Review: Lexapro Oral Medication

Lexapro has the generic name of Escitalopram, and is manufactured by the Forrest Pharmaceuticals Inc. Lexapro is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant that is prescribed to treat anxiety and depression. Lexapro comes in tablet and liquid forms. If you take the liquid form, be sure to use an exact measuring device, such as a pediatric measuring spoon, because a household teaspoon may give you an incorrect dosage. Lexapro is normally taken once a day either daytime or nighttime, however ordered by your physician.

Lexapro is designed to fix an imbalance in the serotonin levels in your brain. It is important to note that you may be feeling better because the medication is doing what it is supposed to do. Don't stop taking Lexapro because you feel fine again. You feel fine because your brain chemicals are once again balanced. It may take up to 4 to 6 weeks for the full therapeutic effect to take place in your body. Don't give up on it.

Your doctor may start you out at half the regular dosage for a week or two before moving you up to the therapeutic dose to prevent the occurrence of side effects. If you do experience side effects, they are usually less intense if you have led up to the therapeutic dosage over time. Three of the most common side effects reported are dry mouth, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping, but the benefit of the drug far outweighs the discomfort of the side effects.

If more severe side effects were to occur, such as thoughts of suicide, vomiting a substance that resembles coffee ground material, pounding heart and seizures you would be directed to seek emergency help. If you are male and have experienced the rare side effect of an erection for up to 4 hours, you should contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor may have to tweak the dosage or prescribe another drug for you. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, be sure to consult with your physician. Your doctor will have to determine if you should stay on this drug or be on another one. Lexapro is absorbed into breast milk, so breast feeding would not be advised.

Lexapro is sold under its brand name by Forrest Pharmaceuticals Inc. and the medication is quite pricy at this time. Not all insurance programs cover it, and those that do may have a higher co-pay. My daughter takes Lexapro and her co-pay at this time is $50. She recently got a letter from her insurance company stating that the co-pay is going to $80. Lexapro can run up to $320 a month without insurance. I know a handful of people on this medication and they all have favorable things to say about it. They report no untoward effects.