What is Lexapro?
Lexapro is a trade name for escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat clinical depression, generalized anxiety disorder and a number of brain conditions. It is a highly selective inhibitor of serotonin reuptake.
How does Lexapro work?
Like all SSRI antidepressants, Lexapro blocks the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic gap, making increased serotonin available and thus elevating mood.
What does Lexapro look like?
Lexapro is presented as a round white pill in strengths of 5, 10 and 20 mg. They are imprinted with FL 5, FL 10 and FL 20 respectively.
Lexapro dosing and administration
The standard initial dosage of Lexapro for adults or adolescents (from 12 upwards) for the treatment of depression, or for adults with generalized anxiety disorder is 10 mg once a day. If symptomatic relief is not obtained at this level, your doctor may increase your dose. If you no not tolerate the drug well, the dosage may be decreased. Lexapro is intended for long term use. Individual doses can range from 10 to 20 mg once a day. Elderly patients or those with impaired livers should not take more than 10 mg per day. It may take several weeks for the effect of Lexapro to appear, so it is important to be patient when beginning the drug. Lexapro may be taken with or without food, but should be taken at the same time each day to ensure a steady blood plasma level.
Common adverse effects from Lexapro
The most common side effects of Lexapro reported in clinical trials are headache, nausea, delayed ejaculation, lethargy, insomnia, dry mouth, fatigue, abnormal sweating, diarrhea, decreased libido, difficulty reaching orgasm and dizziness. Less common side effects are dyspepsia, anorexia, vomiting, bizarre dreams, weight gain and erectile dysfunction. More serious side effects which should be reported to your doctor without delay include suicidal ideation, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, hostility or rage, risk-taking or unusual behavior, restlessness, mood swings, serotonin syndrome, palpitations, insomnia or allergic reactions.
Lexapro warnings and precautions
You should inform your doctor before taking Lexapro if you have any history or family history of bipolar disorder or any history of suicidal ideation or suicidal gestures, or if you have had a recent heart attack or have any unstable heart condition, diabetes, epilepsy, liver disease or any allergies. You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or may become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding. You should also report any other medications you are taking, including herbal supplements and whether you drink alcohol regularly. Lexapro may increase the risk of suicidal ideation or behavior in adults and teenagers. Because of this, any changes in symptoms or behavior should be discussed with your doctor immediately.
Interactions with Lexapro
Lexapro may interact with alcohol, aspirin, cimetidine, ketoconazole, linezolid, lithium, metoprolol, certain antidepressants such as bupropion, mirtazapine, nefazodone, trazodone and vilazodone, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, celecoxib, diclofenac and oxaprozin, pimozide, other SSRI or SNRI medications, St John’s wort, tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants, triptans, tryptophan and warfarin.