Lexapro (Escitalopram) Review

Lexapro, which is generically prescribed as escitalopram, is commonly used to treat anxiety and depression. Lexapro is a member of the family of drugs known as SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Lexapro is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history that includes liver disease, kidney disease, bipolar disorder, seizures, epilepsy, or a history of self harm or suicidal thoughts should not take Lexapro or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with Lexapro, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration has rated Lexapro as a pregnancy risk category C. This medication has been known to cause serious harm or birth defects to newborns that have been exposed to Lexapro while in the uterus, especially life threatening lung problems. Lexapro has been proven to pass through the mother’s breast milk and can cause harm to a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid prescribing this medication to pregnant or nursing women, or women who are likely to become pregnant.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Lexapro, some of which are severe. A patient who is experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical intervention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms that include facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue. Other serious side effects which require emergency medical attention include symptoms such as convulsions, tremors, shivering, muscle stiffness, twitching, lack of balance or coordination, agitation, confusion, or fast and uneven heart rate.

Some patients develop suicidal or self destructive behaviors while taking Lexapro. Patients who exhibit behavior like mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, irritation, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania, or thoughts of self harm or suicidal ideation should seek immediate medical treatment.

Other less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical attention, but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, headaches, trouble concentrating, drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, dry mouth, ringing in the ears, changes in weight, or sexual dysfunction. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Lexapro.

Lexapro should be taken as it has been prescribed by the physician. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. The patient should never take a double dose of this medication. If an overdose is suspected, the patient should seek immediate emergency medical intervention. An overdose will present with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, tremor, sweating, rapid heart rate, confusion, dizziness, seizures, coma, and death.

There is a risk of negative drug interactions associated with Lexapro. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications that have known interactions with Lexapro include carbamazepine, cimetidine, lithium, blood thinners, other antidepressants, and almotriptan. Patients who have taken an MAOI within 14 days prior to starting Lexapro run the risk of serious drug interactions that may cause death.