Med Review: Escitalopram
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
Today we will review escitalopram & we will do so from the perspective of what is good, what is bad and what is ugly about this drug.
DISCLAIMER
The content provided in this Substack post is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer and should not be taken as definitive or authoritative. Readers should not rely solely on the information provided in this post to make decisions about patient care. Instead, use this content as a starting point for further research and consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to treatment or medication regimens.
The Good:
Lexapro, or escitalopram, is an antidepressant medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. It is also approved for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children aged 12-17 years. Off-label, Lexapro is also used to treat other mental health conditions such as social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Here are some potential benefits of Lexapro:
Effectiveness: Clinical studies have shown that Lexapro is effective in managing symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders.
Favorable side effect profile: Compared to other antidepressants, Lexapro has a more favorable side effect profile and does not cause significant sedation or weight gain.
Ease of use: Lexapro is available as a once-daily tablet, making it convenient to use and remember.
The Bad:
Despite its potential benefits, Lexapro may also have some drawbacks, including:
Potential side effects: Some people may experience side effects when taking Lexapro, such as nausea, headache, dry mouth, dizziness, and insomnia.
Withdrawal symptoms: If Lexapro is stopped suddenly or if the dose is reduced too quickly, some people may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as dizziness, headache, irritability, and flu-like symptoms.
Risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors: Like other antidepressant medications, Lexapro may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially in children, teenagers, and young adults.
The Ugly:
In rare cases, Lexapro can have more serious adverse effects, including:
Serotonin syndrome: Lexapro can cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when serotonin levels in the brain are too high. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, muscle rigidity, and seizures.
Risk of bleeding: Lexapro may increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking blood thinners or antiplatelet medications.