- Used to treat major depressive disorder
- Used in the treatment of anxiety disorder
- Also used to treat OCD and premature ejaculation
- Used in the treatment of migraines and panic attacks
Lexapro is the brand name of the generic drug Escitalopram which is manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals. It is available in the form of tablets as well as an oral solution. The tablets come in strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg. The tablets are round in shape and are film-coated. The 10 mg tablets as well as the 20 mg tablets are scored. The oral solution strength is 1 mg/mL and it is comes in a peppermint flavor.
Indications
Lexapro is indicated when a person suffers from severe depression. It is also used for other ailments and conditions like panic attacks, OCD, anxiety problems and premature ejaculation. Lexapro can be used to treat children and it has been approved for pediatric use.
Action
The drug is an SSRI or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor which increases the intrasynaptic levels of serotonin and prevents its reuptake. This drug has the best affinity for human serotonin among all the ones available today. This action balances the chemicals in the brain and makes a person feel much better by bringing his mood levels up.
Side Effects
Though this drug has been used very successfully by many, it is still worth it to be aware of any side effects that might occur, especially if you are a new user. Some side effects that could be felt are restlessness, hyperactivity, mood changes, insomnia, agitation or hostile behavior and impulsiveness. There could also be an eruption of a rash or hives all over the body as well as muscle stiffness. There are some serious side effects too like suicidal tendencies, seizures and swelling of the throat, tongue and lips which could cause difficulty in breathing.
Caution
You should tell your doctor if you suffer from any allergies or if you have a family history of any mental problems. He should also know about any alcohol or drug abuse problems as well as all your medical history including any conditions you might have and any medications that you are taking for them. This could be cardiac problems, kidney complications, blood pressure or cholesterol problems or diabetes. Any history of seizures or epileptic fits should also be reported.
Contraindications
This drug is usually contraindicated in pregnant women or nursing mothers. One cannot for sure say that the baby will be affected but it would not be worth taking a chance. There are cases when the baby has suffered from seizures, muscle stiffness, continuous crying or withdrawal symptoms when this drug has been administered to the mother. The medication passes through the breast milk to the baby when nursing. Old people, too, tend to react to this drug and they should be careful if they have been prescribed this medication. This is so especially in the case of those taking diuretics as they might lose an excessive amount of salt when they take this.