capable of capturing serotonin. Due to inhibition of the reverse process, the concentration of the compound in the synaptic cleft increases; intensifies and lengthens the effect on receptors. Escitalopram is not characterized by the formation of connections with the receptors of dopamine D1, D2, serotonin 5-HT, opioids, and benzodiazepam. No connections are formed with alpha-adrenergic and m-cholinergic receptors.

As a rule, for depressive disorders and panic attacks, Selectra shows effectiveness no earlier than two weeks after the start of use, but no later than a month if the patient responsibly uses the medication in accordance with the prescribed regimen. Selectra is used as the primary treatment for agoraphobia. The therapeutic program shows the greatest effectiveness by the third month. This result persists throughout the course of treatment.

Pharmacokinetics

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Eating does not affect the action of the antidepressant, so high concentrations of the drug are observed 3-4 hours after taking the tablets.

The bioavailability of Cipralex is 80%.

Metabolism of the antidepressant occurs in the liver, and the drug is excreted in the urine.

Cipralex has its own characteristics of use in different age groups.

Elderly people tolerate the medicine quite well, but they eliminate it much more slowly; doctors take this feature into account when dosing Cipralex.

Special cases

For those aged 65 years and older, Selectra is used in a daily dose of no more than 5 mg, although in each case the doctor may decide to increase the amount if the situation requires it. The manufacturer limits the daily dose to 10 mg.

If a patient has liver pathologies, for the first two weeks the drug is used in an amount of no more than 5 mg daily, then the dose is doubled if the patient’s body shows an adequate response.

If tests show low CYP2C19 activity, the drug is also used for the first two weeks in an amount of no more than 5 mg per day, then doubled, monitoring the body’s reactions.

Selectra reviews from those who took it for VSD

The drug Selectra belongs to the group of pharmacological agents that have antidepressant effects.

The effect after starting to take the tablets is observed after 2-4 weeks, but the course of treatment is 3-6 months to consolidate the result.

The antidepressant is based on escitalopram oxalate.

For better digestibility of the active ingredient, additives are used:

• croscarmellose sodium;
• prosolv SMCC90/HD90;
• magnesium stearate;
• talcum powder

Release form: film-coated tablets (composition: white opadry).

One package contains a certain amount of medicine: 10; 14; 20; 28; 56 pcs.

The cost of Selectra depends on the manufacturer and the number of tablets in the package (461-970 rubles for 28 pieces).

The antidepressant is dispensed with a prescription in Latin, which complies with the rules for processing medical documents.

The drug is selected by the attending physician when signs of mental disorders are detected in the patient:

Selectra is prescribed as an independent drug and in combination with other drugs belonging to other groups.

The effect of therapy depends on compliance with the pill regimen and dosage prescribed by the doctor.

Before the appointment, the specialist examines the characteristics of the patient’s physical condition, clarifies information about the presence of other diseases in order to exclude contraindications.

The antidepressant is not recommended for use in the following cases:

• with hypersensitivity to the active component (escitalopram);
• during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• in combination with MAO inhibitors, serotonergic drugs.

Selectra is taken regardless of food intake.

The treatment regimen is developed by the doctor, who also determines the dosage of the drug.

For patients in the older age group (over 65 years), the daily dose is reduced to 5-10 mg.

If there are problems with the liver, then at the initial stage of therapy (about 2 weeks) a minimum dosage of antidepressants is prescribed - 5 mg. If the dynamics of treatment are positive, then the dose is increased to 10 mg.

The minimum dosage of the drug for depression is prescribed to patients who have been diagnosed with low activity of the CYP2C19 isoenzyme; it is recommended to take 5 mg for the first 2-3 weeks. In the absence of side effects, the daily dose increases to 10-15 mg.

When taking the antidepressant Selectra, the following rules are observed:

• The tablets must be taken regularly, without missing the next dose;
• in order not to miss the time and switch to a changed dosage, it is recommended to draw up a schedule;
• You need to take the tablet with a glass of purified water;
• It is not allowed to increase or decrease the daily norm on your own.

It is prohibited to use an antidepressant on your own due to the presence of special instructions for the use of the drug and possible side effects that were recorded during the study of the drug.

