People who suffer from depression may find some relief for their symptoms with a variety of medications including the generically named drug escitalopram. Sold as Lexapro in the United States, this medications falls under the classification of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. The Mayo Clinic states that medical researchers believe SSRIs reduce anxiety and depression symptoms by making the neurotransmitter serotonin more active in the person's brain. The organization reports serious side effects of Lexapro occur rarely.
Sexual Side Effects
One of the main concerns most people have when they begin using antidepressant medications centers around the associated sexual side effects. With newer forms of antidepressants, these kind of side effects most often classify as temporary and non-serious. They may occur at the beginning of treatment with the drug, however. The person taking Lexapro may, for example, experience a loss of interest in having sexual intercourse or find that sexual performance diminishes when the drug is first taken. Men may experience delayed ejaculation and suffer from impotence when using Lexapro. For most people, these sexual side effects will go away within a week of starting the medicine. The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting a physician if such problems continue.
Postural Hypotension
The medical term "postural hypotension" indicates a sudden but momentary drop in blood pressure when sitting or rising from a prone position. Lexapro may cause this problem, which may be accompanied by dizziness or a feeling that the environment is spinning. Users might also feel light-headed, as if they may faint. These problems, Drugs.com states, may temporarily exist during the first part of Lexapro use, but generally end shortly thereafter.
Stomach Upset
Stomach upset, meaning a feeling of nausea or queasiness, may occur at the outset of treatment with many drugs as the body becomes accustomed to the new medicines. Lexapro may cause nausea, but generally this will be a mild condition. Nausea can make it difficult to maintain normal eating habits and may induce appetite loss. For most people, these non-serious side effects will pass, Drugs.com states, without help from a doctor.
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