Pressidant

Pressidant is an antidepressant, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Inhibition of serotonin reuptake leads to an increase in the concentration of this neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft, enhancing and prolonging its effect on postsynaptic receptor sites. Escitalopram has no or very weak ability to bind to a number of receptors, including: serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT2 receptors, dopamine D1 and D2 receptors, α1, α2, β adrenergic receptors, histamine H1, muscarinic cholinergic, benzodiazepine and opiate receptors.

Composition: one tablet contains:

• Escitalopram oxalate 12.845 mg (equivalent to escitalopram 10 mg, respectively).

• depressive episodes of any severity;
• panic disorder with/without agoraphobia;
• social anxiety disorder (social phobia);
• generalized anxiety disorder;
• obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Method of administration and dosage: Pressidant is prescribed orally once a day, regardless of food intake.
Depressive episodes: Usually prescribed 10 mg once daily. Depending on the patient's individual response, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 20 mg/day. The antidepressant effect usually develops 2-4 weeks after the start of treatment. After the symptoms of depression disappear, therapy must be continued for at least another 6 months to consolidate the effect. 

Panic disorder with/without agoraphobia: During the first week of treatment, a dose of 5 mg/day is recommended, which is then increased to 10 mg/day. Depending on the patient's individual response, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 20 mg/day. The maximum therapeutic effect is achieved approximately 3 months after the start of treatment. Therapy lasts several months.
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia): Usually prescribed 10 mg once daily. Relief of symptoms usually develops 2-4 weeks after the start of treatment. Depending on the individual patient's response, the dose may subsequently be reduced to 5 mg/day or increased to a maximum of 20 mg/day. 

Since social anxiety disorder is a chronic disease, the minimum recommended duration of treatment is 12 weeks. To prevent relapse of the disease, the drug may be prescribed for 6 months or longer, depending on the individual patient's response. The therapeutic benefit of treatment should be checked regularly.
Generalized anxiety disorder: The recommended starting dose is 10 mg once daily. Depending on the patient's individual response, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 20 mg/day. Long-term administration of the drug (6 months or longer) at a dose of 20 mg/day is allowed.

Elderly patients (over 65 years of age): It is recommended to use half the usually recommended dose (i.e., only 5 mg/day) and a lower maximum dose (10 mg/day).
Discontinuation of treatment: When discontinuing treatment with Pressidant, the dose should be gradually reduced over 1-2 weeks in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms.