Lexapro
Drug name: Lexapro
Active Ingredients:
- escitalopram
Other names used:
- Cipralex®
- Escitalopram®
- Esipram®
- Seroplex®
Therapeutic actions:
Lexapro is an antidepressant, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Inhibition of serotonin reuptake leads to increased concentrations of this neurotransmitter in the synaptic gap, strengthens and prolongs its action on postsynaptic receptor areas.
Indications:
- depressive coniditions
- panic disorders with or without agoraphobia
Contraindications and cautions:
- Hypersensitivity to the drug or its components
- Bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression)
- A history of suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts
- A recent history of a heart attack (or if you have unstable heart disease)
- Diabetes
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
- Pediatric patients (15 years old and less)
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
Adverse effects: There are possible side-effects associated with this medicine that can affect individuals in different ways. If a side effect is stated here, that does not necessarily mean the fact that all people using Lexapro will experience it or any other.
Often:
- Nausea, decreased appetite, diarrhea, constipation
- Insomnia or drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, excessive sweating
- Pyrexia, sinusitis, decreased libido, impotence, abnormal ejaculation, anorgasmia (in females)
- Taste and sleep disturbance
Rare:
- Orthostatic hypotension, hyponatremia, insufficient secretion of antidiuretic hormone
- Visual disturbances, vomiting, dry mouth, anaphylactic reactions, changes in laboratory values of liver function
- Arthralgia, myalgia, convulsions, tremors, motor impairment, serotonin syndrome
- Hallucinations, mania, confusion, agitation, anxiety, depersonalization, panic attacks, irritability
- Urinary retention, galactorrhea, skin rash, pruritus, ecchymosis, purpura, angioedema
In long-term treatment:
Withdrawal syndrome after the treatment (accompanied by dizziness, headaches and nausea)
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with escitalopram, please read the information provided with Lexapro or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with escitalopram. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
- MAOI
- Serotonergic agents
- Anticonvulsants
- Li+ drugs
- Amino acids
- Hypericum perforatum derivatives
- Atypical antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants
- NSAIDs
- Oral anticoagulants
- Alcohol
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Antiarrhythmic drugs
- Beta blockers
Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE Lexapro with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.
