LEXAPRO

Escitalopram affects the chemicals of the brain which may be unbalanced in case of people suffering from depression and/ or anxiety. Lexapro is primarily used for the treatment of anxiety in adults. This medication is also used in adults and adolescents who are above twelve years of age in the treatment of depression.

Composition of Lexapro

Lexapro which tends to containescitalopram oxalate as a primary ingredient is usually aminitered to patients orally. Escitalopram is a pure Senantiomer (single isomer) of racemic bi-cyclic phthalne derivative citalopram. The molecular formula of Escitalopram is C20H21FN2O • C2H2O4 & the molecular wt is 414.40. Escitalopram oxalate is available in the form of a fine, white to a slightly yellowish powder which is freely soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methanol, soluble in the isotonic saline solution, sparingly soluble in ethanol and water and slightly soluble in case of ethyl acetate. It is not soluble in heptane.

Fludac 10 mg tablets for treating depression

Lexapro tablets are usually film coated, rounded tablets containing escitalopram oxalate of strengths equivalent to 5, 10 and 20 mg. The inactive ingredients in case of the tablets include talc, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose or colloidal silicon dioxide. The film coating of Lexapro contains hypromellose,polyethylene glycol and titanium dioxide.

Lexapro is also available in the form of an oral solution. It typically contains escitalopram oxalate in strengths of 1 mg/ 1 m. It also contains a few inactive ingredients like sorbitol, purified water, malic acid, glycerin, citric acid, sodium citrate, ,methylparaben, propylparaben,propylene glycol & natural peppermint flavor.

Uses of Lexapro

Lexapro is used for treating depression & anxiety and works by helping the body restore the balance of certain naturally occurring substance like serotonin in the brain. This drug may improve the energy levels& the feeling of well-being in case of a user while decreasing the nervousness. This medication might also be used for the treatment ofother mental or mood disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder or panic disorder & hot flashes which occur in case of women during menopause.

Side Effects of Lexapro

In case of Lexapro, the following are the severe side effects which one might experience after consumption of the medication:

• Hives or skin rashes
• Breathing issues
• Mood or behavioral changes
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Troublein sleeping,
• The feeling of being impulsive, irritated and agitated.
• Fever
• Chills and weakness
• nausea, vomiting and flu symptoms
• The wound taking a lot of time to yield
• Blurred vision
• Pain in the eye
• Seeing halos around the lights
• Bronchospasm (chest tightness, wheezing, trouble breathing)
• pain or burning when one urinates
• urinating less than the usual or not urinating at all
• diarrhea and loss of appetite
• loss of coordination
• Mood swings

In case of Lexapro, the following are the common side effects which one might experience after consumption of the medication:

• Drowsiness or feeling of tiredness
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• vision changes
• mild nausea, heartburn, gas, upset stomach, constipation
• increased sweating
• weight changes
• decreased sex drive or impotence
• difficulty in having an orgasm

Contraindications of Lexapro

Lexapro should not be taken by one if he/she is:

• allergic to escitalopram or the citalopram (Celexa)
• Being treated with pimozideor with a methylene blue injection
• Has taken in the two weeks gone by an MAO inhibitor
• Suffering from liver or some kidney disease
• Suffering from seizures or epilepsy
• Suffering from diabetes
• Suffering from glaucoma
• Suffering from heart disease
• Suffering from some bipolar disorder or manic depression
• Has a history of drug abuse or encourages suicidal thoughts
• Below 12 years of age

Pregnancy and Lexopro

Lexopro, which happens to be an SSRI antidepressant may cause some major lung problem or some form of complication in case of an unborn child, if taken during pregnancy. Also, this medication might pass into the breast milk and hence it should be avoided when one is breastfeeding.

• Highlights of prescribing information needed to use Lexapro safely and effectively (PDF file)