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Back to Psychiatry Drug Index
Brand Name: Lexapro
Name: Escitalopram oxalate
Pregnancy Category C
Drug classes of Lexapro
Mechanism of action of Lexapro
Acts by inhibiting CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin leading to increased
levels of serotonin in the brain. It has little effect on norepinephrine
and dopamine.
Indications of Lexapro
Treatment of
depression; most effective in patients with major depressive
disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Contraindications of Lexapro
Concomitant use in patients taking
monoamine oxidase inhibitors
(MAOIs) is contraindicated.
Lexapro is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to
Escitalopram or citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients in
Lexapro.
Caution in the presence of
impaired hepatic or
renal function,
diabetes
mellitus, lactation.
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Adverse effectsof Lexapro
-
CNS:
Headache, nervousness, insomnia,
anxiety, tremor, dizziness, lightheadedness, agitation, sedation,
convulsions
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GI:
Nausea,
vomiting,
diarrhea, dry
mouth, anorexia, dyspepsia,
constipation,
taste changes, flatulence, gastroenteritis, gingivitis
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CV: Hot flushes, palpitations
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Respiratory: Upper respiratory infections,
pharyngitis,
cough,
dyspnea,
bronchitis, rhinitis
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GU: Painful menstruation, sexual dysfunction,
frequency, cystitis,
impotence,
urgency
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Dermatologic: Sweating, rash,
pruritus,
acne,
alopecia,
contact dermatitis
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Other: Weight gain, asthenia,
fever
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