Lexapro tablet is an oral prescription drug used to treat generalized anxiety disorders and major depressive disorders. It is marketed under the brand name Lexapro marketed by AbbVie pharma. The generic name for Lexapro is escitalopram oxalate. It is also available in oral solution form in the market.
Lexapro Oral Tablet
Lexapro contains escitalopram and belongs to the drug class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. The medicine works by regulating the serotonin levels in the brain and nerves. It works by inhibiting the serotonin reuptake receptor in CNS. As a result, serotonin levels rise in the brain which is hormone curing depression and anxiety. The tablet is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg strengths.
What is the price of a Lexapro tablet in Pakistan?
The average price of Lexapro tablets in Pakistan ranges between 25-30 PKR/ tablet. The price may vary depending on the strength of the tablet.
Uses of Lexapro tablet
Lexapro tablet is prescribed for the treatment and maintenance of ;
-
- Major Depressive Disorder– It is a persistent depressive state that lasts for more than 2 weeks. The tablet is prescribed to treat the typical signs of depression like loss of interest in everyday activity, lack of energy, insomnia, hypersomnia, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder- GAD or generalized anxiety disorder is a severe anxiety disorder during which the worry and anxiety persist continuously for at least 6 months. Lexapro is prescribed to increase the serotonin levels in the brain thus, treating the depressed mood and associated anxiety.
How should you take the Lexapro tablet?
- The medicine should strictly be taken as prescribed
- Take the medicine at the same time each day with or without food
- It may take up to 4 months to improve your symptoms. Follow the prescription even if the symptoms do not resolve
- Do not stop taking the medicine immediately as it may cause withdrawal symptoms
- Report the side effects immediately to the doctor
What is the Dose of Lexapro tablet?
- The initial low dose of antidepressants is prescribed and is titrated at regular intervals under proper monitoring if needed
Dose for Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
Initial dose: 10 mg once a day
The dose is increased to 20 mg if necessary and this should occur after 1-week at least.
Maintenance dose: 10 – 20 mg OD
Maximum dose: 20 mg orally once a day
Dose of Lexapro tablet for Depression :
Initial dose: 10 mg once a day
The dose is increased to 20 mg if necessary and this should occur after 1-week at least.
Maintenance dose: 10 – 20 mg orally once a day
Maximum dose: 20 mg orally once a day
- Dose adjustments for hepatic and renal impair patients are required
- The pediatric dose of the medicine is adjusted according to the disease condition.
- Do not exceed the prescribed dose and follow the instructions carefully to avoid addiction and other associated risks while using antidepressants
- Proper monitoring of the patient is required to evaluate the dose tolerance.
What are the side effects of the antidepressant Lexapro?
Antidepressants need special attention as any changes in the patient’s mental health like agitation, anxiety, anger issues, and behavioral changes like irritability, or self-harm must immediately be reported to the doctor.
The possible side effects associated with antidepressants like escitalopram are;
- Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions associated with any component of the medicine
- Ophthalmic disturbances like blurred vision, eye swelling, or irritations
- Nervous system adverse effects of Lexapro include dry mouth, sweating, and dizziness.
- The gastrointestinal system may disturb causing constipation, indigestion, stomach pain, and nausea
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia is also reported associated with the use of antidepressants. They may be associated with risks while driving.
- Worsening depression symptoms and suicidal thoughts are one of the most common side effects of using antidepressant therapy
Other side effects of Lexapro include;
- Sinusitis
- Loss of libido
- Painful urination
- Menstrual irregularities and heavy bleeding
The caretaker or the patient himself must immediately report, any of the above or other changes that appear in the body with the use of antidepressants, to the doctor.
Interactions of Lexapro with other drugs
The antidepressants associated with the serotonin receptors can interact with a number of other drugs including;
- Serotonergic drugs like lithium, triptans
- CNS drugs like carbamezipine
- Alcohol
- Theophylline
- Warfarin
- NSAIDs
Report to the doctor about any other medicine that you are taking before using antidepressants to avoid drug interactions and the resulting risks.
Warnings and precautions for antidepressants
Antidepressants are schedule G drugs i.e they are highly addictive and are only available on prescription. The warnings for such drugs include;
- Antidepressant medicines like Lexapro can worsen the symptoms of depression and the emergence of suicidal thoughts
- Caretakers of the patients using antidepressants should remain alert to monitor the worsening of their symptoms
- Bleeding events may increase using antidepressants like Lexapro
- Do not stop the antidepressants at once. Dose cessation is recommended
Can you use antidepressants like Lexapro during pregnancy?
Antidepressants are placed in category C for pregnancy. This means that the risks are not ruled out for these drugs and the animal studies show teratogenic effects while fewer studies are available for using Lexapro in humans.
It is also secreted in breast milk thus, breastfeeding mothers should avoid using antidepressants.
Overdose of Antidepressants
- Lexapro dose should be given in the lowest quantity and titrated as required to avoid drugs overdose and substance abuse
The overdosage of antidepressants like escitalopram tablets can cause develop serotonin syndrome due to the buildup of serotonin levels in the body. It may also develop as a result of drug interactions.
The symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome are;
- Uncontrolled tremors
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Coma
- Restlessness
- Loss of coordination
- Hallucinations
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate.
What happens if you miss the antidepressant medicine dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the time for the next dose is near, avoid taking two doses at a time. Skip the dosage in this case and take the usual upcoming dosage.
However, it is recommended to take the medicines at the prescribed time.
Alternative brands of Lexapro
The alternative brands for Lexapro tablets with the same generic, escitalopram, are;
- Cipralex
- Escilopram
- Zavget
- Nordep
Storage of Lexapro tablet
- Store Lexapro at room temperature
- Keep the medicine away from heat
- Protect the medicine from moisture
- Keep it out of the reach of the children
Marham’s online services for delivering medicines
Now that you know all about Lexapro tablet uses, Marham is here for you; you can purchase Lexapro tablets using Marham’s online medicine delivery services after consulting the best doctors for depression, anxiety, or related symptoms in Pakistan.
FAQs
1. Is Lexapro a sleeping tablet?
Escitalopram may cause insomnia in some patients. However, sleep disorders associated with depression and generalized anxiety disorder can be resolved using the medicine as prescribed
2. Does antidepressants work immediately?
Antidepressants may worsen the symptoms of depression and anxiety for a few days following the therapy. The effect of antidepressants like escitalopram can take one to four weeks to appear
3. Is Lexapro a strong antidepressant?
Lexapro tablet is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is used to treat depression ad anxiety. It is a highly effective medicine to treat the symptoms associated with generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder.
Disclaimer: The content published on Marham.pk is for informational or educational purposes only, produced from FDA-approved literature, and does not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before using a prescription or over-the-counter drug, or any other treatment option.