Lexapro for Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder, also called clinical depression or major depression, is a mood disorder that causes a depressed mood, suicidal thoughts, sleep disturbances, and other emotional and physical symptoms. Lexapro is one medication used to treat depression in adolescents and adults.

Symptoms of Depression

• Major depressive disorder causes a depressed or irritable mood. Other symptoms include feeling worthless, difficulty concentrating, agitated or slowed movement, suicidal thoughts, changes in appetite and sleep, inability to feel pleasure, and fatigue.

What is Lexapro?

• Lexapro (escitalopram) is an antidepressant medication that increases the amount of serotonin in the brain. An imbalance of serotonin can cause depression and anxiety which can be treated with Lexapro.

Lexapro Increases Serotonin

• Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. When serotonin is released from one neuron and passed to the next neuron, the first neuron reabsorbs some serotonin. SSRIs block this reabsorption of serotonin which keeps more serotonin active in the brain.

Who Can Take Lexapro?

• Lexapro is prescribed by a physician or psychiatrist to treat major depression in adolescents and adults.

Side Effects

• Common side effects of Lexapro include sweating, fatigue, nausea, heartburn, insomnia, diarrhea, constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, and sexual side effects. Adolescents taking Lexapro may experience vomiting, back pain, congestion, and urinary tract infections.