Lexapro
Indicated for major depressive disorder and utilized to support serotonin balance to handle anxiety.
Strengths: 5 · 10 · 20mg
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Medicine details
- Alternative names
Cipralex
- Therapeutic class
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
- Pharmacological class
SSRI
- Contraindications
concurrent use of MAO inhibitors; hypersensitivity
- Minor side effects
nausea; insomnia; headache; dizziness
- Moderate side effects
dry mouth; diarrhoea; increased sweating; libido changes
- Dosage forms
Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
Oral use
- Prescription status
POM
- Manufacturer
Lundbeck
- Onset Time
2–4 weeks
- Duration
24 hours
- Storage instructions
Store below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
MAO inhibitors; St. John's wort; NSAIDs
- Age restrictions
Not for children under 18 years.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Risk benefit analysis required. Breastfeeding: Caution advised.
Precautions and warnings
monitor for suicidal ideation, especially in early treatment; avoid rapid discontinuation; use with caution in epilepsy
Serious side effects
serotonin syndrome — requires immediate medical attention; hyponatraemia — requires immediate medical attention; suicidal ideation — requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Indicated for major depressive disorder and utilized to support serotonin balance to handle anxiety.
Mechanism of action
This medication selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin at the neuronal membrane. By increasing the availability of this neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft, it improves communication between neurons to elevate mood.
Lexapro
Indicated for major depressive disorder and utilized to support serotonin balance to handle anxiety.
Editorial Notes
- Active ingredient(s): Escitalopram
- Listed indication(s): Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder
Usually available as
- 180 tablets - 5 mg73-5-mg-5072
- 90 tablets - 10 mg73-10-mg-5056
- 60 tablets - 20 mg73-20-mg-5062