Lexapro (Escitalopram)

What is Generic Lexapro?

Antidepressant Lexapro belongs to the group of medication that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin hormone which leads to significant changes or the increase in the number of neurotransmitter in the space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes.

It should be noted that the therapy with this anti-depressant amplifies and prolongs the effect of serotonin on the postsynaptic receptors. Such indicators are already obtained within a month from the beginning of its taking. The result in panic disorders can be achieved in less than 3 months from the initiation of antidepressant.

In what kind of disease treatment Lexapro is helpful?

Reviews of Lexapro, as well as laboratory studies have shown that the drug is excellent suited for the treatment of diseases of the following categories:

• Major depressive episodes;
• Panic disorder with / without agoraphobia (fear of open spaces);
• Social phobia (irrational fear of the performance of any public action: public speaking, action is accompanied by public attention);
• OCD (a condition accompanied by intrusive, intimidating or interfering actions);
• Generalized anxiety disorder (a condition of permanent anxiety, nervousness and tension).

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Generic Lexapro?

Your doctor has to know about your age because this medication should not be used by children under 18 years and in elderly age or if you have hypersensitivity to Escitalopram or some serious diseases.

How should I take Lexapro?

Escitalopram should be taken internally and it is not necessary to chew or crush the tablets but drink plenty of water with it. Take this medication every day; the effectiveness of the drug is independent of food intake. In the morning reception are preferred as it helps to start your systems.

Dosage information

The duration of treatment depends on the type of disease and the amount must be assigned individually by the attending physician. Cancelling taking Lexapro should be performed gradually, so that would reduce the probability of occurrence of withdrawal syndrome.

The nature and symptoms of the disease affects the dosage and often to obtain positive results the drug is taken one-time - 10-20 mg a day. The maximum amount is 20 mg per day. Duration of therapy is an average of a couple of months. For elderly patients (65 years) is recommended amount of drug - 5 mg per day, limited daily amount of medication received 10 mg. In impaired liver function the preferred dosage of the drug in the first 2 weeks of treatment is 5 mg per day.

Personal drug reaction also affects the dosage which is due to this factor can be increased to 10 mg per day. In cases of weakly active isoenzyme CYP2C19 the recommended initial dosage for the first 2 weeks is 5 mg per day.

What may interact with Lexapro?

It is forbidden to take Escitalopram drug combination with MAO inhibitors, medications that are characterized by lowering the seizure threshold, serotonergic agents, tryptophan, lithium, drugs that cause hyponatremia, oral anticoagulants, the ones that influence blood coagulation and ethanol.

What should I watch for while taking Lexapro?

In addition, it is not recommend taking an antidepressant by women that is pregnant as well as during breastfeeding. Clinical trials of the drug have shown that taking this drug is contraindicated since the application of serotonin reuptake inhibitors in women in the psychophysical state observed symptoms, which indicates the serotonergic effect as well as the withdrawal syndrome.

Exclusively under the supervision of the doctor patients with cirrhosis of the liver and kidney failure need to take medication. Conducting course of treatment is prohibited for children under 15 years and elderly patients (from 70 years).

What side effects may I notice from Generic Lexapro?

Central and peripheral nervous system. Therapy in individual cases such symptoms:

• powerlessness;
• violation of the phases of sleep;
• involuntary contractions;
• tremors in the limbs;
• violations of coordination;
• there is also the likelihood of imaginary perceptions;
• perception without an object;
• insanity;
• confusion;
• the status of affect;
• anxiety;
• panic attacks;
• sharp decline in vision.

Digestive system.

• feeling of nausea;
• retching;
• dehydration of nasopharyngeal mucosa;
• not normal functioning of taste buds.

Additionally, undesirable reactions can include loss of appetite and change in the clinical indicators of liver function.

The cardiovascular system. Not often during therapy there is a condition characterized by sudden dizziness and clouding of consciousness with a sharp rise from the bed (orthostatic hypotension).

Endocrine system. Falling indicators of ADH, in individual cases there is separation of milk or colostrum from the breast regardless of the period of breast-feeding.

The reproductive system. The course of drug treatment can cause a decline in sexual desire, impotence and violation of ejaculation or inability to achieve orgasm.

Where can I keep Lexapro?

Keep Lexapro in a dry, dark place out of reach of children at the room temperature.