This glossary contains medical definitions to help you understand common
terms related to the treatment of depression and anxiety. If you have
any further questions, please ask your doctor or healthcare provider.
Adverse Events
Also known as side effects, adverse events are the secondary, usually
negative, effects caused by medicine. They are recorded as the percentage
of patients who experience the adverse event. For example, if 10 people
out of 100 in a clinical trial take a medicine and develop a headache,
then 10% of the study participants experienced this adverse event.
A well-tolerated medicine is associated with low rates of adverse
events.
Anorgasmia
This is the inability of a person to ever achieve an orgasm while
having sexual intercourse.
Antidepressants
A class of medicines that relieve symptoms of depression by affecting
brain chemistry. These medicines may take several weeks or longer
to be effective, but they work well and are generally safe.
Anxiety
An overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often accompanied by
physical symptoms such as tension, sweating, or increased pulse rate.
Anxiety symptoms are commonly associated with depression.
Celexa® (citalopram HBr)
Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This antidepressant
medicine has been used safely and effectively by more than 40 million
patients worldwide. Lexapro was developed by isolating the medicinal
component of Celexa, a molecule known as an
isomer. As a result, Lexapro is able to provide effective and well-tolerated
therapy for patients. Learn
more about Lexapro.
Clinical Trial
A controlled study designed to test the
safety and efficacy of medicine in a set population of patients who
have a specific illness.
Controlled Study
A study in which a test treatment is compared with a treatment that
has known effects. The control group may receive no treatment, standard
treatment (which may be another medicine or another approach to care),
or placebo (sugar pill).
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