Older adults with generalized anxiety disorder treated with the antidepressant Lexapro showed significant improvement in symptoms, a new study reports.
Generalized anxiety disorder is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in older adults. Its symptoms include chronic worry and anxiety and other problems, such as muscle tension, sleep disturbance and fatigue.
"This was the first large-scale study of antidepressant medications as a treatment for anxiety disorders in older adults," said lead researcher Dr. Eric J. Lenze, an associate professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
As many as 7.3 percent of older people suffer from anxiety, and the percent is even higher among those receiving medical care, Lenze said. People with general anxiety can spend up to 40 hours a week consumed by worry, he added.
For many years, the treatment for anxiety in older adults has been either no treatment or such sedatives as Valium (diazepam) or Xanax (alprazolam), Lenze said. "There have been concerns about the safety of these medications in older adults," he added.
Lexapro (escitalopram) is in a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are thought to be safer, Lenze said. These drugs are approved for treating anxiety, he noted.
Although the researchers used Lexapro for this study, Lenze believes that other SSRIs would produce the same beneficial effect.
For the study, Lenze's team tested the effectiveness of Lexapro in 177 adults 60 and older suffering from general anxiety disorder. The participants were randomly assigned to Lexapro or a placebo for 12 weeks.
The result: 69 percent of people taking Lexapro saw reductions in their anxiety levels, compared with 51 percent of those taking a placebo. Those on Lexapro also had greater improvement in functioning, activity and social functioning, the study found.
The researchers also found that people with high blood pressure taking Lexapro had a significant decrease in blood pressure. "This may suggest some additional health-related benefits of getting treatment for anxiety in this age group," Lenze said, adding, "There are effective treatments for anxiety in older adults other than sedatives."
The study results were published in the Jan. 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Lenze said he hopes this study will help raise awareness that anxiety disorders are common among older people, and are often undetected or treated only with sedatives.
Douglas Mennin, an assistant professor of psychology at Yale University, agrees that physicians should be alert to anxiety problems among their older patients.
"Older adults should certainly be asked about their anxiety," Mennin said. "Many older adults are faced with increasingly stressful situations, such as loss of friends, mobility and job, and anxiety is a natural result," he said.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Antidepressant Use in Children, Adolescents, and Adults
he FDA asked manufacturers of the following antidepressant drugs to include in their labeling a Warning statement that recommends close observation of adult and pediatric patients for worsening depression or the emergence of suicidality when treated with these agents. The drugs that are the focus of this new Warning are: Prozac (fluoxetine); Zoloft (sertraline); Paxil (paroxetine); Luvox (fluvoxamine); Celexa (citalopram); Lexapro (escitalopram); Wellbutrin (bupropion); Effexor (venlafaxine); Serzone (nefazodone); and Remeron (mirtazapine).
Since I was in 10th grade, I've had anxiety and depression. I was placed on Lexapro 10mg, but still had some social anxiety and anxiety about other things. I didn't have as much as before so the doctor increased it to 20mg. I've never felt better. Like others have said, I almost forget I have anxiety. I feel fine everyday and it's the greatest feeling in the world. If anyone is reading this post and is unsure about asking the doctor about help with anxiety, social anxiety, depression, etc, please don't wait. This drug truly saved my life.
This is the greatest drug yet invented. I had no idea what happiness was until Lexapro came into my mouth! I cannot even begin to imagine life without this medicine. Once the mild side effects had gone my life changed forever. My sex drive and orgasm is now incredible! Depression was banished and life full of colours and insight and love and passion is my soul filled realm. God only knows what will happen if it stops working as I have tried every other antidepressant medicine available and Lexapro is it.
Since I was in 10th grade, I've had anxiety and depression. I was placed on Lexapro 10mg, but still had some social anxiety and anxiety about other things. I didn't have as much as before so the doctor increased it to 20mg. I've never felt better. Like others have said, I almost forget I have anxiety. I feel fine everyday and it's the greatest feeling in the world. If anyone is reading this post and is unsure about asking the doctor about help with anxiety, social anxiety, depression, etc, please don't wait. This drug truly saved my life.