The identified effects are classified according to vital systems:

• Gastrointestinal tract: dry mucous membranes, decreased appetite, nausea, stool disorders, vomiting.
• Central nervous system: physical weakness, sleep disturbance or drowsiness, dizziness, convulsions, trembling fingers, complications after taking medications that affect the metabolism of serotonin in the nervous system.
• Cardiovascular system: decreased blood pressure when changing body position due to insufficient blood flow to the brain.
• Endocrine system: spontaneous secretion of milk from the mammary glands (not associated with the lactation period), decreased secretion of antidiuretic hormone.
• Genitourinary system: decreased potency, weakened libido, anorgasmia, urinary retention, impaired ejaculation.

Other side effects include:

• myalgia;
• sinusitis;
• hyponatremia;
• hyperthermia;
• increased sweating, etc.

Alcohol and antidepressants are incompatible, so you must stop drinking alcohol during treatment.

Ethanol reduces the effect of the active substance; instead of stabilizing the psycho-emotional background, there is an increase in depression.

The consequences of such a tandem are:

• insomnia;
• attacks of tachycardia;
• sudden change of mood;
• severe headaches;
• increased irritability.

The kidneys and liver also suffer; increased work on processing and eliminating toxins disrupts their function.

But the most dangerous thing is the deterioration of the mental state; the patient has a desire to commit suicide.

Tatyana Vladimirovna, 52 years old:

After the first month of taking Selectra, life began to take on some colors and make me happy with simple things - good weather, new purchases.

The impressive list of side effects passed me by.

Vitaly, 27 years old:

The first days after starting the course of treatment were difficult, headaches appeared, bowel movements were disrupted, and potency decreased. But by the third week the condition stabilized, and no more side effects appeared. Sex life improved after the end of therapy.

Olga, 34 years old:

The doctor did not discontinue the drug after the condition improved; he recommended taking the pill for another couple of months to consolidate the effect.

I’ve been living a normal life for a year and a half now, enjoying every moment, and there have been no relapses.

Alexander Mikhailovich, psychotherapist with 22 years of experience:

A pronounced effect is observed after 2-3 weeks of taking the tablets.

An important positive factor is the availability of the medicine - reasonable price, no problems with purchase.

Yulia Nikolaevna, psychiatrist with 16 years of experience:

In comparison with other drugs included in the same group, it is better tolerated by patients and has a minimal percentage of side effects.

The achieved result is maintained after a course of treatment. The low toxicity of the composition practically eliminates the possibility of poisoning from tablets if the dosage is exceeded. The drug is used in practice not only by psychiatrists, but also by neurologists and other general practitioners in medicine.

You can replace Selectra with other means of similar action:

• Asipi (from 382 rub.);
• Escitalopram (from RUR 193);

  

• Elicea (from 536 rub.);

  

• Elicea Ku-tab (from 541 rub.);
• Escitalopram Canon (from RUR 265).

The same group with Selectra also includes more affordable antidepressants:

• Amitriptyline – 14.80 rubles;
• Apo-Fluoxetine – 26.60 rubles;

  

• Fluoxetine – 25.30 rubles;
• Amitriptyline Nycomed – 47.60 rub.

  

The privilege to select an analogue and make changes to the treatment regimen remains exclusively with the attending physician.

The duration of taking pills is sometimes six months, but thanks to the pharmacological properties of the active substance, it becomes possible to return to a full life.

Hi all! Today I’ll tell you about one drug, the popular antidepressant Selectra, which is very actively prescribed by neurologists in different situations. I’ll tell you in detail how this antidepressant generally works, what side effects it has, and whether it’s worth taking if the situation is not critical. And I will definitely write what helped me get rid of the symptoms of VSD and sleep attacks!

I bought the antidepressant Selectra at the pharmacy for 1605 rubles, 56 tablets.

The packaging looks like this.

Inside is a plate of tablets.

This is a modern antidepressant with the active substance escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

My history

I’ll tell you briefly how I came to need to take this drug in the first place.

I had a tooth treated and was prescribed a broad-spectrum antibiotic, Augmentin. I drank for almost 5 days and during this time strange things began to happen to my health. Nightmares at night, unpleasant sensations in the head, and pain in the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, on the 5th day I could no longer drink them. At this time, in the store, for the first time I had a panic attack, tachycardia, weakness in my arms, and cloudiness of consciousness. I quickly went outside and everything stopped. But then this began to happen periodically in stores, shopping centers, in transport and in stuffy rooms. In general, all the symptoms of VSD and after a few months they intensified, they were there every day, I began to be afraid that I would faint, etc. I did all the tests, examinations, even an MRI of the brain, but everything was almost perfect. But the stress hormone was high.

