About Generic Lexapro

Lexapro is the trade name for the generic drug Escitalopram Oxalate. It is classified as an SSRI and is used in the treatment of psychological disorders including depression and anxiety.

History

• In the United States, Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is the manufacturer of Lexapro. The international pharmaceutical company Lundbeck manufactures it as well, under the names Cipralex, Sipralexa and Seropolex. The generic name for the medication is Escitalopram Oxalate. Lexapro is an SSRI, which stands for Selective Serotonin-reuptake Inhibitors. SSRIs are a class of antidepressants which work to increase the levels of serotonin. It does this by blocking the reuptake (reabsorption) of the neurotransmitter into the neuron. SSRIs are frequently used for the treatment of depression and anxiety. They are also prescribed in conjunction with other medications to alleviate symptoms from psychological illnesses including personality disorders, and specific anxiety disorders such as obsessive/compulsive disorder, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Lexapro is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Identification

• Lexapro is the brand name and Escitalopram Oxalate is the generic name for the drug. Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) is available as tablets or as an oral solution. Lexapro tablets are film-coated, round tablets containing escitalopram oxalate in strengths equivalent to 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg escitalopram base (http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lexapro.htm). The prescribed dosages of Lexapro may vary from one individual to another. The patient's age, diagnosis and metabolic makeup and reaction to the drug are used to determine the most effective dosage. For example, an individual with a mild case of depression may benefit from a 10mg dosage as opposed to someone who has a major depressive disorder. The latter may need a stronger dosage. Lexapro is to be taken once a day, either in the morning or night.

Significance

• It's important to note that SSRIs are not taken for immediate relief. It may take up to several weeks for the drug to take its full effect. In many cases, a doctor will start their patient on the lowest dosage and increase it as tolerated. Because of the nature of the drug, it's important to follow the prescription directions and not alter the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting a medical professional. The efficacy of Lexapro has been established for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It is also used to maintain the alleviation of symptoms which responded positively to the drug. The continuity factor is important. If one is prescribed Lexapro and benefits from taking it, that does not mean that they are cured of their illness and should stop taking the medication. The enduring relief is contingent upon the presence of the medication in the body. Additionally, studies reveal that there is no additional therapeutic benefit in dosages exceeding 20 milligrams.

Considerations

• As with any drug there are side effects and warnings that you should be advised of. Please be aware that pharmaceutical companies are required to list all possible side effects and interactions that may occur. This does not mean that you will experience any of them. In fact, Lexapro is so widely prescribed because it tends to cause a significantly less amount, if any of adverse reactions. Common side effects attributed with Lexapro include: insomnia, fatigue, dry mouth, excessive perspiration, faintness, constipation, headaches and decreased libido. You can view a comprehensive list of possible side effects and drug interactions by visiting the drug's website.

Theories/Speculation

• Attention regarding an increase in self-harming behaviors, suicidal risks and idealization has surrounded various SSRIs. The media has highlighted specific cases where a patient (particularly a pediatric one) has attempted or subsequently committed suicide as a result of being on an SSRI. There are a tremendous amount of variables that need to be addressed in such instances. The precise role of the drug and the duration for which it was taken are factors, as is the verity that suicide is a known risk of different psychiatric disorders such as depression. Collective analysis of placebo-controlled clinical trials in both children and adolescents diagnosed with major psychiatric disorders showed that there was a substantial variation in risk of suicidality among drugs, but a tendency toward an increase in the younger patients for almost all drugs studied.
  "There were differences in absolute risk of suicidality across the different indications, with the highest incidence in MDD. The risk differences (drug vs. placebo), however, were relatively stable within age strata and across indications (http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lexapro_wcp.htm)."