This is the greatest drug yet invented. I had no idea what happiness was until Lexapro came into my mouth! I cannot even begin to imagine life without this medicine. Once the mild side effects had gone my life changed forever. My sex drive and orgasm is now incredible! Depression was banished and life full of colours and insight and love and passion is my soul filled realm. God only knows what will happen if it stops working as I have tried every other antidepressant medicine available and Lexapro is it.
Treatment Challenges of Depression in Pregnancy
Decisions about how to treat depression in pregnant women are increasingly complex. Patients and physicians must carefully consider and discuss together the potential benefits and risks of treatment with antidepressants during pregnancy. Two new studies provide important information to be considered in making such decisions. The studies included women who had been treated with antidepressant drugs that act as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or, in a few cases, other antidepressants. SSRI medications are the most commonly used drugs to treat depression in the U.S.
The first study illustrates the potential risk of relapsed depression after stopping antidepressant medication during pregnancy. The authors followed pregnant women who in the past had major depression. During their pregnancy, some of these women were not feeling depressed and stopped taking their antidepressant medicines. Others stayed on their antidepressant medicines while pregnant. The women who stopped their medicine were five times more likely to have a relapse of depression during their pregnancy than were the women who continued to take their antidepressant medicine while pregnant. This study, by Lee Cohen and other authors, was published February 1, 2006 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
A second study suggests there may be additional, though rare, risks of SSRI medications during pregnancy. This study focused on newborn babies with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), which is a serious and life-threatening lung condition that occurs soon after birth of the newborn. Babies with PPHN have high pressure in their lung blood vessels and are not able to get enough oxygen into their bloodstream. About 1 to 2 babies per 1000 babies born in the U.S. develop PPHN shortly after birth, and often they need intensive medical care. In this study PPHN was six times more common in babies whose mothers took an SSRI antidepressant after the 20th week of the pregnancy compared to babies whose mothers did not take an antidepressant. The study was too small to compare the risk in one drug compared to another, and this risk has not so far been investigated by other researchers. The study, by Christina Chambers and others, was published on February 9, 2006 in The New England Journal of Medicine.
The finding of PPHN in babies of mothers who used a SSRI antidepressant in the second half of pregnancy adds to concerns coming from previous reports that infants of mothers taking SSRIs late in pregnancy may experience difficulties such as irritability, difficulty feeding and in very rare cases, difficulty breathing. In addition, the labeling for paroxetine (Paxil) was recently changed to add information about findings in an epidemiology study suggesting that exposure to the drug in the first trimester of pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of cardiac birth defects (see FDA Public Health Advisory for Paxil dated December 8, 2005).
The uncommon potential risk to the newborn of PPHN has not been confirmed by additional studies. Uncertainty about these rare events and their potential impact on the newborn, along with the potential risk to the mother of recurring depression if she stops her antidepressant medicines during pregnancy, makes decisions about the treatment of depression in pregnant women especially challenging for health care professionals and patients.
Women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should not stop any antidepressant without first consulting their physician. The decision to continue medication or not should be made only after there has been careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks of the medication for each individual pregnant patient. If the decision is made to stop treatment with SSRIs before or during pregnancy, this should be done with a healthcare professional, according to the prescribing information for the drug, and patients should be observed closely in case their depression comes back.
The FDA is seeking additional information about the possible risk of PPHN in newborn babies of mothers who took SSRI antidepressants in pregnancy. In the meantime, the FDA has asked the sponsors of all SSRIs to change prescribing information to describe the potential risk for PPHN. Prescribing information will be updated with information from additional studies when this information becomes available.
I am a female, 27 yrs old, 115 lbs and have been on lexapro for nearly a month now. Within weeks I was at ease, less tense, less irritable, and able to relax for once. Even my boyfriend noticed the change, and I never informed him I was taking the medication! He says I have been less 'edgy' and am easier to be with. I feel much better about my outlook on life, and I am also talking to a therapist concurrently so I can learn how to deal with the hard things in life. It has worked wonders for me!
