Lexapro (Escitalopram)

Lexapro is the brand name for escitalopram, an antidepressant. Lexapro is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) and works by blocking transporters for serotonin, therefore increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Lexapro contains the active isomer (chemical) of Celexa (citalopram). Lexapro's advantage over Celexa may be that it is usually as effective as Celexa at one-fourth the dose.

Lexapro's full effects may not be felt for 1 to 4 weeks or longer.

Why is this drug prescribed?
Lexapro is FDA-approved for depression and anxiety in adults. There is also some evidence for use in obsessive-compulsive disorder and trichotillomania in adults.

How much of this drug is typically used?
Oral tablet: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
Oral solution: 1 mg/mL

Buy Lexapro

You can buy Lexapro and use it to prevent:

Depression

The accurate dosage of Lexapro helps you overcome depression. As your doctor detects the symptoms of clinical depression and other signs of stress including insomnia, loss of appetite or sudden weight loss, he prescribes the medication in the early phase of the disease. You may also experience some negative feelings of depression including suicidal thoughts, hopelessness and feeling alone. With an intake of Escitalopram your mood improves, and you start feeling positive about life.

Anxiety

Lexapro treats generalized anxiety disorder. The condition is quite different than normal anxiety issues. Generalized anxiety disorder causes excess worry and tension that disrupts your normal life. Some of the common signs are difficulty concentrating, unexplained feelings of apprehension, insomnia, fatigue, headaches and muscle aches.

Migraine

When you are the victim of a chronic migraine, the doctor may prescribe medications to help you overcome intense migraine pains. The intense pain often occurs on any one side of your head. It also induces several other health discomforts such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. The pain can also last for several days. In such circumstances, the intake of Lexapro treats the pain effectively.

Warnings and Precautions

Alcohol should be avoided while taking Lexapro because it increases several of the side effects.

Lexapro's side effects may make it difficult or dangerous to drive or operate machinery, especially near the beginning of therapy.

For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: There have been no studies of Lexapro in humans, but animal studies indicate that Lexapro in high doses may be harmful to the fetus. Lexapro does pass into breast milk and may cause sleepiness, decreased feeding, and weight loss in the breastfeeding infant; Lexapro is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.

Contraindications
Lexapro should not be used for people with an allergy to Lexapro or Celexa (citalopram).

Precautions
Lexapro may be used with caution in people with the following conditions:

• Metabolic or circulatory disease
• A history of drug abuse - these patients are more likely to become dependant on Lexapro.
• Severe kidney disease
• Liver disease - a lower dosage and close monitoring may be needed
• A history of mania or hypomania - Lexapro may make these worse.
• A history of seizures - Lexapro may increase the risk of seizures in these patients.
• Heart disease

Adverse Reactions
Lexapro may cause the following reactions:

• Decreased libido (less interest in sex), including inability to maintain an erection, impotence, delayed ejaculation, and inability to have an orgasm
• Dry mouth / thirst
• Excessive sweating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Insomnia
• Agitation or restlessness
• Headache
• Sleepiness or drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Chills, shivering
• Cough or wheezing
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Decreased appetite
• Weight changes
• Blurred vision
• Muscle or joint pain
• Pain around the eyes and cheeks
• Shaking (tremor)
• Fatigue

Rarely:

• Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (leading to low blood sodium)
• Suicidal thoughts

Interactions with Drugs and Other Substances

Drugs or substances that may interact with Lexapro include:

• Celexa (citalopram) is very similar to Lexapro and these medications should not be taken at the same time.
• Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors - no MAO inhibitor should be taken within 14 days of taking Lexapro due to serious and potentially deadly interactions between these drugs.
• Imitrex (sumatriptan) - when taken with Lexapro may cause more side effects, though the two drugs may sometimes be used together with close monitoring by a physician.
• Lithium - more careful monitoring of drug and serotonin levels may be needed.
• Sumatriptan
• Carbamazepine - may decrease blood levels of Lexapro.

Research Studies and Use in Child Psychiatry
This medication is similar to citalopram, and is in fact an isomer. Despite an absence of postive data, escitalopram is used in children with depression, although the medication carries a special warning, as with other antidepressants, of increased suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents and young adults.  Additionally, a small study has suggested that escitalopram is useful in children and adolescents with social anxiety disorder.