Lexapro

Indications for use:

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• depressive episodes of any severity;
• panic disorders with or without agoraphobia;
• social anxiety disorder (social phobia);
• generalized anxiety disorder;
• obsessive-compulsive disorder.

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Contraindications

Lexapro is contraindicated to the children under 15, pregnant women (including during the lactation period) and the people with hypersensitivity to the drug components. It is also forbidden to take escitalopram together with MAO inhibitors.

Directions for use and dosage

Lexapro is taken once a day, both during the meal and independently.

Therapeutic dose for the treatment of depressive episodes is 10, or, at a maximum- 20 mg a day. Usually, the antidepressant effect starts to appear 2-4 weeks after the beginning of treatment. If the desired effect is achieved, and the symptoms of depression have gone completely, you should take the drug at least another six months to sustain the result.

The initial dose for the treatment of panic disorders is 5 mg a day with the further increase to 10 mg a day. If necessary, the daily dose can be increased to 20 mg. The treatment lasts several months, and its maximum effect is achieved on average 3 months after the beginning of treatment with escitalopram.

The dose (both recommended and maximal) for elderly patients (over 65 years old) is half of the above-mentioned one. In the case of mild /moderate kidney failure, the dose is not reduced. But if the patient has pronounced kidney dysfunctions, he/she should take escitalopram with caution.

The minimal dose for the patients with liver dysfunction (in the first two weeks of treatment) is 5 mg a day. If necessary, it can be increased to 10 mg a day.

To avoid withdrawal symptoms, you should give up Lexapro gradually, reducing the dose within 2 weeks.