The first study illustrates the potential risk of relapsed depression after stopping antidepressant medication during pregnancy. The authors followed pregnant women who in the past had major depression. During their pregnancy, some of these women were not feeling depressed and stopped taking their antidepressant medicines. Others stayed on their antidepressant medicines while pregnant. The women who stopped their medicine were five times more likely to have a relapse of depression during their pregnancy than were the women who continued to take their antidepressant medicine while pregnant. This study, by Lee Cohen and other authors, was published February 1, 2006 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
A second study suggests there may be additional, though rare, risks of SSRI medications during pregnancy. This study focused on newborn babies with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), which is a serious and life-threatening lung condition that occurs soon after birth of the newborn. Babies with PPHN have high pressure in their lung blood vessels and are not able to get enough oxygen into their bloodstream. About 1 to 2 babies per 1000 babies born in the U.S. develop PPHN shortly after birth, and often they need intensive medical care. In this study PPHN was six times more common in babies whose mothers took an SSRI antidepressant after the 20th week of the pregnancy compared to babies whose mothers did not take an antidepressant. The study was too small to compare the risk in one drug compared to another, and this risk has not so far been investigated by other researchers. The study, by Christina Chambers and others, was published on February 9, 2006 in The New England Journal of Medicine.
The finding of PPHN in babies of mothers who used a SSRI antidepressant in the second half of pregnancy adds to concerns coming from previous reports that infants of mothers taking SSRIs late in pregnancy may experience difficulties such as irritability, difficulty feeding and in very rare cases, difficulty breathing. In addition, the labeling for paroxetine (Paxil) was recently changed to add information about findings in an epidemiology study suggesting that exposure to the drug in the first trimester of pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of cardiac birth defects (see FDA Public Health Advisory for Paxil dated December 8, 2005).
The uncommon potential risk to the newborn of PPHN has not been confirmed by additional studies. Uncertainty about these rare events and their potential impact on the newborn, along with the potential risk to the mother of recurring depression if she stops her antidepressant medicines during pregnancy, makes decisions about the treatment of depression in pregnant women especially challenging for health care professionals and patients.
Women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should not stop any antidepressant without first consulting their physician. The decision to continue medication or not should be made only after there has been careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks of the medication for each individual pregnant patient. If the decision is made to stop treatment with SSRIs before or during pregnancy, this should be done with a healthcare professional, according to the prescribing information for the drug, and patients should be observed closely in case their depression comes back.
The FDA is seeking additional information about the possible risk of PPHN in newborn babies of mothers who took SSRI antidepressants in pregnancy. In the meantime, the FDA has asked the sponsors of all SSRIs to change prescribing information to describe the potential risk for PPHN. Prescribing information will be updated with information from additional studies when this information becomes available.
I am a female, 27 yrs old, 115 lbs and have been on lexapro for nearly a month now. Within weeks I was at ease, less tense, less irritable, and able to relax for once. Even my boyfriend noticed the change, and I never informed him I was taking the medication! He says I have been less 'edgy' and am easier to be with. I feel much better about my outlook on life, and I am also talking to a therapist concurrently so I can learn how to deal with the hard things in life. It has worked wonders for me!
Lexapro Approved for Adolescent Depression
Without going into my whole story about this drug and the events that lead me up to the point of taking it, I will just say my piece about it and move on. At the risk of sounding cliche, it is a miracle drug. It completely changed my life, for the better. I really cant even begin to say all the specific things it helped me change about myself. I'm not normally the type of person who will get on the Internet and give kudos to a product of any kind, but with this I am. Look into it!
The Forest Laboratories antidepressant Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) has been approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in people aged 12 to 17, the company said Friday in a news release.
Some 2 million teens in the United States have had a bout of MDD in the past year, the company said.
