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escitalopram Index Glossary
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GENERIC NAME: escitalopram BRAND NAME: Lexapro
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Escitalopram is an oral drug that is used for treating depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Chemically, escitalopram is similar to citalopram (Celexa). 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). SSRIs work 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. The FDA approved escitalopram in August 2002. PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 5, 10, and 20 mg. Solution: 1 mg/ml
STORAGE: Escitalopram should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F) PRESCRIBED FOR: 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, but escitalopram is not approved for this purpose.
DOSING: The usual starting dose of escitalopram is 10 mg once daily in the morning or evening. The dose may be increased to 20 mg once daily after 1 week. Benefit may not be seen until treatment has been given for up to 4 weeks. A daily dose of 20 mg may not be anymore effective than 10 mg daily for treatment of depression. Escitalopram can be taken with or without food. DRUG INTERACTIONS: All SSRIs, including escitalopram, should not be combined with drugs in the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor class of antidepressants such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), selegiline (Eldepryl) and procarbazine (Matulane). Such combinations may lead to confusion, high blood pressure, high fevers, tremor or muscle rigidity, and increased activity. At least 14 days should elapse after discontinuing escitalopram before starting an MAO inhibitor. Conversely, at least 14 days should elapse after discontinuing an MAO inhibitor before starting escitalopram.
Tryptophan can cause headaches, nausea, sweating, and dizziness when taken with any SSRI. Use of selective serotonin inhibitors may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients taking aspirin, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, and other drugs that cause bleeding.
PREGNANCY: The safety of escitalopram during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Therefore, escitalopram should not be used during pregnancy unless, in the opinion of the physician, the expected benefits to the patient outweigh unknown hazards to the fetus. 1
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sertraline, Zoloft - Information on the medication sertraline (Zoloft) a drug used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and postmenstrual dysphoric disorder. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects. Anxiety - Read about anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder, GAD) causes, physical symptoms and signs, medications and treatment. Learn about symptoms (worry, fear) and other types of anxiety disorders.
citalopram, Celexa - Information about citalopram (Celexa) an antidepressant drug prescribed for depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and premenstrual dysphoric syndrome. Read more escitalopram related articles »
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escitalopram, Lexapro Anxiety »
Introduction to Anxiety Generalized anxiety disorder (or GAD) is characterized by excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday life events with no obvious reasons for worry. People with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder tend to always expect disaster and can't stop worrying about health, money, family, work, or school. In people with GAD, the worry often is unrealistic or out of proportion for the situation. Daily life becomes a constant state of worry, fear, and dread. Eventually, the anxiety so dominates the person's thinking that it interferes with daily functioning, including work, school, social activities, and relationships.
What Are the Symptoms of GAD? GAD affects the way a person thinks, but the anxiety can lead to physical symptoms, as well. Symptoms of GAD can include:
Excessive, ongoing worry and tension An unrealistic view of problems
Restlessness... Read the Anxiety article »
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