As a result, I began to look for methods of treatment, took vitamins, selenium, B vitamins, vitamin D, but there were symptoms.

And so I had an appointment with a neurologist, who told me that these were the consequences of severe stress, because the tests were all good, or the stress had been accumulating for years and now it manifested itself. Therefore, you need to take the antidepressant Selectra, it is mild, there are no particular side effects, 2-3 months and everything will be fine!

First, 6 days, half a tablet, and then 1 tablet a day in the morning.

My feelings about Selectra.

I started taking half a tablet. The tablet itself has a delimiter in the middle, so it is easy to break it in half. It's comfortable.

From the first use I began to feel better, my mood became better, I wanted to smile, there was a feeling of slight euphoria, this happens when you fall in love or when you are passionate about something very interesting, there is more energy. After 2-3 days, discomfort began in the intestines. But overall, so far everything has been good. The most important thing that this antidepressant gave me was that the fear I had in the store and in transport disappeared. I stopped being afraid that I would have a panic attack again, but there were symptoms of VSD, but I was no longer worried about them. It was useful for me to live without fear, but that’s where all the benefits ended!

On the sixth day, my VSD symptoms suddenly intensified and I began to feel dizzy. That is, before that, in stuffy rooms, there was cloudiness in the head, but she did not feel dizzy. And then I really started to feel dizzy, even when I was lying down. The next day I took 1 whole tablet, as the doctor prescribed, but I felt bad. Symptoms of VSD were even at home, and my head was spinning and there was weakness in my arms. In general, I decided to stop drinking them before things went too far. At the same time, unpleasant sensations sometimes appeared in the intestines.

I stopped drinking them and began to feel better, like before taking Selectra, I had symptoms of VSD, but the fears really went away. And I was able to calmly search further for treatment methods and eventually found them. I'll write about this later. So I think it was a side effect from the antidepressant, and it didn’t suit me.

Indications for use. That's what it says in the instructions.

Depressive disorders, panic attacks, agoraphibia, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder.

In general, of course, this antidepressant can help, but there are so many side effects, read the instructions, side effects from all organs are listed on a whole page. That's horrible! Therefore, I believe that it can only be done as a last resort, if everything is already so bad and there is no strength or mood to get up. In other cases, there is no need to expose your health to such an attack.

And also, you should understand how an antidepressant works?

You are in a good mood, but at the same time you stop experiencing natural emotions. You are indifferent to everything. For example, I checked, I turned on music that used to give me goosebumps, but now I don’t feel anything. I went for a walk in the park, the sun was shining, the birds were singing, my body used to get really high from a walk and I would come back feeling positive. While on an antidepressant, I walked around, didn’t feel anything, didn’t admire anything, my body was like a vegetable, but my mood was artificially good. It's a terrible feeling. After some time, I didn’t understand why do anything at all if nothing evokes emotions? Well, since I started having such side effects, I stopped drinking them. And all the emotions and sensations returned. so think about it, is it worth drinking them and being like ice?

An antidepressant changes the natural course of processes in the body. I don’t know what would have happened after if I had drank for 2-3 months, but a week was enough for me.

And now about that. which really helped relieve all the symptoms of VSD (now there are mild symptoms on women’s days).

That's all, impeccable health, strong nerves and excellent mood.

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Unpleasant phenomena: what to be prepared for

If you study the instructions for use, it becomes clear that the list of side effects of Selectra is quite wide. As can be seen from the responses of those taking this drug, some phenomena (for example, drowsiness and disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea) were observed quite often, but serious, severe pathological reactions requiring urgent withdrawal are quite rare. At the same time, it is noted that the treatment process with Selectra for many is accompanied by unpleasant experiences, partially compensated by the elimination of the initial symptoms.

The central and peripheral NS react to the entry of the active component into the body with weakness, pain and dizziness may occur. Some patients experienced convulsive states, tremors, hallucinations, and mania. All negative reactions are reversible and exhaust themselves with the cessation of the therapeutic course. If used incorrectly and in certain situations, serotonin syndrome may occur, which in the most severe cases can cause coma and death.

Side effects

Selectra (reviews from patients who took this drug confirm the effectiveness of the drug in the fight against panic attacks) does not cause adverse reactions in 98% of cases.

Only in isolated situations can drug therapy be accompanied by disorders of the internal organs. Adverse reactions appear only during the first 14 days of treatment, after which the patient’s condition gradually improves.