Approved for adults in 2002, Lexapro is among a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It was evaluated in treating adolescent depression in two placebo-controlled studies, the news release said.
According to the Associated Press, the U.S. Justice Department last month filed a complaint against Forest, alleging that the drug maker had inappropriately promoted Lexapro for use by children. Forest has denied the complaint's allegations, the wire service said.
Lexapro and similar antidepressants include an FDA "black-box" label warning stating they show an increased risk compared to a non-medicinal placebo of "suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders."
The warning advises that anyone considering the use of Lexapro or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult "must balance this risk with the clinical need."
I'm a 33 YO female, and this is my first time being on any kind of anti-depressant. I've been on Lexapro 10mg for about a month now. I noticed an immediate increase in energy, and even felt a little jittery. The doctor said it typically takes 2-3 weeks for it to fully kick in, but some people notice a change within 24-48 hours, which was me. I have decreased appetite and a lot of foods upset my stomach, so I'm eating less as well. Subsequently, I've lost some weight (which I like since I need to lose some!) I feel like doing things again and actually have some sort of sex drive, which had been completely absent for a while with the depression. I'm sleeping better, and it's easier to get out of bed. So far, so good.
The Forest Laboratories antidepressant Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) has been approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in people aged 12 to 17, the company said Friday in a news release.
Some 2 million teens in the United States have had a bout of MDD in the past year, the company said.
Approved for adults in 2002, Lexapro is among a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It was evaluated in treating adolescent depression in two placebo-controlled studies, the news release said.
According to the Associated Press, the U.S. Justice Department last month filed a complaint against Forest, alleging that the drug maker had inappropriately promoted Lexapro for use by children. Forest has denied the complaint's allegations, the wire service said.
Lexapro and similar antidepressants include an FDA "black-box" label warning stating they show an increased risk compared to a non-medicinal placebo of "suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders."
The warning advises that anyone considering the use of Lexapro or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult "must balance this risk with the clinical need."
I'm a 33 YO female, and this is my first time being on any kind of anti-depressant. I've been on Lexapro 10mg for about a month now. I noticed an immediate increase in energy, and even felt a little jittery. The doctor said it typically takes 2-3 weeks for it to fully kick in, but some people notice a change within 24-48 hours, which was me. I have decreased appetite and a lot of foods upset my stomach, so I'm eating less as well. Subsequently, I've lost some weight (which I like since I need to lose some!) I feel like doing things again and actually have some sort of sex drive, which had been completely absent for a while with the depression. I'm sleeping better, and it's easier to get out of bed. So far, so good.
First Generic Lexapro Approved
The Israeli drug maker Teva Pharmaceuticals has gained the first U.S. approval to market generic Lexapro (escitalopram) to treat depression and general anxiety disorder, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.
Teva was granted 180-day exclusivity, so no other firm can market the generic medication in the United States in that timeframe, the agency said in a news release.
Symptoms of major depression include depressed mood, loss of interest in once pleasurable activities, weight or appetite change, sleep changes, feelings of guilt or worthlessness or thoughts of suicide.
Symptoms of general anxiety disorder include exaggerated worry, always anticipating the worst, inability to relax and difficulty concentrating.
Escitalopram, as with similar antidepressants, has a boxed label warning about increased risk of suicidal thinking, especially among children, teens and young adults. Other potential side effects include changes in sleep pattern, low sex drive, nausea and increased sweating, the FDA said.
Generic drugs have the same high quality and strength as their brand-name predecessors, and must pass the same quality standards, the agency stressed. Brand-name Lexapro, produced by Forest Laboratories, was approved by the FDA in 2002.
I've been on lexapro for several years. I have to say for some the initial side effects can be overwhelming, but stick with it because it will help most of us. You can train yourself to overcome the sexual side effects, and weight gain can be controlled through proper exercise and diet. I'm not an active person, but have to remind myself to hit the gym several times a week. Doing so will greatly and positively affect your mood as well, so just pretend like you have no choice and GO. Also please remember there is no "magic pill" we have to take responsibility for our own happiness, which includes lots more than just taking antidepressants! Hope this helps some!
