Lexapro Patient Information

Lexapro is a brand name for the prescription medication escitalopram oxalate. Doctors typically prescribe Lexapro for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

Function

• Lexapro raises levels of a brain chemical known as serotonin by preventing your body from breaking down and absorbing the chemical. Although doctors do not fully understand why, increased levels of serotonin help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Features

• While your symptoms of depression and anxiety persist, your doctor is likely to prescribe a daily dose of 10 mg to 20 mg of Lexapro, reports RxList.com. When your symptoms subside, your doctor will gradually reduce your dosage until you are no longer taking the drug.

Risks

• The most common side effects of Lexapro are constipation, decreased libido, diarrhea, dry mouth, ejaculation delays, gas, heartburn, impotence, increased sweating, drowsiness, insomnia and stomach pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some patients develop a potentially fatal condition called serotonin syndrome while taking Lexapro due to excessive amounts of serotonin in the brain.

Warning

• When you first begin using Lexapro, your symptoms of depression and anxiety may initially worsen. It is not uncommon for patients to develop suicidal thoughts or exhibit self-harmful behaviors, according to RxList.com.

Considerations

• Because the effects of Lexapro on fetal development are unknown, doctors rarely prescribe Lexapro for pregnant women. If you have a history of bipolar disorder, low blood sodium, seizures, heart disease or heart attacks, mania or disease that affects your kidneys or liver, it may not be safe for you to take Lexapro, according to the Mayo Clinic.