Lexapro (Escitalopram)

Description

Lexapro is a generic brand name for escitalopram oxalate, an SSRI antidepressant. Lexapro is available in tablet form and as an orally consumable solution. Lexapro is mainly prescribed to treat depression in adults.

 

Drug Information

 

The active ingredient in Lexapro, escitalopram oxalate, is referred to as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) which is commonly used to treat depression. SSRIs block the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin back into synapses, this increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft. SSRIs are the most widely prescribed type of antidepressants in the world today.

 

Escitalopram is most commonly prescribed for acute treatment major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder to relieve symptoms of depressed mood, dysphoria, insomnia and the feeling of being on edge. Escitalopram may also be prescribed to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and other mood disorders that may induce similar depression-like symptoms.

 

Lexapro is available in round, coated tablets to be swallowed. Each tablet contains escitalopram oxalate in doses of 5, 10 and 20 milligrams. Inactive ingredients in Lexapro tablets include microcrystalline cellulose, talc, croscarmellose sodium and magnesium stearate.

 

Lexapro oral solution contains escitalopram in a 1 milligram per millilitre concentrate. Inactive ingredients in the oral solution include sorbitol, glycerin, sodium citrate, propylene glycol propylparaben, methylparaben, citric acid and malic acid.

 

Dosage

 

Emsam dosage depends on the recommendations by healthcare professionals. One dose is taken by mouth daily at a specified time.

 

Lexapro tablets are swallowed with a glass of water and the oral solution is swallowed after measuring.

 

Carefully read all instructions in the information leaflet provided with the Lexapro package. Ask a doctor or a pharmacist if directions are not clear.

 

Side Effects

 

Lexapro may cause the following side effects:

 

 Dry mouth
 Heartburn
 Sexual dysfunction, such as decreased sex drive and inability achieve orgasm
 Constipation
 Diarrhea
 Bloated stomach
 Mild abdominal pain
 Drowsiness
 Insomnia
 Flu-like symptoms
 Loss of appetite
 Fatigue and feeling weak
 Breathing problems
 Excessive sweating

 

Side effects of Lexapro are not limited to the above.

 

Consult a physician if any of the above side effects persist or worsen over time.

 

 

 

Precautions

 

Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thought in children, teens and young adults. Therefore, caregivers should pay close attention to mood swings and unusual behavior in patients who begin Lexapro treatments.

 

Lexapro can react strongly with certain drugs, therefore do not begin treatments without discussing other prescription medication with a healthcare professional first. Lexapro is not recommended to be taken with pimozide or methylene blue injections. Patients who also take monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOIs) treatments are strongly recommended to wait at least two weeks before beginning Lexapro treatments.

 

 Lexapro is not authorized for treatment for children under 12 years of age.

 

 Do not take Lexapro if allergic to any of the active or inactive ingredients in the drug.

 

 Do not take Lexapro if pregnant or suspected to be pregnant without explicit instructions from a physician.

 

 Lexapro is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.

 

Patients with a history of heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, narrow angle glaucoma, epilepsy, liver disease and bipolar disorder (manic depression) should discuss with a healthcare professional whether Lexapro is safe to use.