ALL SSRI drugs utilized in handling depression have their side-effects in varying degrees. However, modern-day such drug, Lexapro (introduced in the usa in 2002), often is well-tolerated because of the human system. Its side-effects are mild and temporary, and require simply a slight adjustment in dosage without discontinuing the treatment.
Let's briefly look at the side-effects of Lexapro vis-? -vis other SSRI drugs (Note: SSRI is abbreviation for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, a baby of medication used in the treatment of depression and general anxiety conditions).
o In treatment of depression: Research has been shown that as a general rule only 4% of patients using Lexapro discontinued treatment when compared to 16% for Effexor. Another study showed that patients were swiftly and safely equipped to switch to Lexapro from medicines like Celexa, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. Further, it is observed that lower than 7% of patients who switched to Lexapro discontinued Lexapro too.
o Generalized Melancholy (GAD): Scrutiny demonstrated that GAD patients on 10mg Lexapro treatment experienced precisely the same intensity of side-effects as those using placebos. In a different study, that directly compared Lexapro with Paxil for treatment of GAD, the 2 sets of patients taking the drugs experienced nearly precisely the same stage of alleviation of symptoms, but only 7% of your patients taking Lexapro discontinued the therapy due to side-effects while in so far as 23% discontinued Paxil for a similar reason.
o Other observations: Lexapro does not increase agitation, anxiety or nervousness within the patient in comparison to his condition before start of Lexapro treatment. Lexapro won't cause any significant weight change in patients, while placebos do. A study on the weight-change aspect showed which 8% of patients using Lexapro gained weight compared with 18% for Paxil. Finally, Lexapro is not addictive though the patient shouldn't abruptly stop the drug without consulting the doctor.
o What, then, would be the side-effects: There isn't any drug which includes no side-effects, and Lexapro is not any exception. Lexapro can cardio-vascular side-effects such as palpitation, bradycardia, tachycardia, hypertension, abnormal ECG, QT prolongation, torsades de pointes. Other side-effects include gastro-intestinal, metabolic and nutritional, renal, nervous, and blood and lymphatic disorders. In women, Lexapro may cause neoplasm, and menstrual disorders.
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