About Lexapro

Fast Facts About Lexapro

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 treatment of depression (MDD) in adults and adolescents (aged 12-17) and for the treatment of anxiety (GAD) in adults.

Lexapro is believed to work by helping to restore the brain's chemical balance; it increases serotonin, a substance in the brain believed to influence mood.

  • Lexapro 10mg/day may significantly improve the symptoms of depression (MDD) in adults and adolescents and anxiety (GAD) for adults.

Lexapro for Depression (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in Adults

Lexapro (escitalopram oxolate) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the acute and maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents aged 12-17 years and for the acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults.

  • Lexapro is a once daily treatment for both depression (MDD) and anxiety (GAD).
  • The efficacy and safety of Lexapro for the treatment of MDD in adults was established in several clinical trials involving more than 1,100 adult patients, including men and women, ages 18-65.
  • The efficacy and safety of Lexapro in the treatment of GAD in adults was established in several clinical trials involving approximately 850 adult patients ages 18-80.
  • Lexapro has been prescribed to over 18 million U.S. adults.

Taking Lexapro

  • Lexapro is taken once daily with or without food. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription medicines or over-the-counter remedies you take.
  • In clinical trials, the most common side effects associated with Lexapro treatment in adults were nausea, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), ejaculation disorder (primarily ejaculation delay), fatigue and drowsiness, increased sweating, decreased libido, and anorgasmia (difficulty achieving orgasm). Side effects in pediatric patients were generally similar to those seen in adults; however, the following additional side effects were reported commonly in pediatric patients: back pain, urinary tract infection, vomiting, and nasal congestion. This is not a complete list of side effects. For more information, see Lexapro Prescribing Information. Always take Lexapro as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

NEXT: WHY TAKE LEXAPRO?

PRINT    Text Size: resetmediumlarge

Why was I prescribed Lexapro?

Lexapro is a prescription medicine for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents aged 12-17 years and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. MDD and GAD are real medical conditions that require diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional. Lexapro is a safe and effective medication that can help improve symptoms of depression in adults and adolescents aged 12-17 and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Your healthcare professional chose Lexapro for a reason. ...more

When will I start feeling better?

You may notice an improvement in 1 to 4 weeks; however, you should continue to take Lexapro as directed by your healthcare professional.... more

View More Questions

Patient Information

View the Guide for Adults With Depression or Anxiety (GAD) , or select another guide.

Select a Guide

© 2010 Forest Laboratories, Inc.
41-1014695 02/10

If you have any questions, discuss them with your doctor or healthcare professional.  For additional information about Lexapro, call the Forest Medical Information and Communication Department toll-free at 800-678-1605, ext. 66297.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.People depicted in images are models. Images are used for illustrative purposes only

Close

You are now leaving the Lexapro Website. Links to other websites are provided as a service to you. Forest Laboratories accepts no responsibility for the content of other Websites. Would you like to continue?

YesNo