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What is Lexapro
EscitalopramThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryEscitalopram is a type of antidepressant medication called a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin in the brain, which can help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Escitalopram is much stronger than other similar medications and is thought to have fewer side effects. It also works faster and is more effective than other SSRIs due to its specific action on serotonin transporters.
Lexaprois the brand name
Lexapro Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Lexapro
Escitalopram
2002
362
Effectiveness
How Lexapro Affects PatientsEscitalopram is a type of medication called an SSRI (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor) that helps boost serotonin levels in the brain. It is considered to be a fast-acting SSRI, and can cause abnormal bleeding or a condition called serotonin syndrome if taken with other drugs. If you need to stop taking escitalopram, it should be gradually reduced over time to avoid unpleasant side effects.
How Lexapro works in the bodyEscitalopram works to increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. It does this by blocking serotonin from being taken back up into the brain cells. It also binds to a secondary site on the serotonin transporter molecule, which further increases the amount of serotonin in the brain. After a while of this increased serotonin, the brain cells become less sensitive to it, which helps to create the full effect of the drug. Escitalopram does not bind to other types of receptors, which can help explain some side effects.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Lexapro is contingent upon the diagnosed affliction, including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression. The amount fluctuates in line with the technique of delivery featured in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
20.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Kit
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
20.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Kit
Depression
20.0 mg, , 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Kit
Warnings
Lexapro ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Long QT Syndrome
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Escitalopram may interact with Pulse Frequency
Prolonged QT Interval
Do Not Combine
Common Lexapro Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Aclidinium
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Escitalopram is combined with Aclidinium.
Artemether
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Escitalopram is combined with Artemether.
Azelastine
Major
Escitalopram may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Cimetropium
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Escitalopram is combined with Cimetropium.
Dronedarone
Major
Escitalopram may increase the QTc-prolonging activities of Dronedarone.
Lexapro Toxicity & Overdose RiskOverdosing on escitalopram may cause dizziness, seizures, unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and changes in the heart's electrical activity. There is no specific antidote for this drug, so monitoring vital signs and providing supportive care is the best way to treat overdose. Since this drug is quickly absorbed into the tissue after ingestion, methods such as dialysis are not likely to be very helpful.
Lexapro Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Lexapro?
231 active studies are currently assessing the utility of Lexapro in the management of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Depression
198 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
32 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 4
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
17 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Lexapro Reviews: What are patients saying about Lexapro?
4Patient Review
10/31/2022 It's tough switches medications, and it took about three months for me to transition from Effexor to Lexapro. I'm now on 20mg and have experienced a decrease in appetite. If you're struggling with making a similar switch, consider taking lorazepam to help ease the process; it definitely aided me.
3.3Patient Review
10/5/2022 I tried Lexapro a few months ago but stopped because the first week was really tough. I decided to give it another go recently and have been taking it in the morning. It's helped me feel stable during the day, but I crash around 7pm and become tired and irritable.
3Patient Review
9/22/2022 I started on 10 mg to help with postpartum depression, it definitely helped but now they doubled my dosage and I take it at night. The increased dosage has caused me to have obsessive thoughts which then lead to anxiety attacks if I can't remember something. Not sure I'm going to continue with it.
2.7Patient Review
10/28/2022 I was on this medicine for around two months. I started with a low dose of 10mg, but after a couple weeks with no change, my doctor upped it to 15mg. Even at this lower dosage, though, I had really terrible side effects that made me unable to function normally. It felt like there was always a fire inside me and I would have these awful nightmares.
2.3Patient Review
9/15/2022 I was on Lexapro for over six months. I started at 20mg and it helped a little bit at first. I had energy, but everything else felt the same. Slowly, though, I started feeling numb. My emotions flatlined and I could only tell annoyance and irritation apart from other emotions easily. I had energy but no desire to do anything with it or motivation to get better. Additionally, my sex drive disappeared entirely.
1.7Patient Review
10/15/2022 I found that this drug actually made my initial symptoms worse. I lost all sense of morality and consciousness while on it.
Patient Q&A Section about lexapro
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is Lexapro a strong antidepressant?
"Lexapro clinical studies have shown to be more effective in treating Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder than those who take a placebo."
Answered by AI
How does Lexapro make you feel?
"You may experience side effects such as fatigue, diarrhea, or headaches when you first start taking Lexapro, which is an antidepressant prescription drug used to treat depression and anxiety."
Answered by AI
What does Lexapro do for you?
"Escitalopram is used to treat depression and anxiety. It is an antidepressant that affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression or anxiety."
Answered by AI
Is Lexapro and Xanax the same thing?
"Different prescription drugs that can treat general anxiety as well as anxiety with depression are Lexapro and Xanax. Lexapro is an SSRI drug while Xanax is a benzodiazepine."
Answered by AI