Teva was granted 180-day exclusivity, so no other firm can market the generic medication in the United States in that timeframe, the agency said in a news release.
Symptoms of major depression include depressed mood, loss of interest in once pleasurable activities, weight or appetite change, sleep changes, feelings of guilt or worthlessness or thoughts of suicide.
Symptoms of general anxiety disorder include exaggerated worry, always anticipating the worst, inability to relax and difficulty concentrating.
Escitalopram, as with similar antidepressants, has a boxed label warning about increased risk of suicidal thinking, especially among children, teens and young adults. Other potential side effects include changes in sleep pattern, low sex drive, nausea and increased sweating, the FDA said.
Generic drugs have the same high quality and strength as their brand-name predecessors, and must pass the same quality standards, the agency stressed. Brand-name Lexapro, produced by Forest Laboratories, was approved by the FDA in 2002.
I've been on lexapro for several years. I have to say for some the initial side effects can be overwhelming, but stick with it because it will help most of us. You can train yourself to overcome the sexual side effects, and weight gain can be controlled through proper exercise and diet. I'm not an active person, but have to remind myself to hit the gym several times a week. Doing so will greatly and positively affect your mood as well, so just pretend like you have no choice and GO. Also please remember there is no "magic pill" we have to take responsibility for our own happiness, which includes lots more than just taking antidepressants! Hope this helps some!
Has anyone tried the generic escitalopram (Lexapro) now available?
I have chronic headaches/migraines, but I did increase my medication for that around the same time the generic lexapro came out and my boost in meds (3x what I was previously taking) didn't seem to have any effect, yet it was starting to help at the lower doses and previously worked at this increased rate several years ago. I can't say for sure, but it does seem a strange coincidence. My headaches have even gotten worse. I think I'll run this idea by my psychiatrist and see about getting back on name brand to see if it helps. Maybe your doctor can do the same for you. I'm sure there will be some hoops to jump through with insurance but when you find a med that works its frustrating to play the sampling game again.
I appreciate your response. I don't have insurance so it costs me $40 more for Lexapro over the generic. Well worth the extra money. I have been on Lex for over 5 years. Changing to the generic I developed anxiety and bad headaches. Almost like withdrawal. The headaches have gone away and I am back on regular Lexapro. There is obviously a difference between these two even though the base drug escitalopram is the same. My doctor seems to think that it may have something to do with how they are processed. Since the generic has only been out for a little over a month, we will have to wait and see what others experience.
I was on Lexapro for 2 yrs and stopped taking it because I felt wonderful!!! After about a year or so without it I changed jobs and found myself starting to have panic attacks again. My doctor prescribed "escitalopram" and it almost killed me. Sweating, heart racing, no sleep or appetite. They say there is no difference in the generics and name brands but I beg to differ. Lexapro works wonders and I can't wait to get it back.
I have tried lexapro and generic brand they feel about the same I still take it now ive gained weight forget stuff a lot then sexual libido go s up and down most of the time it wont even twitch oh speaking of twitches my muscles twitched for a while now it dose it every now ant then. only part i hate is when my wife and i finally have sex my heat palpitate probably because i have slight a heart issue not bad just leaky valve but other than that it works ooh before i forget the hot flashes suck, one time it happened i would taste the medicine in my mouth and had the sensation of urinating defecating all together then there are the good days, Thank god for them.
I appreciate your response. I don't have insurance so it costs me $40 more for Lexapro over the generic. Well worth the extra money. I have been on Lex for over 5 years. Changing to the generic I developed anxiety and bad headaches. Almost like withdrawal. The headaches have gone away and I am back on regular Lexapro. There is obviously a difference between these two even though the base drug escitalopram is the same. My doctor seems to think that it may have something to do with how they are processed. Since the generic has only been out for a little over a month, we will have to wait and see what others experience.
