Drug name: Generic Lexapro (escitalopram)

Therapeutic effects: Generic Lexapro contains the active ingredient escitalopram that belongs to a group of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Suppression of serotonin reuptake leads to increase of this mediator concentration in the synaptic gap. This enhances and prolongs its action on post-synaptic receptors. Ultimately improve transneuronal transport between neurons and relieve symptoms associated with depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

Indications:

Lexapro is approved for the treatment of:

• Depression (also known as major deopression)
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Side-effects:

• Respiratory system: sinusitis, yawning.
• Digestive system: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, anorexia
• Endocrine system: increased sweatiness, xerostamia
• Sexual system: decreased libido, anorgasmia (in females), impotence, impaired ejaculation.
• General health: weakness, hyperthermia.
• Metabolism: hyponatremia, insufficient secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
• CNS and peripheral nervous system: hallucinations, delusions, confusion, agitation, anxiety, depersonalization, panic attacks, irritability, insomnia, dizziness, drowsiness, seizures, tremor, movement disorders, serotonin syndrome, visual disturbances.
• Cardio-vascular system: orthostatic hypotension.
• Dermatological reactions: skin rash, itching, ecchymosis, angioedema, increased sweating.
• Musculoskeletal system: arthralgia, myalgia.
• Urinary system: urinary retention.

Drug interactions:

• Blood thinners
• Other Antidepressants
• Triptans
• Antibiotics (linezolid)
• Antipsychotic drugs
• Narcotic pain killers
• NSAID's
• MAO inhibitors
• H2 histamine receptor blockers
• Lithium preparations
• Beta blockers
• Antimycotics
• Alcohol
• Blood thinners
• Other Antidepressants
• Triptans
• St.John's Wort

Make sure to inform your doctor if you take any prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Cautions and restrictions:

Lexapro is contraindicated for use in the following cases:

• Known reactions of hypersensitivity to escitalopram or other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• Bipolar disorders or a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression)
• History of suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Cardiovascular diseases: history of heart attacks or strokes for the last 6 months, hypertension, coronary heart disease
• Seizures or epilepsy
• Severe diseases of the liver or kidney
• Chronic or acute alcoholism
• Pregnancy (escitalopram belongs to a category C meaning that the medication may cause damage to the fetus)
• Breastfeeding

Additional information:

Keep the medication out of reach of children at dry and protected from light place at temperature not exceeding 25°C. Shelf-life period is 3 years.