Detailed Lexapro Information
Pharmaceutical: Lexapro
Manufacturer: Forest Laboratories
Generic name: escitalopram
Drug Class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
CAS Number: 128196-01-0
Guidelines:
Escitalopram is used to treat major depression disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It is administered orally in tablet form. Escitalopram should never be taken with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Wait two weeks after taking an MAOI before starting escitalopram treatment. Likewise, wait two weeks after ending escitalopram treatment before taking an MAOI.
Contraindications:
- Concomitant use of pimozide is contraindicated.
- The drug is also contraindicated to patients with hypersensitivity to escitalopram.
- Taking an MAOI during escitalopram treatment may result in serotonin syndrome.
Adverse outcomes:
- nausea
- sleepiness
- weakness
- dizziness
- sweating
- anxiety
- insomnia
- sexual dysfunction
- shakiness
- constipation
- dry mouth and loss of appetite
- abnormal bleeding
- seizures or convulsions
- changes in weight
- low sodium in the blood
Serious Adverse Outcome:
Suicide and serotonin syndrome
Warnings:
- Do not take escitalopram if you are allergic to the active or inactive ingredients in escitalopram.
- Do not take escitalopram if you are currently taking an MAOI.
- Wait two weeks after ending an MAOI before starting escitalopram treatment.
Medical studies:
New England Journal of Medicine Study:
First-Trimester Use of Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors and the Risk of Birth Defects.
Pregnancy Category:
Escitalopram is a Pregnancy Category C drug. It has not been studied in pregnant women. However, animal studies have demonstrated an increased risk to a fetus if the drug is taken during pregnancy.