The active substance of an antidepressant can negatively affect various systems and internal organs, causing the following symptoms:

• Organs of the gastrointestinal tract: dysgeusia, vomiting, dry mouth, lack of appetite, diarrhea.
• Central nervous system: sleep disturbance, dizziness, increased fatigue, tremors of the limbs, convulsions, confusion, causeless anxiety, panic attacks, temporary decrease in visual acuity, increased irritability.
• Dermatological reactions: itching, burning and rashes on the skin, Quincke's edema, capillary subcutaneous hemorrhages.
• Genitourinary system: impotence, decreased libido, anorgasmia, impaired ejaculation, urinary retention.
• Galactorrhea, a significant decrease in vasopressin production.
• Angioedema.
• Orthostatic hypotension.
• Arthralgia (joint pain).
• Myalgia (a syndrome manifested by spontaneous muscle pain during physical stress or rest).
• Hyperthermia (accumulation of excess heat in the body).
• Hyponatremia.

If adverse reactions occur, the patient should stop taking the antidepressant and seek advice from their doctor to find a safer, more effective analogue.

When not to

The list of contraindications for Selectra is relatively narrow. The drug is not intended for the treatment of adolescents under fifteen years of age, as well as pregnant and nursing mothers. The drug should not be used if the patient’s body is hypersensitive to the active component of the substance. The combination of Selectra and MAOIs can provoke serotonin syndrome of varying severity - the described medication can only be used two weeks after completion of therapy using MAOIs.

If cirrhosis of the liver is diagnosed, Selectra is acceptable, but treatment with its use must be combined with constant monitoring of the main indicators of the organ. Renal failure requires the same approach (monitoring of kidney function is necessary).

Analogs

If there are contraindications, the antidepressant should be replaced with another drug. Before buying a medicine to combat depressive disorders, you need to study the instructions and consult with a psychologist.

Provided that the drug is chosen correctly and all the recommendations of the psychologist are followed, after undergoing long-term drug therapy, the patient will be able to return to a full life, significantly improving his psycho-emotional state.

Some special cases

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It is allowed to use “Selectra” as part of a therapeutic course of panic and depressive disorders in patients suffering from mania, hypomania, but only under conditions of constant monitoring of the patient’s condition. Also, a special approach is required for people who have diabetes mellitus or epilepsy that cannot be controlled with medications. If depression is complicated by suicide attempts, Selectra is approved for use only under the condition of very careful monitoring of the patient's condition.

Careful use of the drug is required by the increased likelihood of bleeding and the use of medications in which convulsive readiness is characterized by a reduced threshold. If a patient is being treated with medications that cause sodium deficiency in the body, affecting the CYP2C19 isoenzyme, Selectra should be used with constant careful monitoring of the person’s condition.

Contraindications

Absolute:

• breast-feeding;
• hypersensitivity;
• age up to 15 years;
• parallel use with MAO inhibitors ;
• pregnancy.

Relative:

• kidney failure , with CC less than 30 ml/min;
• age 15-18 years;
• manic disorders;
• hypomania;
• uncontrolled epilepsy ;
• diabetes;
• suicidal depression;
• elderly age;
• predisposition to bleeding ;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• combined use with ethanol ; drugs that cause hyponatremia ; reducing convulsive readiness ; metabolized by cytochrome CYP2C19 .

Treat, but not cripple

If the patient has been treated with non-selective MAOIs, Selectra can be started seven days after stopping the previous course of treatment. If reversible MAOIs were used as therapy, then Selectra is approved one day after the last intake of the previously used drug into the body.

When a medication is used to treat panic disorder, the onset of treatment is often accompanied by an increase in anxiety. As a rule, the symptom resolves itself in the first two weeks of therapy. To reduce the likelihood of such a negative manifestation, it is necessary to use the lowest possible dosage at the beginning, gradually increasing it when the patient’s body prepares for this.

Overdose

In case of an overdose of Selectra, the following were observed: agitation , dizziness, confusion , tremor , convulsive seizures, drowsiness , tachycardia , arrhythmia , ECG changes, respiratory depression , vomiting, metabolic acidosis , rhabdomyolysis , hypokalemia, acute renal failure (very rare).

Supportive and symptomatic therapy is indicated, with gastric lavage , oxygenation , monitoring of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

What else to pay attention to

The main active component of Selectra affects the concentration of glucose. If a patient is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, an antidepressant becomes the reason for adjusting the dosage of hypoglycemic agents. If epileptic seizures are detected (increased frequency relative to history or initial appearance), Selectra is discontinued. This applies to situations uncontrolled by pharmacological means. Urgent withdrawal is necessary if the patient develops manic disorders.

