Lexapro is the trademark name for the generic drug escitalopram, which is a type of antidepressant medication. It belongs to a group of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) that were first introduced in the 1980s. These medications are generally effective and have fewer side effects than some other antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Lexapro, which comes in pill or liquid form, is used today to treat a variety of mental health conditions.
Uses
It is not known exactly how Lexapro works to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, we know that this medication has an effect on serotonin, which is a brain neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, and other bodily functions.
It is thought that by taking Lexapro, serotonin levels in the brain become more balanced. This helps to reduce anxiety and enhance mood. Lexapro was initially used only to treat depression. However, research showed that it was also effective for other mood disorders as well as anxiety disorders.
While it is currently only approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), it is prescribed for many other conditions.
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Before Taking
Lexapro is prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorder, depressive disorders, and other mood disorders, sometimes in combination with other medications. However, there are a number of steps involved in obtaining a prescription. Generally, a diagnosis of a mental health disorder must be given before you would be prescribed Lexapro.
While a primary care physician is capable of writing a prescription, the process may be better handled by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, who can also prescribe medication.
Prior to starting the medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic or hypersensitive to escitalopram or are pregnant or breastfeeding. It's also important to alert your doctor if you have a history of any of the following medical conditions, which may be exacerbated by Lexapro:
- Bipolar disorder
- Glaucoma
- Low salt levels
- Seizures
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Precautions and Contradictions
There are many precautions involved when taking Lexapro. You can reduce potential risks by being aware of who should not take this medication, potential medication interactions, and the black box warning.
Lexapro is not safe for everyone. Certain people should not take Lexapro, including:
- People with allergies: You should not take Lexapro if you're hypersensitive to escitalopram oxalate, meaning that you have a known allergy to the medication and experience symptoms of allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue.
- Children: The effectiveness of Lexapro in children younger than 18 years of age has not been established, and it's not generally recommended for kids under the age of 12.
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding: Use Lexapro with caution if you're pregnant or breastfeeding as the medication can be passed to your child. Your doctor should discuss this with you; if not, be sure to ask about potential risks.
- Older adults: The side effects of the medication can be more severe in older adults. In this case, your doctor should monitor your dose and adjust as necessary to reduce the severity of side effects.
- People who are taking blood thinners: Taking NSAIDs, aspirin, and warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding in people taking Lexapro.
- People who are taking serotonergic medications: Taking Lexapro with other serotonergic drugs as well as St. John's wort can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- According to a black box warning (the strictest warning for prescription drugs issued by the FDA), taking Lexapro can result in an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults. Close monitoring by your psychiatrist or doctor is important particularly if you are an adolescent or young adult taking Lexapro.
Dosage
The tablets are available in 5 milligram (mg), 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths. The 10 and 20 mg tablets are scored and can be cut in half. The oral solution comes in a strength of 1 mg per milliliter (mL).
The usual recommended daily dosage of Lexapro is 10 mg, but you may begin at a lower dose and increased slowly if needed.
The manufacturer recommended dose of Lexapro:
- Major depressive disorder over age 18: 10 mg per day and increased to 20 mg per day after three weeks if necessary
- Major depressive disorder age 12 to 18: 10 mg per day and increased to 20 mg per day after one week if necessary
- Generalized anxiety disorder: 10 mg per day
If you are experiencing the first episode of depression or anxiety, you may take Lexapro for a defined period such as between six months and one year. However, for individuals experiencing a chronic mental health condition, it may be necessary to take Lexapro for an extended period over many years.
