Lexapro Escitalopram 10 mg 28 tabs

Lexapro, known by its scientific name escitalopram, is a popular antidepressant widely used in many countries, including Mexico and Australia, to treat various conditions associated with depression and anxiety. This drug belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which help improve mood and alleviate anxiety symptoms by affecting the chemical balance in the brain.

What is Lexapro?

Lexapro is a tablet containing the active ingredient escitalopram, which increases serotonin levels in the brain, helping to improve emotional well-being. The drug is used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in adults.

Dosage

The standard starting dosage of Lexapro for the treatment of depression is 10 mg per day, which may be adjusted depending on the patient's response and tolerance to the drug. The dosage can be increased to a maximum of 20 mg per day if necessary and well tolerated by the patient.

Lexapro in Mexico and Australia In different countries, including Mexico and Australia, Lexapro may be available under different trade names and may require a prescription to purchase. It is important to consult your local doctor or pharmacist for information about local regulations on the purchase and use of Lexapro.

Contraindications to taking Lexapro

• Allergic reactions: You should not take Lexapro if you have a known allergy to escitalopram or any other component of the drug.
• Co-administration with MAO inhibitors: Patients taking or recently discontinued monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine should avoid Lexapro because of the high risk of serious and even life-threatening reactions.
• Pregnancy and lactation: Although animal studies do not always predict human responses, caution should be exercised when taking Lexapro during pregnancy and lactation, given the potential risks to the developing baby or infant.

Lexapro side effects

Side effects can range from mild to serious and depend on the individual patient, their condition, and other medications they are taking.

Common side effects are

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache and dizziness
• Insomnia or excessive sleepiness
•  Increased anxiety at the beginning of treatment
• Dry mouth
• Weight gain and changes in appetite

Serious side effects

• Serotonin syndrome: a life-threatening condition that can occur when serotonin levels in the brain are too high, especially when taking other drugs that affect serotonin at the same time.
• During the initial period of therapy or with dosage adjustment, suicidal thoughts or increased symptoms of depression may occur.
• Hyponatremia: decreased blood sodium levels, especially in elderly patients, may lead to dizziness, weakness, and other symptoms.
• Circulatory disorders: such as prolongation of the QT interval, can lead to serious heart rhythm disturbances.

Interactions

Lexapro may interact with other drugs, sometimes resulting in an increased risk of side effects or decreased effectiveness of treatment. Understanding these interactions is critical to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of therapy.

• other antidepressants:

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Combining Lexapro with MAOIs can lead to a serious and potentially life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome. To prevent this condition, a break of at least 14 days should be observed between taking MAOIs and starting treatment with Lexapro.

• SSRIs and antidepressants:

Taking Lexapro concurrently with other drugs in the SSRI class or with antidepressants of other classes may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome and other side effects. It is important that your doctor monitors therapy and adjusts the dosage if necessary.

• drugs affecting bleeding:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticoagulants such as warfarin, and antiplatelet agents: Lexapro may increase the effect of these drugs on bleeding, increasing the risk of hemorrhagic complications. Close medical supervision is necessary when combining these medications.

• drugs affecting the cardiovascular system:

Drugs that prolong the QT interval: Because Lexapro itself may affect the QT interval, its combination with other drugs that can also prolong the QT interval requires caution and cardiovascular monitoring.

• centrally acting drugs:

Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, antipsychotics, and opioids: Combining these drugs with Lexapro may increase their sedative and hypnotic effects, increasing the risk of drowsiness and difficulty concentrating.

• drugs metabolized by CYP2C19:

Lexapro is metabolized in the liver with the participation of the enzyme CYP2C19. Drugs that inhibit or induce this enzyme may affect the concentration of Lexapro in the blood. CYP2C19 inhibitors such as omeprazole may increase Lexapro levels, potentially leading to increased side effects. On the other hand, CYP2C19 inducers, such as rifampicin, may decrease Lexapro concentrations, reducing its effectiveness.

• Alcohol and drug interactions:

Alcohol: Combining Lexapro with alcohol may increase side effects such as drowsiness and slowed reactions. It is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption during treatment with this drug.

Drugs: Drug use during treatment with Lexapro can significantly worsen side effects and increase the risk of serious complications, including serotonin syndrome.

• herbs and supplements:

Herbs that contain serotonin or affect its metabolism: For example, St. John's wort, widely used as a natural antidepressant, may interact with Lexapro, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome. It is important to discuss the use of any herbs or supplements during Lexapro treatment with your doctor.

Duration of action

Lexapro's effectiveness and duration of action may vary from person to person. Usually, it takes at least a few weeks of regular use to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug and its effect on symptoms. In some cases, doctors recommend continuing to take Lexapro for several months after improvement occurs to prevent relapses.

Medical advice and cautions should be carefully followed when treating Lexapro. In particular, caution should be exercised when driving or operating machinery until it is clear how the drug affects your ability to concentrate and react.

Lexapro is a powerful tool in the fight against depression and anxiety, but it should be taken under strict medical supervision. Given the variations in availability and regulations for use in different countries, such as Mexico and Australia, it is important to pay attention to local laws and guidelines. It is important to consider all potential side effects and interactions with other medications, as well as possible effects on your ability to drive and perform work requiring increased attention. Remember that the key to successful treatment is open dialogue with your doctor and strict adherence to all medical instructions.