What is Lexapro (escitalopram) side effects, dosage, uses |

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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