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Lexapro as a Treatment for Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)

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Effective Control of Symptoms

Lexapro has been proven to be an effective treatment for depression. In controlled studies, Lexapro significantly improved the symptoms of depression for many patients.

Among depressed adult patients who received Lexapro in placebo-controlled trials, 6% stopped treatment due to a side effect, as compared to 2% of adult patients receiving placebo. In the comprehensive GAD safety database, among adult GAD patients taking Lexapro 10-20 mg/day in placebo-controlled trials, 8% stopped treatment due to a side effect, vs 4% of those receiving placebo.1, 2, 3

Medicines can sometimes work differently in different people. That's why it is not unusual for doctors to recommend that their patients change medicines so that they may get better relief of their symptoms. Forest Laboratories does not recommend that patients who are well controlled on their current antidepressant therapy be switched.

Remember, it is important to continue to take your medicine for as long as your healthcare professional advises, even if you start feeling better. Otherwise your symptoms could return or worsen. Full recovery takes time.

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References: 1. LEXAPRO [package insert]. St. Louis, Mo: Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.;2009.  2. Goodman WK, Bise A, Wang Q. Escitalopram 10mg/day is effective in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Poster presented at: 23rd Annual Conference of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America; March 27-30, 2003; Toronto, Canada.  3. Burke J, Gergel I, Bose A. Fixed-dose trial of the singel isomer SSRI escitalopram in depressed outpatients. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63:331-336 

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