|
Escitalopram
Brand Name: Lexapro
Overview
Lexapro is the brand name for escitalopram, an antidepressant. Lexapro is a
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) and works by increasing serotonin
levels in the brain. Lexapro contains the active isomer (chemical) of Celexa
(citalopram). Lexapro’s advantage over Celexa may be that it is usually as
effective as Celexa at one-fourth the dose.
Lexapro’s full effects may not be felt for 1 to 4 weeks or longer.
Why
is this drug prescribed?
Lexapro is used to treat depression, especially to treat or prevent a recurrence
of major depressive disorder, including anxiety symptoms of depression.
Warnings
and Precautions
Alcohol should be avoided while taking Lexapro because it increases several of the side
effects.
Lexapro’s side effects may make it difficult or dangerous to drive or operate
machinery, especially near the beginning of therapy.
For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: There have been no studies of Lexapro in humans,
but animal studies indicate that Lexapro in high doses may be harmful to the fetus.
Lexapro does pass into breast milk and may cause sleepiness, decreased feeding, and
weight loss in the breastfeeding infant; Lexapro is not recommended for breastfeeding
mothers.
Contraindications
Lexapro should Not be used for people with an allergy to Lexapro or Celexa (citalopram).
Precautions
Lexapro may be used with caution in people with the following conditions:
- Metabolic or circulatory disease
- A history of drug abuse – these patients are more likely to become dependant on Lexapro.
- Severe kidney disease
- Liver disease – a lower dosage and close monitoring may be needed
- A history of mania or hypomania – Lexapro may make these worse.
- A history of seizures – Lexapro may increase the risk of seizures in these patients.
- Heart disease
Adverse
Reactions
Lexapro may cause the following reactions:
- Decreased libido (less interest in sex), including inability to maintain an erection, impotence, delayed ejaculation, and inability to have an orgasm
- Dry mouth / thirst
- Excessive sweating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Insomnia
- Agitation or restlessness
- Headache
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Chills, shivering
- Cough or wheezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Decreased appetite
- Weight changes
- Blurred vision
- Muscle or joint pain
- Pain around the eyes and cheeks
- Shaking (tremor)
Interactions
with Drugs and Other Substances
Drugs or substances that may interact with Lexapro include:
- Celexa (citalopram) is very similar to Lexapro and these medications should not be taken at the same time.
- Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors – no MAO inhibitor should be taken within 14 days of taking Lexapro due to serious and potentially deadly interactions between these drugs.
- Imitrex (sumatriptan) – when taken with Lexapro may cause more side effects, though the two drugs may sometimes be used together with close monitoring by a physician.
- Lithium – more careful monitoring of drug and serotonin levels may be needed.
- Sumatriptan
- Carbamazepine – may decrease blood levels of Lexapro.
Sources
http://www.healthyplace.com/medications/lexapro.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/500409.html
http://www.lexapro.com/home/default.asp
|
