Generic Name
Escitalopram
Brand Name
Lexapro
Class
Antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Escitalopram is the s-isomer of citalopram.
Proposed Mechanism(s) of Action
Escitalopram blocks the presynaptic serotonin reuptake and desensitizes serotonin receptors (especially 5HT1A).
Indication
Major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
Off-Label Use
Panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Side Effects
Headaches, nausea, ejaculation disorder, somnolence, and insomnia.
Serious
Seizures, mania, and suicidal ideation (all considered rare).
Common
Sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal upset, insomnia, sedation, tremor, headache, dizziness, sweating, bruising and very rare bleeding, rare hyponatremia, and a potential for SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion).
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References and Reading
Physicians’ Desk Reference (62nd ed.). (2007). Montvale: Thomson PDR.
Physicians’ Desk Reference (71st ed.). (2017). Montvale: Thomson PDR.
Stahl, S. M. (2007). Essential psychopharmacology: The prescriber’s guide (2nd ed.). New York: Cambridge University Press.
Additional Information
Drug Interaction Effects: http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html.
Drug Molecule Images: http://www.worldofmolecules.com/drugs/.
Free Drug Online and PDA Software: www.epocrates.com.
Free Drug Online and PDA Software: www.medscape.com.
Gene-Based Estimate of Drug interactions: http://mhc.daytondcs.com:8080/cgibin/ddiD4?ver=4&task=getDrugList.
Pill Identification: http://www.drugs.com/pill_identification.html.
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Gonzalez, E.A. (2018). Escitalopram. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1655
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1655
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