What is the drug Estop 5 used for?

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Estop 5 is a brand name for the generic drug escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used primarily to treat mental health disorders. Like other antidepressants, it is a prescription medication that works to restore the balance of serotonin in the brain to help improve mood.

Quick Summary

Estop 5, containing the active ingredient escitalopram, is a prescription medication that treats major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder by regulating serotonin levels in the brain. It is part of the SSRI class of drugs and requires a doctor's supervision for safe use and discontinuation.

Key Points

Active Ingredient: Estop 5 contains 5 mg of escitalopram, an SSRI antidepressant.
Primary Uses: It is prescribed to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Mechanism of Action: The drug works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, helping to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Important Warnings: There is a boxed warning about increased risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in young adults, and a risk of serotonin syndrome.
Administration: The treatment plan is determined by a doctor and can be adjusted based on the condition and age.
Side Effects: Common side effects can include nausea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction, though these often decrease over time.
Discontinuation: Abruptly stopping Estop 5 can cause withdrawal symptoms, so it is important to follow a doctor's guidance for tapering off the medication.

What is Estop 5 and how does it work?

Estop 5 is a medication that contains 5 mg of the active substance escitalopram (as oxalate). Escitalopram is an antidepressant belonging to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. It is approved for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in adults. The medication works by increasing the level of serotonin, a natural chemical messenger, in the brain.

Primary uses for Estop 5

As an SSRI, Estop 5 is prescribed for a variety of mood and anxiety disorders.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Estop 5 (escitalopram) is indicated for the acute and long-term maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

For adults, Estop 5 is used for the treatment of GAD, a condition characterized by excessive and persistent worry that is difficult to control. The medication helps alleviate associated symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, irritability, and sleep disturbances.

Other conditions

Escitalopram, the active ingredient in Estop 5, may also be used to treat other conditions, including:

Panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia)
Social anxiety disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Dosage and administration

Estop 5 is typically taken once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day. Dosage and duration of treatment are determined by a doctor and depend on the condition being treated and the patient's age. It can take several weeks for the full effect, and sudden discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Important considerations and side effects

Discuss your medical history with your doctor before starting Estop 5.

Common side effects

Many initial side effects are mild and improve within a few weeks. Common side effects include:

Nausea
Fatigue or drowsiness
Headache
Insomnia
Increased sweating
Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or constipation
Sexual problems, including decreased libido or delayed ejaculation
Dry mouth
Dizziness

Serious side effects and warnings

Less common but more serious risks are associated with escitalopram:

Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior: There's a warning about increased risk of suicidal ideation, particularly in young adults (under 25), especially when starting the medication or changing dosage.
Serotonin Syndrome: This serious condition can result from excessive serotonin, often when taken with other serotonergic drugs. Symptoms include agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, muscle rigidity, and fever.
Hyponatremia: Low blood sodium levels have been reported, notably in elderly patients.
Abnormal Bleeding: Escitalopram can increase bleeding risk, especially when combined with NSAIDs or blood thinners.

Comparison of Estop 5 (escitalopram) to other SSRIs

Here is a comparison of Estop 5 with other antidepressants, highlighting some potential differences based on available information:


Feature	Estop 5 (Escitalopram)	Zoloft (Sertraline)	Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
Drug Class	SSRI	SSRI	Atypical Antidepressant (NDRI)
Mechanism	Increases serotonin levels	Increases serotonin levels	Increases norepinephrine and dopamine
Sexual Side Effects	Can cause decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, anorgasmia	Common, but may vary	Less likely to cause sexual side effects
Weight Changes	Associated with weight gain	May cause weight changes, varies	Can sometimes cause weight loss, not gain
Primary Uses	MDD, GAD, OCD, Panic Disorder	MDD, OCD, Panic Disorder, PTSD, Social Anxiety	MDD, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Withdrawal Symptoms	Can cause withdrawal effects if stopped abruptly	Requires gradual tapering	Abrupt stopping can cause withdrawal
Initial Experience	Takes 1-4 weeks to feel full benefit	Time to full effect varies	Onset of effect can vary significantly

For more detailed prescribing information and warnings, consult authoritative resources like the {Link: MedlinePlus Drug Information https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603005.html} on escitalopram.

Conclusion

Estop 5, containing the SSRI escitalopram, is an effective treatment for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder by helping to balance serotonin levels. While beneficial for many, it's important to be aware of potential side effects, from common issues like nausea and sexual dysfunction to more serious risks such as suicidal ideation, especially in younger individuals. Treatment should always be supervised by a healthcare provider, and the medication should not be stopped abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms. A doctor can determine the correct treatment plan and assess the risks and benefits for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Estop 5 contains the active ingredient escitalopram. Lexapro is a brand name for the same active ingredient. Therefore, Estop 5 is a brand of escitalopram, similar to Lexapro.

It can take several weeks, typically 1 to 4 weeks or longer, before you feel the full benefit of escitalopram. Initial effects like improved sleep, energy, or appetite may be noticed sooner.

The most common side effects of escitalopram include nausea, dry mouth, increased sweating, insomnia or somnolence, fatigue, dizziness, and sexual side effects.

No, you should not stop taking Estop 5 suddenly. Abruptly discontinuing the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will provide a plan for gradually reducing the dose.

Yes, like many antidepressants, escitalopram carries a boxed warning about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in children, teenagers, and young adults.

Yes, Estop 5 can be taken with or without food. It is often recommended to take it at the same time each day for consistency.

If you miss a dose and remember before bed, take it right away. If you only remember the next day, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose.

Escitalopram is approved for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescents 12 years and older. Use for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is approved in adults and, in some cases, children aged 7 and older, but may vary depending on the specific brand and region.