Lexapro

Lexapro is useful for treating mood problems, such as depression and anxiety.  Lexapro® is Forest Laboratories' brand name for escitalopram. It is a medication developed by the Danish pharmaceutical company Lundbeck, that acts as aselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Important Information on Lexapro

  • Indications: major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder
  • Side Effects: insomnia (difficulty sleeping), sexual dysfunction, nausea, excessive sweating, fatigue, diarrhea, dry mouth, dizziness, excessive sleepiness, worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts
  • Warnings: Lexapro may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder and other psychiatric conditions. The need for the medication should be carefully weighed against potential risk in this population before initiation of therapy. Children and adolescents on Lexapro should be carefully monitored by the prescriber.

 
Uses for this Medicine
Lexapro is typically used to treat mood problems, such as major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

When this Medicine Should Not be Used
Lexapro should not be used at the same time as another class of anti-depressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Patients with an allergy to escitalopram or citalopram or any of the ingredients in Lexapro should not take it.
 
Dosing
Lexapro is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets. It is also available an oral solution with a concentration of 5 mg/ 5 mL.
The recommended dosage of escitalopram is 10-20 mg a day. Exceptions include the elderly and patients with hepatic impairment, who should not take more than 10 mg a day. Both Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Depression are considered chronic conditions, treatment is recommended for several months. The efficacy of Lexapro over long periods of time has not been studied, therefore consistent reevaluation of the treatment is recommended for longer periods of treatment.
Lexapro is a pregnancy category C drug. This means that study with Lexapro in animals have shown adverse effects, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Neonates exposed to Lexapro in the third trimester have developed many complications some that are consistent with serotonin syndrome. Lexapro should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Overdosing
If overdosage of Lexapro is suspected, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Patients who overdose on Lexapro may need to have their stomach emptied by lavage or use of activated charcoal. Patients should receive careful observation and symptomatic and supportive care.

Side Effects
Common side effects of Lexapro include:

  • insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
  • sexual dysfunction
  • nausea
  • excessive sweating
  • fatigue (feeling tired)
  • diarrhea
  • dry mouth
  • dizziness
  • excessive sleepiness

Serious, but rare side effects include:

  • worsening of depression
  • suicide or suicidal thoughts


Drug Interactions
Lexapro may interact with a group of drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Patients taking both drugs have had serious and occasionally fatal reactions. Patients should not take escitalopram with MAOIs and should allow 14 days if switching from an MAOI to escitalopram or vice versa.
Lexapro may also interact with sumatriptan (brand name Imitrex). Patients taking both medications have experienced weakness, incoordination, and hyperreflexia. If using both medications, a patient should be under close observation of a physician.

How this Medication Works
Lexapro belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). It increases the activity of serotonin in the central nervous system by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in central nervous system neurons.
 

Discussion Points for You and Your Healthcare Provider
Although you may begin notice improvements in your mood within one to two weeks of starting Lexapro, it may take up to four to six weeks for the full effects of the medication to be evident.
Patients who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant should talk to their healthcare provider.
Abrupt withdrawal or discontinuation of this medication may cause withdrawal symptoms. These include dizziness, chills, cold sweats, abdominal pain, weight gain, and tingling sensations of the skin. Patients who wish to stop taking Lexapro should do so gradually and under the care of a physician.
Patients who experience worsening depression or suicidal thoughts should contact their provider immediately.
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare provider for more information.
 

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