Lexapro, generic name escitalopram, is a prescription medication used to treat general anxiety disorder, GAD, in adults and major depression in adults and adolescents. It is in the class of drugs called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. According to Lexapro, this drug works by increasing serotonin levels, which affects mood. Seroquel, generic name quetiapine, is an anti-psychotic prescription medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and adolescents and manic depressive disorder in adults and children over age 10. These two different medications do share some common side effects.
Allergic Reaction
As with any medication, there is the possibility of developing an allergic reaction to either Lexapro or Seroquel. According to Drugs.com, signs of a serious allergic reaction include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, mouth, tongue and throat. This is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention from 911.
Muscular System Problems
Both Lexapro and Seroquel can cause problems with muscle tone and coordination. According to Drugs.com, the muscles can become very stiff and rigid, fine tremors can develop within the smaller muscles and muscle movement can become jerky and uncontrolled. With Lexapro, over-reactive reflexes can develop, while with Seroquel there can be difficulty swallowing and speaking.
Gatrointestinal Side Effects
Nausea and vomiting are side effects of both Lexapro and Seroquel. Other gastrointestinal side effects for Lexapro include constipation and heartburn. According to Drug.com, other gastrointestinal side effects for Seroquel include some of the signs for diabetes: increased hunger, increased thirst and increased urination and high blood sugar. Lexapro and Seroquel share some other types of side effects and they include headache, dry mouth, drowsiness, fever, sweating, confusion and possibly, blurred vision.
Other Side Effects of Lexapro
Lexapro has some side effects that are not shared with Seroquel. According to DrugWatch, some of the side effects pertaining to Lexapro alone include insomnia, decreased libido in both sexes, sexual dysfunction in males, trouble concentrating and agitation. Some of the more serious side effects include irregular heartbeat, chest pain, hallucinations, seizures and thoughts of suicide. Any one of these side effects should be reported to your doctor at once.
Other Side Effects of Seroquel
Seroquel also has some other side effects. According to DrugWatch, those side effects include tender breasts, menstrual changes, increased cholesterol levels, sore throat and weakness. The more serious side effects of Seroquel include panic attacks, rapid heartbeat, numbness and sudden weakness on one side of the body. These side effects should be reported to your doctor at once.
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