Lexapro (Escitalopram Oxalate)

Posted on March 2008 in Drugs

LEXAPRO (escitalopram) is an orally administered selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is the pure S-enantiomer (single isomer) of the racemic bicyclic phthalane derivative citalopram.

 

LEXAPRO (escitalopram) is indicated for the following:

 

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

 

LEXAPRO (escitalopram) is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder.

 

The efficacy of LEXAPRO in the treatment of major depressive disorder was established in three, 8-week, placebo-controlled trials of outpatients whose diagnoses corresponded most closely to the DSM-IV category of major depressive disorder.

 

A major depressive episode (DSM-IV) implies a prominent and relatively persistent (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks) depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning, and includes at least five of the following nine symptoms: depressed mood, loss of interest in usual activities, significant change in weight and/or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation.

 

GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER

 

LEXAPRO is indicated for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The efficacy of LEXAPRO was established in three, 8-week, placebo-controlled trials in patients with GAD.

 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (DSM-IV) is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation) that is persistent for at least 6 months and which the person finds difficult to control. It must be associated with at least 3 of the following symptoms: restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating or mind going blank, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance.

 

The efficacy of LEXAPRO in the long-term treatment of GAD, that is, for more than 8 weeks, has not been systematically evaluated in controlled trials. The physician who elects to use LEXAPRO for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.

 

HOW SUPPLIED

 

5 mg Tablets:

 

White to off-white, round, non-scored, film-coated. Imprint “FL” on one side of the tablet and “5″ on the other side.

 

10 mg Tablets:

 

White to off-white, round, scored, film-coated. Imprint on scored side with “F” on the left side and “L” on the right side.Imprint on the non-scored side with “10″.

 

20 mg Tablets:

 

White to off-white, round, scored, film-coated. Imprint on scored side with “F” on the left side and “L” on the right side.Imprint on the non-scored side with “20″ like here.