Lexapro

How it works

     * Lexapro is a brand name of escitalopram. Escitalopram is used to
       treat certain conditions associated with mood.
     * Experts aren't sure exactly how Lexapro works but believe its
       effects are due to its ability to block the reuptake of serotonin
       by nerves. This results in an increase in serotonin concentrations
       in the nerve synapse (the space between two nerves).
     * Lexapro belongs to a class of medicines known as Selective
       Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).

Upsides

     * Used to relieve depression and anxiety in adults, and depression in
       teenagers aged 12 through 17.
     * Less likely to cause drowsiness than some other antidepressants.
     * Has also been used off-label for other conditions such as panic
       disorder and post traumatic stress disorder.
     * SSRIs in general, are better tolerated than many other medicines
       used in the treatment of depression.
     * May be more effective with less adverse effects than other SSRIs.
     * Lexapro is available as a generic under the name escitalopram.

Downsides

   If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or
   have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to
   experience include:
     * Insomnia or drowsiness, sexual dysfunction, nausea, dry mouth, and
       increased sweating.
     * As with other antidepressants, Lexapro may increase the risk of
       suicidal thoughts or behavior; the risk is higher in children and
       young adults aged less than 24. Monitor for worsening mood.
     * May precipitate a manic episode in people with undiagnosed bipolar
       disorder.
     * May cause lowering of total body sodium (hyponatremia); elderly
       people or people taking diuretics or already dehydrated may be more
       at risk.
     * May impair judgment and affect your ability to drive or operate
       machinery. Avoid alcohol.
     * May cause a discontinuation syndrome if abruptly stopped or
       interrupted (symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
       headaches, dizziness, sweating, chills, tremors, vivid dreams, and
       insomnia); taper off dosage slowly over several weeks to months.
     * Interaction or overdosage may cause serotonin syndrome (symptoms
       include mental status changes [such as agitation, hallucinations,
       coma, delirium]), fast heart rate, dizziness, flushing, muscle
       tremor or rigidity and stomach symptoms (including nausea,
       vomiting, and diarrhea]).
     * May increase the risk of bleeding, especially if used with other
       drugs that also increase bleeding risk. Rarely associated with
       seizures.
     * Seek medical advice if a rash develops while taking Lexapro.
       Discontinue if a severe allergic reaction to Lexapro occurs and
       seek urgent medical advice.
     * May interact with a number of other drugs including other
       antidepressants, tramadol, bupropion, diuretics, St John's Wort,
       and drugs that prolong the QT interval (such as pimozide or
       thioridazine).
     * May not be suitable for some people including those with glaucoma,
       bleeding disorders, a history of seizures, liver or kidney disease,
       the elderly, or certain heart conditions. People with diabetes may
       need the dosage of their medication adjusted.

   Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical
   conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes,
   seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of
   developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all
   side effects, [84]click here.

Bottom Line

   Lexapro is an effective antidepressant that may have less potential for
   adverse effects than other SSRI antidepressants.

Tips

     * Take with or without food. Dosage adjustments should be made no
       more frequently than weekly - your doctor will advise you on this.
     * Do not stop suddenly as withdrawal symptoms may occur.
     * Do not drive or operate machinery if this medicine makes you drowsy
       or impairs your judgment. Avoid alcohol.
     * Be alert for worsening mood and suicide-related thoughts or
       behaviors. Seek medical advice if changes are apparent.
     * Seek urgent medical advice if symptoms consistent with serotonin
       syndrome (such as agitation, hallucinations, fast heart rate,
       dizziness, flushing, nausea, diarrhea) develop.
     * Talk to your doctor immediately if you develop a rash or seek
       urgent medical advice with severe allergy-type symptoms such as
       swelling of the face or throat, or shortness of breath.
     * Do not take any other medicines, including those bought
       over-the-counter, without first consulting a doctor or pharmacist
       and asking if the medicine is safe to take with Lexapro.
     * Talk with your doctor if you experience any: unusual bruising or
       increased bleeding while taking Lexapro, persistent headaches,
       confusion, weakness, or unsteadiness resulting in falls.
     * Other reasons to visit your doctor include an increase,
       irregularity, or slowing of your heart rate or shortness of breath,
       eye pain or swelling or visual disturbances, seizures, manic
       behavior such as recklessness, racing thoughts, increased energy,
       or severe difficulty in sleeping.

Response and Effectiveness

     * Peak blood levels are reached approximately 5 hours after a dose
       but it may take up to a week for levels to become stabilized in the
       body. An improvement in depressive or anxiety symptoms may not be
       noticed for 1-4 weeks. Treatment should be continued as directed
       even after improvement.

References