Escitalopram

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 disorderthis is one of the antidepressants that can be considered in patients with depression.

WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?

In patients with Bipolar disordermanic 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.

Source
Source
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

DynaMed

UpToDate

 

Page Updated: 08.11.2016