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Depression is a tough disease, to say the least. It can change someone’s life completely. It is very common and can be very serious, especially if it goes untreated, as it can harm a person’s daily life.

People with severe depression have a constant feeling of hopelessness. Forget enjoying things that would make them happy once, they can barely get any work done, stick to a routine, or sometimes even maintain their personal hygiene.

That’s not all. Those with depression may have trouble making decisions, thinking straight, and sleeping or staying awake. All this leaves a terrible impact on their social and professional lives, and it’s not uncommon for patients to flunk tests or leave their jobs.

Some patients may even get suicidal, and the fact that society still attaches a stigma to it doesn’t help.

Psychiatrists and mental health professionals treat depression using therapy, medicines like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or a combination of both (most common).

One such SSRI is Lexapro, a brand-name medication which contains the active ingredient escitalopram.

Understanding Serotonin and SSRIs

Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps control mood, emotions, sleep, appetite, and other brain functions. Low serotonin levels can contribute to anxiety and depression, along with genetics, lifestyle, and stress.

SSRIs increase serotonin’s availability by blocking its reabsorption in certain nerve cells in the brain. They should be taken only after a doctor’s diagnosis and prescription.

About Lexapro

The FDA has approved Lexapro for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older, as well as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults.

Off-label uses include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Lexapro is available as tablets and oral solutions. Tablets come in 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg strengths, while the oral solution contains 1 mg of escitalopram per milliliter.

Dosage Guidelines

Lexapro’s dosage depends on factors like the condition, symptom severity, age, weight, medical history, and response to treatment.

The typical starting dose for adults with MDD or GAD is 10 mg daily, which may increase to 20 mg after a week. For adolescents with MDD, the starting dose is 10 mg daily, which may be adjusted to 5 mg or 20 mg after three weeks.

You should take Lexapro every day at the same time. There’s no compulsion to have it only with food. But the full benefits may take several weeks to appear.

Potential Side Effects

Some common side effects of Lexapro include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness, sweating, tremor, restlessness, irritability, anxiety, nervousness, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and weight changes. These side effects are usually mild and fade over time as the body adjusts.

However, severe side effects require immediate medical attention, such as allergic reactions, seizures, low sodium levels, bleeding problems, serotonin syndrome, hyponatremia, mania or hypomania, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you experience unusual or troubling side effects, inform your doctor.

Interactions

Lexapro can interact with substances that affect serotonin levels or metabolism, including other antidepressants, antipsychotics, migraine medications, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, blood thinners, herbal products like St. John’s wort or ginkgo biloba, grapefruit juice, and alcohol.

These interactions can increase the risk of adverse effects such as serotonin syndrome, bleeding problems, and liver damage.

Before starting Lexapro, inform your doctor about all substances you are using, and avoid changing your medication regimen without consulting your doctor.

Conclusion

Lexapro can be safe and effective for treating depression and anxiety disorders when taken as directed. However, it’s not suitable for everyone and may cause unwanted side effects in some people. Follow your doctor’s instructions closely and discuss any concerns or questions about Lexapro with them.