Lexapro is the brand name of the generic drug escitalopram. It is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents ages 12 to 17. Lexapro is in the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. PDR Health reports that Lexapro may cause several possible side effects and should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified medical professional.
Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk
PDR Health reports that the use of antidepressants has been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some teenagers and young adults when first started. Patients diagnosed with, or who a family history of, bipolar disorder or suicidal thoughts or actions are at a higher risk for worsening symptoms upon initiating drug therapy. Family and caregivers should be notified of the need to monitor patients for the emergence of agitation, irritability, insomnia, anxiety or other mood changes. If any of these symptoms are noted, patients and/or family members should notify their health care provider immediately.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Some patients have experienced withdrawal symptoms upon stopping Lexapro, though PDR Health reports that those symptoms are most common in people who stop taking the drug abruptly. Withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, irritability, insomnia, dizziness, anxiety and tremors. RXList reports that a gradual decrease in the dose of Lexapro is recommended whenever possible. Patients should not attempt to wean themselves off of Lexapro, but should stop the medication only under the careful guidance of a qualified physician.
Possible Interaction With Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
PDR Health reports that Lexapro should never be combined with any drug classified as a MAOI, or monoamine oxidase inhibitor, due to the possibility of serious, and sometimes fatal, drug interactions, including hyperthermia, rigidity, delirium, coma and death. RXList adds that Lexapro should not be taken within 14 days of discontinuing an MAOI, and a MAOI should not be taken within 14 days of discontinuing Lexapro.
Hyponatremia
RXList reports that hyponatremia, or low levels of sodium in the blood, may result from taking Lexapro. Symptoms of low sodium include headache, difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, confusion, unsteadiness and seizures. The elderly and patients taking anti-diuretics are at a higher risk of developing hyponatremia while taking Lexapro. According to PDR Health, patients who developed hyponatremia while taking Lexapro recovered after the Lexapro was discontinued.
Abnormal Bleeding
RXList reports that Lexapro may increase the chances of a bleeding events ranging from bruises to nosebleeds to life-threatening hemorrhages. People taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warfarin or other anticoagulants may be at an increased risk for bleeding. Patients taking such drugs should check with their doctor prior to taking Lexapro.
