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Lexapro (escitalopram) Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions Category: Depression, Compulsion, Anxiety by - October 1, 2011 | Views: 26853 | Likes: 0 | Comment: 0  

Lexapro| escitalopram

Drug Class: Antidepressant, Selective Serotinin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Manufacturer: Forest Laboratories
Approval Date: August, 2002

What is Lexapro and how does it work

Lexapro is an antidepressant that works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters (serotonin) in the brain. It is also classified as a selective serotonin inhibitor (SSRI).

What is Lexapro used for

  • Depression in adults and adolescents
  • Anxiety in adults

How effective is Lexapro

  • Lexapro 10 or 20 mg daily was more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms of depression in 8-week studies.
  • In three 8-week studies, Lexapro was more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms of anxiety.
What are interesting facts about Lexapro
  • It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
  • Administered once daily
  • It is chemically related to citalopram (Celexa)
How is Lexapro dosed and administered
 
10-20 mg administered orally once daily.
 
What are the side effects of Lexapro
 
Common: Nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, decreased appetite, insomnia, sexual dysfunction.
Serious: Suicide, manic episodes, seizures, serotonin syndrome, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, abnormal bleeding, low sodium, withdrawal syndrome.
 
Lexapro drug interactions
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine)
  • Zyvox (linezolid)
  • St. John's Wort
  • Coumadin (warfarin)
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., Motrin, Aleve)
  • Imitrex (sumatriptan) and similar drugs

What is the cost of Lexapro

Cost between $4 and $11

How to obtain prescription assistance for Lexapro

For Lexapro prescription assistance visit Forest Pharmaceuticals Patient Assistance Program or call 1 (800) 851-0758.

References:

Lexapro FDA Prescribing Information.

 

The material on this site is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

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