Drugs On Review

What is Lexapro?

Lexapro is a trade name used by Forest Pharmaceuticals for escitalopram, an SSRI antidepressant. It is used for treating major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Lexapro has been demonstrated as effective in relieving depression in adults and adolescents aged between 12 and 17. Like many other SSRIs it has been used off-label for the treatment of premature ejaculation in males. Other off-label uses include the treatment of fibromyalgia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, migraines and Tourette syndrome.

Like all SSRIs, Lexapro acts by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic gap, thus making more serotonin available to activate serotonin receptors. Lexapro has high selectivity of serotonin reuptake inhibition.

What does Lexapro look like?

Lexapro is sold as a round white tablet in strengths of 5, 10 and 20 mg. The tablets are imprinted with FL 5, FL 10 and FL 20 respectively.

Lexapro dosing and administration

The standard starting dose of Lexapro for depression or generalized anxiety disorder is 10 mg once a day. If this is not effective your doctor may increase the dosage incrementally until the desired effect is achieved. Typically, Lexapro treatment will continue for a period of several months or more. Patients with liver disorders should not take more than 10 mg per day.

Common adverse effects from Lexapro

Lexapro may have all the side effects usually associated with SSRIs. These include insomnia, constricted pupils, dry mouth, sleepiness, vertigo, sweating, constipation, fatigue and dyspepsia. There may be a number of sexual side effects including decreased libido and delayed ejaculation or failure to ejaculate. These are usually reversible after cessation of Lexapro treatment. There is an increased incidence of suicidal ideation. The use of Lexapro for depression is known to result in weight gain.

Lexapro warnings and precautions

Before taking Lexapro you should tell your doctor if you have bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder, recent heart problems, diabetes, epilepsy or any liver disease.

Interactions with Lexapro

St John’s wort may potentiate Lexapro as much as 50%. Like all SSRIs, Lexapro may interact with a wide range of drugs and you should tell you doctor about any other medications you are using. The use of alcohol should be avoided while you are taking Lexapro.

Lexapro and migraine

Lexapro may be used of-label for the prevention of migraines. It has been observed to be of particular use in patients who have more than two migraines per week and who also suffer from depression or anxiety.

Lexapro withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms may occur in patients who cease taking Lexapro abruptly. These symptoms may include irritability, vertigo, anxiety, confusion, headache, insomnia and fatigue. When ceasing treatment the dosage should be tapered down over a number of weeks to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

What if I take an accidental overdose of Lexapro?

If you suspect that you or another person may have taken an overdose of Lexapro you should seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, tachycardia, coma or seizures. There is no specific antidote for Lexapro so treatment for overdose will be symptomatic and may include assistance with breathing and hydration through an infusion.