What is Lexapro?
Like other SSRIs, this drug get prescribed for depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The generic version is Escitalopram. Like the others selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), it works by making the chemical serotonin more available in the brain, which supposed to improve moods.
After getting so much public criticism, the anti-psychotic market seemed to head to its doom day. But no. Regardless deadlock difficulty face by harmaceutical sales representative whose job is to get the most prescription written by doctors they advertise to, these drugs still sell! This society is committed to lab created remedies.
How effective is Lexapro?
Despite it is a liquid, Lexapro is not fast acting. People must still wait for about a month to start feeling the effects, whatever they might be. Effective dosage is still unknown from user to user. I feel a little repulsive because this liquid must be measured with a spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup, the way toddlers take their liquid tylenol.
Are there side effects?
This is the familiar list of serious adverse or allergic reactions that warrant immediate attention from a doctor.
Allergic reaction and side effects:
Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing, Anxiety, restlessness, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there, Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching, Eye pain, vision changes, seeing halos around lights, Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, Feeling more excited or energetic than usual, racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, Seizures, Thoughts of hurting yourself or others, unusual behavior, Unusual bleeding or bruising.
Warnings
For all medicating instruction, please consult with your pharmacist and your doctor.
Less serious side effects are:
Dizziness, drowsiness, or sleepiness, Dry mouth, Headache, Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, Sexual problems. There could be other unknown side effects that are not being disclosed here.
Conclusion:
Given this extensive list of negative side effects, I don't see why Lexapro would win over other SSRIs. Then I found articles discussing about a new concept some psychiatrists begin to promote: compatible side effects. Given that all antidepressants have undesireable side effects, this drug ranks high because of this "compatility." The side effects that come with Lexapro, or Escitalopram sit well with the users who take them. Not that this drug work better, its side effects are better tolerated by those users. That's why doctors prescribe more of the drug to their patients.
It is necessary to be conscious about the other health problems you have. Talk about those problems with the care provider, such as: heart or lungs diseases, seizures, insomnia, sleep apnea, asthma, diabetes, blood disorders, vision problems, Anxiety or panic disorders, digestive track problems, as well as severe psychiatric symptoms that will most likely be worsen by Lexapro's known side effects.
Conclusion:
Given this extensive list of negative side effects, I don't see why Lexapro would win over other SSRIs. Then I found articles discussing about a new concept some psychiatrists begin to promote: compatible side effects. Given that all antidepressants have undesireable side effects, this drug ranks high because of this "compatility." The side effects that come with Lexapro, or Escitalopram sit well with the users who take them. Not that this drug work better, its side effects are better tolerated by those users. That's why doctors prescribe more of the drug to their patients.
While these side effects, if occur, may be tolerable by some people, they may be life threatening to others.
It is necessary to be conscious about the other health problems you have. Talk about those problems with the care provider, such as: heart or lungs diseases, seizures, insomnia, sleep apnea, asthma, diabetes, blood disorders, vision problems, Anxiety or panic disorders, digestive track problems, as well as severe psychiatric symptoms that will most likely be worsen by Lexapro's known side effects.
If you get an antidepressant based on this ranking theory, the important focus here is "side effect tolerability." How well can your body tolerate the prescribed drug's side effects?
Warnings
For all medicating instruction, please consult with your pharmacist and your doctor.
Further reading
NIMH on SSRI
PubMed Health
Side Effects Compatibility
Antidepressants RCOP
Fresno, California – April 24, 2008: 17-year-old Jesus “Jesse” Carrizales attacked the Fresno high school’s officer, hitting him in the head with a baseball bat. After knocking the officer down, the officer shot Carrizales in self-defense, killing him. Carrizales had been prescribed Lexapro and Geodon, and his autopsy showed that he had a high dose of the antidepressant Lexapro in his blood that could have caused him to be paranoid, according to the coroner.
NIMH on SSRI
PubMed Health
Side Effects Compatibility
Antidepressants RCOP
Fresno, California – April 24, 2008: 17-year-old Jesus “Jesse” Carrizales attacked the Fresno high school’s officer, hitting him in the head with a baseball bat. After knocking the officer down, the officer shot Carrizales in self-defense, killing him. Carrizales had been prescribed Lexapro and Geodon, and his autopsy showed that he had a high dose of the antidepressant Lexapro in his blood that could have caused him to be paranoid, according to the coroner.
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About the Author: Susan is a fervent writer based out of Massachusetts. Her writing focus on health and beauty. Susan Summer writes with indepth experience on mental health, nutrition, beauty, real estate, and Asia travel. Susan writes to bring new ideas to her readers. She knows that words have the power to change the world and how we see it.
This blog does not provide information about diagnosing mental disorders. Choosing the right medication, dosage, and treatment plan should be based on individual sneeds and health. All information are for educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any medication prescribed or over the counter (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. They are the best source for advice on drug safety and effectiveness.
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