As can be seen from the experience accumulated by doctors using Selectra, the first few weeks of the therapeutic program are associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts. When first starting treatment with this medication, the patient’s condition is constantly monitored to prevent a negative outcome. The manifestation of serotonin syndrome is mandatory. If such a condition is detected, it is important to begin restorative treatment in a timely manner. The program points are selected based on the symptoms of the disorders. If taking a medication has caused an acute lack of sodium in the body, discontinuation of the medication is accompanied by the restoration of the normal level of the component in the body tissues. Statistics show that this phenomenon occurs extremely rarely.

special instructions

An antidepressant after preliminary withdrawal of drug treatment with MAO inhibitors can be prescribed only after 24 hours. Otherwise, the functioning of the patient’s internal organs may significantly deteriorate, which will require medical attention.

While using an antidepressant to combat panic attacks, the patient may experience an increased feeling of anxiety, which can be overcome after 10-14 days of treatment. To reduce the likelihood of such a reaction of the body to the drug, psychologists recommend starting therapy with a minimum dosage.

Escitalopram can significantly increase the concentration of glucose in the blood in diabetes mellitus, which is why the dose of hypoglycemic medications must be adjusted. The drug must be discontinued if epileptic seizures become more frequent, serotonin syndrome develops, or a manic state occurs.

Laboratory studies have shown that uncontrolled use of antidepressants can significantly increase the risk of suicide. The most dangerous is the first week of treatment, which is why it is extremely important to monitor the patient’s condition.

In 3% of all cases, as a result of using the drug Selectra, the development of hyponatremia is recorded, which is associated with a decrease in ADH secretion.

An antidepressant can cause attacks of headaches and confusion, which is why it is recommended to refrain from driving a vehicle or operating complex mechanisms that require increased concentration while undergoing drug therapy.

It is prohibited to combine an antidepressant with alcoholic beverages. During treatment, the patient must give up alcohol. Otherwise, ethanol will reduce the effect of escitalopram, which is why, instead of normalizing the patient’s well-being, the patient will be concerned about the rapid deterioration of the psycho-emotional state.

Selectra

When using Selectra with alcoholic beverages, the following symptoms may occur:

• Severe migraine attacks.
• Insomnia.
• Increased irritability.
• Attacks of tachycardia.
• Increased body temperature.
• Frequent mood changes.

The simultaneous use of an antidepressant and alcoholic beverages increases the production of adrenaline, which creates additional stress on the cardiovascular system. There is a risk of blood pressure rising to a critical level.

Additionally, the functioning of the liver and kidneys deteriorates, which are forced to work hard to process and subsequently remove alcohol from the body. In this condition, it is difficult for the patient to control his behavior, which increases the risk of suicide.

Restrictions

Since Selectra may have side effects on the human nervous system, the manufacturer recommends avoiding complex tasks that require a high level of concentration while taking this drug. This applies to working with dangerous machines, mechanisms, as well as driving a car. If some work process requires an increased speed of psychomotor reaction, such activities should be avoided during the therapeutic course.

Compatibility with drugs

Certain limitations associated with drugs from the MAOI group have already been mentioned above - the combination of such medications provokes negative reactions in the body, including serotonin syndrome of unpredictable severity. A combination of Selectra and serotonergic medications can lead to the same outcome.

The active component of the drug in question can increase the activity of tryptophan and lithium compounds. Drugs based on St. John's wort become more toxic. It is possible to adjust blood clotting parameters, which requires special attention when taking drugs that change this parameter. As a rule, at the beginning of a therapeutic course, blood tests are taken from the patient several times to determine how the situation is developing. When using Selectra and products containing desipramine, metoprolol, the concentration of these substances in the blood plasma doubles.

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Pharmacological properties

The active component of the drug helps to significantly increase the concentration of serotonin in synaptic clefts. Selectra is an effective antidepressant due to the long-term effect of the neurotransmitter on specific nerve receptors.

The advantage of the drug is that the active substance does not have a specific stimulating effect on other receptor structures. This is due to the fact that escitalopram has a selective principle of action.

Selectra (reviews from patients who took the drug confirm the fact that the minimal therapeutic effect is observed only after 3 weeks of drug therapy) helps to significantly reduce the number of panic attacks and overcome anxiety.

The active substance of the drug quickly penetrates the bloodstream through the intestinal mucosa and is excreted naturally along with urine.