What is Lexapro?
- Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
- Lexapro is available by prescription only
Lexapro has been proven safe and effective for the acute and maintenance treatment
of MDD in adults and adolescents (ages 12-17) and for the acute treatment of anxiety
(GAD) in adults.
- Lexapro has been prescribed to over 18 million U.S. adults
- Lexapro 10mg/day may significantly improve the symptoms of depression (MDD) in adults
and adolescents (aged 12-17) and anxiety (GAD) for adults
How Lexapro works
Lexapro is believed to work by increasing serotonin, a substance in the brain believed
to influence mood.
How SSRIs work
Although the brain chemistry involved in depression or anxiety is not fully understood,
it is widely recognized that chemical messengers facilitate communication between
nerve cells in the brain and are involved in regulating many aspects of behavior
and mood. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters and it is believed
that neurotransmitter imbalances play an important role in the development of depression
and anxiety. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has been clearly linked
with most, if not all, forms of depression. SSRIs are believed to work
by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, thus increasing
available serotonin.
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