Lexapro Escitalopram: Uses, Side Effects, Precautions

Alcohol can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety and can increase the side effects of antidepressants. In all three studies, Lexapro showed statistically significant greater mean improvement compared to placebo on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A). Response during the open-label phase was defined by having a decrease of the MADRS total score to ≤ 12. Relapse during the double-blind phase was defined as an increase of the MADRS total score to ≥ 22, or discontinuation due to insufficient clinical response. Patients receiving continued Lexapro experienced a statistically significant longer time to relapse compared to those receiving placebo. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among drugs, but there was an increased risk identified in young patients for most drugs studied.

The condition happens in less than 1% of pregnancies with SSRI treatment. This article provides information on the side effects of Lexapro, including interactions with different drugs and when to see a doctor. For MDD, adults and adolescents aged 12⁠–17 ⁠years should take 10 milligrams (mg) of Lexapro daily, with or without food. The dosage may increase to 20 mg daily following a doctor’s recommendation.

What can I expect when stopping or “coming off” Lexapro?

One theory is that Lexapro helps balance serotonin levels in the brain, which can reduce anxiety and enhance mood. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, and other functions. SSRIs like Lexapro are generally effective and have fewer side effects than older antidepressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). They also lack the addictive potential of Xanax (alprozolam) and other benzodiazepines. If you have bleeding problems, such as problems with blood clotting or a bleeding stomach ulcer (sore) taking Lexapro could worsen your bleeding problems.

Cases with serum sodium lower than 110 mmol/L have been reported. Elderly patients may be at greater risk of developing hyponatremia with SSRIs and SNRIs. Also, patients taking diuretics or who are otherwise volume depleted may be at greater risk [see Use In Specific Populations].

• During her lowest points with depression and anxiety, Read could not fall asleep no matter how tired she was.
• Decreased appetite and weight loss have been observed in association with the use of SSRIs.
• This helps to ease symptoms of MDD by improving emotions and mood.
• Neonates exposed to SSRIs or SNRIs, including Lexapro, late in third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding.

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use Lexapro for a condition for which it was not prescribed.

Antidepressants and alcohol: What’s the concern?

They can help determine whether this treatment is right for you. With MDD, you have long lasting or intense feelings of sadness, which may affect your daily life. For example, you may lose interest in activities you used to https://sober-home.org/ enjoy. With GAD, you have constant or overwhelming worry about everyday situations. This worry may affect your relationships and daily activities. For example, you may find it hard to work or leave your home because of it.

For more details, see the “Lexapro interactions” section below. Guidelines recommend SSRI antidepressants as one of the first drug treatment options for GAD. To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. Do not increase your Lexapro dosage unless your doctor recommends it. If your doctor increases your dosage, talk with them about whether this is right for you. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended.

What to do in case of overdose

Like other medications, it can cause some side effects and drug interactions. However, for some people, the benefits may outweigh the possible adverse effects. It’s not known whether Lexapro is safe to take during pregnancy. But other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been studied in pregnancy. These studies suggest that SSRIs, such as Lexapro, may cause problems with fetal development (commonly known as birth defects). Lexapro’s drugmaker recommends that you avoid alcohol while taking this drug.

Guidelines recommend SSRI as a first drug treatment option for OCD. Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft). However, if your doctor advises that one of these isn’t right for you, they may recommend Lexapro instead. GAD is a mental health condition that causes disproportionate worries or fears.

Similar effects on offspring mortality and growth were seen when dams were treated throughout gestation and early lactation at doses ≥ 24 mg/kg/day, approximately 4 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis. SSRIs, including Lexapro, can precipitate serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Table 4 shows common adverse reactions that occurred in the 20 mg/day Lexapro group with an incidence that was approximately twice that of the 10 mg/day Lexapro group and approximately twice that of the placebo group.

• Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
• Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, and other anticoagulants may add to the risk.
• Doctors usually do not recommend drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro or any other antidepressant.
• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Lexapro only for the indication prescribed.
• Your doctor can provide guidance in these situations to help you take this drug safely.

There were too few patients in differing ethnic and age groups to adequately assess whether or not Lexapro has differential effects in these groups. There was no difference in response to Lexapro between men and women. Citalopram oral clearance was reduced by 37% and half-life was doubled in patients with reduced hepatic function compared to normal subjects [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, eco sober house ma Use In Specific Populations]. Biotransformation of escitalopram is mainly hepatic, with a mean terminal half-life of about hours. The oral clearance of escitalopram is 600 mL/min, with approximately 7% of that due to renal clearance. Gastrointestinal decontamination with activated charcoal should be considered in patients who present early after a Lexapro overdose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Do not stop using Lexapro suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Tell your doctor if you have any changes in sexual function, such as loss of interest in sex, trouble having an orgasm, or (in men) problems with erections or ejaculation.

Approximately 69 patients (6%) of the 1,144 patients receiving escitalopram in controlled trials of Lexapro in major depressive disorder and GAD were 60 years of age or older [see Clinical Studies]. The number of elderly patients in these trials was insufficient to adequately assess for possible differential efficacy and safety measures on the basis of age. Nevertheless, greater sensitivity of some elderly individuals to effects of Lexapro cannot be ruled out. Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Decreased appetite and weight loss have been observed in association with the use of SSRIs.

OVERDOSE

It’s important to recognize that you will not experience immediate relief from taking Lexapro. It can take anywhere from one to four weeks to feel better once you start taking this drug. If Lexapro is not effective for you, your doctor will work to find another medication that may help, such as another SSRI or a different class of antidepressant medication. In rare cases, Lexapro may cause a type of irregular heart rhythm called long QT syndrome.

Serious Lexapro Side Effects

To find out how the cost of escitalopram compares with the cost of Lexapro, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If you decide to take Lexapro during pregnancy, talk with your doctor about enrolling in the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants. This registry records health information about pregnant people who take antidepressants and what effects the drugs may have on their children. It aims to gather information about the safety of antidepressants during pregnancy. Major depressive disorder is a mental health condition that causes ongoing feelings of extreme sadness and despair. It can affect your thoughts and behavior and also cause physical symptoms.

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