In short-term studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults when compared to placebo. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age Adults age 65 and older taking antidepressants have a decreased risk of suicidality. Patients, their families, and caregivers should be alert to the emergence of anxiety, restlessness, irritability, aggressiveness and insomnia.
All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should watch for and notify their health care provider for worsening symptoms, suicidality and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment.
Last Updated: January This information is being provided as a community outreach effort of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists. This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This information contains a summary of important points and is not an exhaustive review of information about the medication. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding medications or medical conditions.
Never delay seeking professional medical advice or disregard medical professional advice as a result of any information provided herein. The College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists disclaims any and all liability alleged as a result of the information provided herein.
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Mental health conditions Learn more about common mental health conditions that affect millions. As you can tell by the name, antidepressants are used to treat the symptoms of depression. This class of medication has also been found to effectively reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD , social anxiety disorder SAD , and agoraphobia. Additionally, antidepressants have become the generally used medications to treat panic disorder. There are different types or classes of antidepressants that impact chemical messengers in the brain.
Known as neurotransmitters, these messengers are responsible for a variety of bodily functions and feelings, including sleep and mood regulation, anxiety levels, and motivation. Common classes of antidepressants used to treat anxiety-related disorders include:. Studies have shown that antidepressants are effective in reducing or eliminating panic attacks and improving anticipatory anxiety and symptoms of agoraphobia. Many people will not see a significant improvement for several weeks.
Studies have generally shown that the full benefits of antidepressant therapy may take as long as 8 to 12 weeks. However, this timeline is variable among individuals. Some people may experience increased nervousness or anxiety at the beginning of antidepressant therapy. To reduce this possibility, your doctor may start you at a very low dose that is gradually increased. This list is only some of the side effects you can face while taking an antidepressant. You may experience one or more of these side effects, or you may not have to deal with any of them.
These side effects typically subside and become much more manageable over time. If side effects are persistent and become difficult to manage, you can always consult your doctor about the possibility of changing the dosage or medication to better fit your needs.
Your doctor may also prescribe a benzodiazepine anti-anxiety medication along with your antidepressant, especially at the beginning of treatment. Benzodiazepines provide quick relief, allowing for a faster sense of symptom alleviation. However, these medications have the potential for dependence and abuse. To reduce this risk, your doctor may take you off the benzodiazepine once the antidepressant reaches its full benefit. If you and your doctor believe that you have had an adequate trial of antidepressant therapy without significant improvement of symptoms, a medication change may be made.
Lexapro is the trademark name for the generic drug escitalopram, which is a type of antidepressant medication. It belongs to a group of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRI that were first introduced in the s. These medications are generally effective and have fewer side effects than some of the older antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs.
Lexapro, which comes in pill or liquid form, is used today to treat a variety of mental health conditions. It is not known exactly how Lexapro works to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, we know that this medication has an effect on serotonin, which is a brain neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, and other bodily functions.
It is thought that Lexapro helps balance serotonin levels in the brain. This can reduce anxiety and enhance mood. Lexapro was initially used only to treat depression. However, research showed that it was also effective for other mood disorders as well as for anxiety disorders.
Lexapro is prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorder, depressive disorders, and other mood disorders, sometimes in combination with other medications. Generally, you must have a diagnosis of a mental health disorder before your doctor prescribes Lexapro for you. Your primary care physician can write a prescription. But the process may be better handled by a mental health professional who can also prescribe medication, such as a psychiatrist.
Prior to starting the medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic or hypersensitive to escitalopram or are pregnant or breastfeeding. It's also important to alert your doctor if you have a history of any of the following medical conditions, which may be exacerbated by Lexapro:. Talk to your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins that you currently take.
While some drugs pose minor interaction risks, others may outright contraindicate use or prompt careful consideration as to whether the pros of treatment outweigh the cons in your case. There are many precautions involved when taking Lexapro. You can reduce potential risks by being aware of who should not take this medication, potential medication interactions, and the black box warning. Lexapro is not safe for everyone.
Certain people should not take Lexapro or take with caution, including:. According to a black box warning the strictest warning for prescription drugs issued by the FDA , taking Lexapro can result in an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults. Close monitoring by your psychiatrist or doctor is important particularly if you are an adolescent or young adult taking Lexapro.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call Lexapro is an allosteric serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which differentiates it from other SSRIs. It is generally well-tolerated and effective. Lexapro tablets are available in 5 milligram mg , 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths. The 10 and 20 mg tablets are scored and can be cut in half. The oral solution comes in a strength of 1 mg per milliliter mL.
The usual recommended daily dosage of Lexapro is 10 mg, but you may begin at a lower dose and increased slowly if needed. The manufacturer recommended doses of Lexapro are:. If you are experiencing the first episode of depression or anxiety, you may take Lexapro for a defined period such as between six months and one year. However, for individuals experiencing a chronic mental health condition, it may be necessary to take Lexapro for an extended period over many years.
All listed dosages are according to the drug manufacturer. Check your prescription and talk to your doctor to make sure you are taking the right dose for you. While there are not specific modified dose recommendations for Lexapro, the medication should be take with caution if you are older or have a major medical illness that affects your metabolism, such as kidney or liver disease.
If this is the case, your health care provider may adjust your dose as necessary to reduce any related side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions for taking Lexapro.
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