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What Is Escitalopram For?

Escitalopram, most widely known under the brand name Lexapro, is used to help treat depression and general anxiety disorder. It is in a class of drugs known as selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), and is used to help balance the level of neurotransmitters in the brain. It is an enantiomer developed from citalopram and has more selectivity and less side effects.

  1. History

    • Escitalopram was originally researched and produced by Lundbeck, a Danish pharmaceutical company, in collaboration with their American partner, Forest Laboratories. It was based on citalopram and began development in 1997. It has been approved for use by the FDA since 2002.

    Use

    • Escitalopram blocks the action of seratonin transporters which the body uses to collect seratonin for later use. This causes the neurotransmitter seratonin to remain active in the brain for a longer period of time which can help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Escitalopram is a prescription medication that should be taken under the supervision of your doctor.

    Identification

    • Lexapro comes in 5, 10, and 20mg round, white tablets and is imprinted with "FL" (Forest Laboratories) and the dosage amount. The 10 and 20 mg tablets are scored. It is also available in a peppermint-flavored oral solution. Escitalopram is marketed under the names Lexapro, Cipralex, Seroplex, and Seroplexa.

    Side Effects

    • The most common side effects of escitalopram are nausea and sleepiness. It may also cause dry mouth, dizziness, increased appetite, runny nose, sneezing, sweating, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain or heartburn. It is reported to cause decreased interest in sex and difficulties with sexual stimulation. It may be physically addictive and could cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, irritability, sweating, nausea, confusion and vertigo. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

    Warning

    • When taking antidepressants there is increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour, especially in people under age 24. You should not take escitalopram with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Your doctor will need to know all other medications, prescription or non-prescription that you are taking, especially anticoagulants such as aspirin, painkillers, other antidepressants, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, or sedatives. Citalopram is very similar to escitalopram and they should not be taken in conjunction. St. John's wort or tryptophan can have negative effects while taking escitalopram.

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