I was on Lexapro for 2 yrs and stopped taking it because I felt wonderful!!! After about a year or so without it I changed jobs and found myself starting to have panic attacks again. My doctor prescribed "escitalopram" and it almost killed me. Sweating, heart racing, no sleep or appetite. They say there is no difference in the generics and name brands but I beg to differ. Lexapro works wonders and I can't wait to get it back.
I have tried lexapro and generic brand they feel about the same I still take it now ive gained weight forget stuff a lot then sexual libido go s up and down most of the time it wont even twitch oh speaking of twitches my muscles twitched for a while now it dose it every now ant then. only part i hate is when my wife and i finally have sex my heat palpitate probably because i have slight a heart issue not bad just leaky valve but other than that it works ooh before i forget the hot flashes suck, one time it happened i would taste the medicine in my mouth and had the sensation of urinating defecating all together then there are the good days, Thank god for them.
Before taking Lexapro
It is dangerous to try and purchase Lexapro on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. Samples of Lexapro purchased on the Internet have been found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a potent antipsychotic drug with dangerous side effects. For more information, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or visit www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide.
Do not use Lexapro if you are using an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Serious and sometimes fatal reactions can occur when these medicines are taken with Lexapro. You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you can take Lexapro. After you stop taking Lexapro, you must wait at least 14 days before you start taking an MAOI.
Tell your doctor about all other antidepressants you take, especially Celexa, Cymbalta, Desyrel, Effexor, Luvox, Oleptro, Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax, Paxil, Pexeva, Viibryd, or Zoloft.
To make sure you can safely take Lexapro, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
liver or kidney disease;
seizures or epilepsy;
bipolar disorder (manic depression); or
a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Lexapro. Escitalopram may cause heart defects or serious lung problems in a newborn if you take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant. Do not start or stop taking Lexapro during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Escitalopram can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Lexapro without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give Lexapro to anyone younger than 12 years old without the advice of a doctor.
I wasn't severely depressed but I was always CRAZY sensitive, flipped out and cried at the smallest things, had pretty bad anxiety for no reason and would think negative thoughts over and over until I couldn't sit with myself. I finally decided to see a psychologist who recommended I have a psychiatric evaluation- in which they prescribed Lexapro. They started me on 10mg for two weeks and bumped me up to 20mg, which I have been taking for the last 2 months. I can't even express the immense change I experienced. I have never felt so content in my life. It never changed my personality in a drastic way, but I feel very confident, I can brush things off easily, I don't feel stuck in life, I can actually have fun. I LOVE this medicine.
Do not use Lexapro if you are using an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Serious and sometimes fatal reactions can occur when these medicines are taken with Lexapro. You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you can take Lexapro. After you stop taking Lexapro, you must wait at least 14 days before you start taking an MAOI.
Tell your doctor about all other antidepressants you take, especially Celexa, Cymbalta, Desyrel, Effexor, Luvox, Oleptro, Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax, Paxil, Pexeva, Viibryd, or Zoloft.
To make sure you can safely take Lexapro, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
liver or kidney disease;
seizures or epilepsy;
bipolar disorder (manic depression); or
a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Lexapro. Escitalopram may cause heart defects or serious lung problems in a newborn if you take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant. Do not start or stop taking Lexapro during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Escitalopram can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Lexapro without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give Lexapro to anyone younger than 12 years old without the advice of a doctor.
I wasn't severely depressed but I was always CRAZY sensitive, flipped out and cried at the smallest things, had pretty bad anxiety for no reason and would think negative thoughts over and over until I couldn't sit with myself. I finally decided to see a psychologist who recommended I have a psychiatric evaluation- in which they prescribed Lexapro. They started me on 10mg for two weeks and bumped me up to 20mg, which I have been taking for the last 2 months. I can't even express the immense change I experienced. I have never felt so content in my life. It never changed my personality in a drastic way, but I feel very confident, I can brush things off easily, I don't feel stuck in life, I can actually have fun. I LOVE this medicine.
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