Treatment With Lexapro
Lexapro is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat Major Depressive
Disorder (MDD) in adolescents.
MDD is a chronic condition that often requires long-term treatment. The symptoms
of major depression typically develop over days to weeks. Lexapro has proven symptom
relief in MDD in adolescents aged 12-17.
How does Lexapro work?
Lexapro is thought to help restore the brain's chemical balance by increasing serotonin, one of the neurotransmitters in the brain believed
to influence mood.
When can your adolescent expect to feel better?
Your adolescent may start to feel better after taking Lexapro for a few weeks, but
the full antidepressant effect may take 4 to 6 weeks. Although you may notice improvement
with Lexapro therapy in 1 to 4 weeks, you should continue therapy as directed by
your healthcare professional.
How long will treatment with Lexapro last?
Your healthcare professional will determine the treatment duration. It is generally
agreed that acute episodes of major depressive disorder require several months or
longer of sustained pharmacological therapy beyond response to the acute episode.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) recommends that treatment
of depressive disorders in adolescents continue for 6 to 12 months. This recommendation
is in reference to all forms of treatment and was not made specifically with regard
to pharmacotherapy. If the depression is severe or recurs, the adolescent
may need to continue treatment long-term to prevent new episodes of depression.
Lexapro Clinical Studies
- Lexapro has proven symptom relief in depression in adolescents aged 12 to 17
- Lexapro demonstrated significant effect starting at week 4
- Rate of discontinuation due to adverse events (side effects) was 3.5% for Lexapro
vs 1% for placebo
- The most common adverse event (incidence greater than placebo) associated with discontinuation
was insomnia (1% for Lexapro vs 0% for placebo)
What about Lexapro's side effects?
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.
See Important Risk Information about Lexapro below
Who should not take Lexapro?
Your adolescent should not take Lexapro if he/ she is:
- Taking or have recently taken a type of drug called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI), such as Nardil® (phenelzine sulfate) or Parnate®
(tranylcypromine sulfate)
- Taking a type of antipsychotic medicine called Orap® (pimozide)
- Allergic to or have had a bad reaction to Lexapro, any of the components of Lexapro,
Celexa, or generic citalopram
- Taking Celexa® (citalopram) or generic citalopram
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