Page Contents
WHAT IS IT?
Escitalopram (Lexapro) is an SSRI medication.
WHEN DO WE USE IT?
This medicament is one of the first-line treatment choices for the following conditions.
Major depressive disorder: this is one of the antidepressants that can be considered in patients with depression.
WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?
In patients with Bipolar disorder: manic episodes can be precipitated with antidepressant usage in patients who have bipolar disorder.
Concurrent/recent MAOI usage: this medication can cause serotonin syndrome if used with and MAOI medication (or within 2 weeks of stopping MAOIs)
HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?
Orally administered without regard to meals.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?
Sexual dysfunction: this is a common side effect of SSRIs
ANYTHING ELSE TO KEEP IN MIND?
Long Half Life: this medication has a 27-30 hour half life.
FURTHER READING
Page Updated: 08.11.2016