Who should not take escitalopram?

You should not take escitalopram if you are allergic to escitalopram or citalopram or any of the ingredients of escitalopram. You should not take escitalopram if you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO), including the antibiotic linezolid, within the last 14 days. You should not take escitalopram if you take the antipsychotic medicine pimozide (Orap), because taking this drug with escitalopram can cause serious heart problems.

Escitalopram is not approved for use in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age. Patients with liver or kidney problems or bleeding problems should avoid taking this medication. Also, people with bipolar disorder, a history of drug abuse, heart disease and seizures should not take escitalopram, as it can worsen these conditions.