Generic Name
Escitalopram
Brand Name
Lexapro
Class
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. 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, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Side Effects
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 Readings
Physicians’ Desk Reference (62nd ed.). (2007). Montvale, NJ: Thomson PDR.
Stahl, S. M. (2007). Essential psychopharmacology: The prescriber’s guide (2nd ed.). New York, NY: 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
Gene-Based Estimate of Drug interactions: http://mhc.daytondcs.com:8080/cgi bin/ddiD4?ver=4&task=getDrugList
Pill Identification: http://www.drugs.com/pill_identification.html
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© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
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Courtney, J.C. (2011). Escitalopram. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79948-3_1655
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79948-3_1655
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
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