Escitalopram (Lexapro) is an oral drug which is mainly used for treating depression and general anxiety disorder. This medicine is a part of the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Escitalopram (Lexapro) affects the neurotransmitters which communicate with one another in the brain. Doctors believe that the imbalance of neurotransmitters results in depression. Chemically, Escitalopram (Lexapro) is similar to citalopram (Celexa). This drug was also approved by the food and drug administration in August 2002.
Escitalopram (Lexapro) is approved for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Along with this, the medicine is used for obsessive-compulsive disorders and panic disorders. The usual starting dosage of this medicine is 10 mg, taken once daily. The dosage can be slowly increased to 20 mg, which is taken once daily. After 4 weeks, the changes caused by the medicine can be seen. This drug can be taken with or without food.
As it is an antidepressant, Escitalopram (Lexapro) can increase the risk of suicidal thinking.
This is especially the case among children and adolescents. Thus, the doctor should be informed about the patient's medical history. The patients should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Doctors should be consulted immediately if any change is noticed. As soon as the changes are reported to the doctor, he or she will be able to prescribe proper medicines for the patient.
The safety of Escitalopram (Lexapro) during pregnancy as well as lactation has not been established till now. Thus, the patient should consult the doctor while taking this medicine. The fetus may face risk if high doses of this drug are taken. This medicine also affects the milk of a lactating mother. It should not be given to nursing mothers unless a doctor is consulted.
Escitalopram (Lexapro) can, at times, increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. This is the case if it is taken along with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other drugs that cause bleeding. A person who suddenly stops taking Escitalopram (Lexapro) may experience various withdrawal symptoms. These include dizziness, tingling, tiredness, vivid dreams, irritability and a poor mood. Thus,doctors advise patients not to abruptly stop taking the medicine.
As is the case with any other antidepressant, people who take Escitalopram (Lexapro) may experience side effects. Some of these are diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, fever, frequent urination, headache, indigestion, agitation or restlessness. They may also experience blurred vision, nausea, increased or decreased appetite, increased sweating, sexual difficulties, taste alterations, tremor (shaking) and weight changes.
To know more about antidepressants, have a look at the pages of anxietyxl.com.
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