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Main Information about Lexapro (Escitalopram)

In: About Lexapro

Lexapro (Escitalopram) is the drug, an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is effective in patients with depression, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder. Also used as a drug that reduces the consumption of alcohol in alcoholics.

General information about Lexapro (Escitalopram).

Lexapro (Escitalopram) is the S-isomer. It is white or slightly yellow powder. Escitalopram (Lexapro) easily soluble in methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide, difficult to dissolve in water and ethanol.

Lexapro is used to treat:

  • depression;
  • major depressive disorder;
  • generalized anxiety disorder;
  • social anxiety disorder;
  • panic disorders.

Pharmacology. Mode of action

Antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Inhibition of serotonin reuptake leads to increased concentrations of this neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft, strengthens and prolongs its action on postsynaptic receptor sites. Lexapro generic (Escitalopram) is not at all or has very little ability to communicate with a number of receptors, including: serotonin 5-HT1A-, 5-HT2-receptors, dopamine D1-and D2-receptors, a1-, a2-, b-adrenergic receptors, histamine H1- receptors, m-cholinergic receptors, benzodiazepine and opioid receptors.

Instructions:

Generic Lexapro (Escitalopram) appoint 1 time per day regardless of meals. The drug is usually prescribed in doses of 10 mg per day in the presence of depressive episodes. Depending on the individual patient response dose can be increased to a maximum (20 mg / day).

Antidepressant effect usually appears 2-4 weeks after starting treatment. After the disappearance of symptoms of depression for at least another 6 months is necessary to continue therapy to consolidate the obtained effect.

In panic disorder with and without agoraphobia in the first week of treatment recommended dose of 5 mg per day with a subsequent increase to 10 mg per day. Depending on the individual patient response dose can be increased to the maximum - 20 mg per day.

The maximum therapeutic effect is achieved after about 3 months after starting treatment. Therapy lasts for several months.

It is recommended to use half the usual dose of Escitalopram (generic Lexapro) (ie, only 5 mg / day) for elderly patients (over 65) and a lower maximum dose (10 mg / day).

In renal insufficiency, mild and moderate dose adjustment is required. Patients with renal failure severe drug should be prescribed with caution.

For patients with hepatic impairment the recommended initial dose during the first 2 weeks of treatment is 5 mg per day. Depending on the individual's reaction to the medication dose of generic Lexapro may be increased to 10 mg per day.

With the decreased activity of isoenzyme CYP2C19 recommended initial dose during the first 2 weeks of treatment is 5 mg per day. Depending on the individual's reaction to the medication dose may be increased to 10 mg per day.

Discontinuing treatment dose Escitalopram (Lexapro) should be reduced gradually over 1-2 weeks to avoid the development of withdrawal.

Storage

List B. At temperatures below 25 degrees Celsius. Keep out of reach of children.

Warning!

Before using the product Lexapro you should consult your doctor. This manual is intended solely for information. For more information, please contact the manufacturer annotations.