Lexapro Generic

Escitalopram is an oral drug that is used for treating depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain the chemical messengers that nerves use to communicate with one another. Neurotransmitters are made and released by nerves and then travel to other nearby nerves where they attach to receptors on the nerves. Some neurotransmitters that are released do not bind to receptors and are taken up by the nerves that produced them. This is referred to as reuptake.

Many experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters is the cause of depression. Escitalopram prevents the reuptake of one neurotransmitter serotonin by nerves an action which results in more serotonin in the brain to attach to receptors. Chemically escitalopram is very similar to citalopram. Both are in the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs a class that also includes fluoxetine Prozac paroxetine Paxil and sertraline Zoloft.

The usual starting dose of escitalopram is 10 mg once daily. Benefit may not be seen until treatment has been given for up to 4 weeks. Escitalopram can be taken with or without food. Older and younger persons require similar doses.

The most commonly-noted side effects associated with escitalopram are agitation or restlessness blurred vision diarrhea difficulty sleeping drowsiness dry mouth fever frequent urination headache indigestion nausea increased or decreased appetite increased sweating sexual difficulties decreased sexual ability or desire ejaculatory delay taste alterations tremor shaking weight changes. Although changes in sexual desire sexual performance and sexual satisfaction often occur as a result of depression itself they also may be a consequence of the drugs used to treat depression. In particular about one in 11 men given escitalopram report difficulties experiencing ejaculation.

Some patients may experience withdrawal reactions upon stopping SSRI therapy. Symptoms may include dizziness tingling tiredness vivid dreams irritability or poor mood. In order to avoid these symptoms the dose of SSRI can be slowly reduced instead of abruptly stopped.

It has been suggested that SSRIs may cause depression to worsen and even lead to suicide in a small number of patients. These potential side effects are difficult to evaluate in depressed patients because depression can progress with or without treatment and suicide is itself a consequence of depression. Moreover the evidence supporting these potential side effects is weak. Therefore no conclusions can yet be drawn about the relationship between SSRIs and worsening depression and suicide. Until better information is available patients receiving SSRIs should be monitored for worsening depression and suicidal tendencies.

All SSRIs including escitalopram should not be taken together with any drugs of the MAO mono-amine oxidase inhibitor-class of antidepressants for example isocarboxazid Marplan phenelzine Nardil tranylcypromine Parnate and procarbazine Matulane. Such combinations may lead to confusion high blood pressure high fevers tremor or muscle rigidity and increased activity. This same type of interaction also may occur with selegiline Eldepryl fenfluramine Pondimin and dexfenfluramine Redux. Tryptophan can cause headaches nausea sweating and dizziness when taken with any SSRI. At least 14 days should elapse after discontinuing escitalopram before starting a MAO inhibitor.

Escitalopram is approved for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Drugs in the SSRI class also have been studied in persons with obsessive-compulsive disorders and panic disorders.

Escitalopram tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature 59-86°F 15-30°C.