ALL SSRI drugs applied to the treatment of depression have their side-effects in varying degrees. However, the latest such drug, Lexapro (introduced in the states in 2002), is often well-tolerated by the human system. Its side-effects are mild and temporary, and require only a slight adjustment in dosage without discontinuing the procedure.
Let's briefly focus on the side-effects of Lexapro vis-? -vis other SSRI drugs (Note: SSRI is abbreviation for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, a household of drugs employed in treating depression and general anxiety attacks).
o In treatment of depression: Scrutiny has been shown which 4% of patients using Lexapro discontinued treatment compared to 16% for Effexor. Another study showed that patients were swiftly and safely able to move to Lexapro from medicines like Celexa, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. Further, previously it was observed that below 7% of patients who switched to Lexapro discontinued Lexapro too.
o Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Research demonstrated that GAD patients on 10mg Lexapro treatment experienced the same intensity of side-effects as those using placebos. Another study, that directly compared Lexapro with Paxil for the treatment of GAD, each sets of patients taking the drugs experienced nearly the same level of alleviation of symptoms, but only 7% of many patients taking Lexapro discontinued the therapy on account of side-effects while as many as 23% discontinued Paxil with the same reason.
o Other observations: Lexapro will not increase agitation, anxiety or nervousness inside the patient compared to his condition before start of Lexapro treatment. Lexapro doesn't cause any significant weight change in patients, while placebos do. Research directly into weight-change aspect showed that only 8% of patients using Lexapro gained weight compared to 18% for Paxil. Finally, Lexapro will not be addictive while the patient must not abruptly stop the medication without consulting the doctor.
o What, then, are classified as the side-effects: There's no drug that has no side-effects, and Lexapro is sadly exception. Lexapro can cardio-vascular side-effects for example palpitation, bradycardia, tachycardia, hypertension, abnormal ECG, QT prolongation, torsades de pointes. Other side-effects include gastro-intestinal, metabolic and nutritional, renal, nervous, and blood and lymphatic disorders. In women, Lexapro might cause neoplasm, and menstrual disorders.
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