Description
Lexapro is one of the most effective and safe antidepressants, which is approved for use in adolescents over 12 years and adults. The drug belongs to the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and rapidly reduces the level of depression and anxiety.
The antidepressant is effective in the treatment of depressive episodes of any severity. Indications for the use of Lexapro are:
- Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in adults;
- Therapy of major depressive disorder in adolescents over 12 years of age and adults, including geriatric patients.
To date, Lexapro is one of the most prescribed antidepressants in the US, since the use of the drug provides an effective reduction of such indicators, as:
Asthenia;
Vegetative disorders;
Emotional discomfort.
The antidepressant effect of Lexapro is caused by the selective inhibition of the neurotransmitter serotonin. It is believed that low levels of this neurotransmitter contribute to the development of depression.
To increase serotonin concentration in the synaptic cleft and prolong the action of this neurotransmitter to postsynaptic receptors, experts recommend buying Lexapro.
In local retail and online pharmacies, Americans can purchase Lexapro in the form of:
- 5 mg/5 ml oral solution;
- 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg tablets for oral administration.
As a rule, for treatment of depression in adolescents and patients with impaired swallowing, people buy Lexapro oral solution. The drug has a pleasant mint flavor and is supplied in glass bottles of 240 ml.
Lexapro tablets are round in shape and coated with a white film coating. Tablets are delivered in bottles of 100 pieces in each, as well as in blister packs of 10 Lexapro tablets.
Both dosage forms have the same efficacy, and at the same time, the price for oral solution may be higher, than the price of Lexapro tablets. If you want to buy an inexpensive Lexapro suspension, you can order it online.
In online pharmacies, the price of Lexapro tablets and suspension is lower, than in conventional pharmacies. The lower cost of Lexapro is due to the fact that the cost of maintaining an online pharmacy is significantly lower, compared to the costs for the maintenance of a brick and mortar pharmacy. Therefore, online pharmacies sell this antidepressant with a minimum mark-up.
In pharmacies that sell Lexapro online, you can also find Lexapro generics, which are cheaper, and provide the same efficiency and safety just like the branded drug does.
If you decide to order Lexapro online, it is recommended to choose a reliable pharmacy, familiarize yourself with the terms of the drug sale and find out the details about the payment method.
Regardless of which pharmacy you chose to buy Lexapro, read the instructions for use before you start taking this drug. This will help you get full information about what is Lexapro and whether you the drug administration is acceptable in your particular case.
The package insert will provide you with the details on how to increase the beneficial effect of the drug and minimize its side effects. Lexapro can be considered the safest selective inhibitor of serotonin reuptake among modern antidepressants.
The antidepressant interacts solely with the serotonin transporter, which explains its good tolerability and high safety (if used properly).
- Usually, to treat depression in adolescents, Lexapro is prescribed at a dose of 10 mg once a day.
- The initial adult dose, incl. for elderly patients, is one Lexapro 10 mg tablet per day.
- Depending on the individual patient’s response, the dose of the antidepressant may be upped to a maximum of 20 mg per day.
- Treatment can last one to six months.
At the end of treatment, the dose should gradually decrease within two weeks to avoid the “withdrawal” syndrome. In general, the drug is well tolerated and side effects during Lexapro treatment are noted infrequently.
The most frequent undesirable effects include a decrease in appetite, insomnia, excessive sweating, nausea, and anxiety. It is recommended to use low initial doses of Lexapro to reduce the likelihood of side effects.
Ashley C. Saldana –
I am taking Lexapro several years in a row, with some breaks, which were my attempts to see if I can control my GAD on my own. Every time I discontinue the drug, I see that I do need it to feel a normal person. It’s ok, I see no problem using it, since it doesn’t give me any serious side effects. The only one I get at times is feeling a bit drowsy, but it’s manageable.