ALL SSRI drugs employed in managing depression have their side-effects in varying degrees. However, the newest such drug, Lexapro (introduced in the usa in 2002), is usually well-tolerated by way of the human system. Its side-effects are mild and temporary, and require a slight adjustment in dosage without discontinuing the therapy.
Let's briefly look at the side-effects of Lexapro vis-? -vis other SSRI drugs (Note: SSRI is abbreviation for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, a family of medication utilized in treating depression and general anxiety conditions).
o In treatment of depression: Examination has been shown that as a general rule only 4% of patients using Lexapro discontinued treatment compared with 16% for Effexor. Another study showed that patients were swiftly and safely equipped to switch to Lexapro from medicines like Celexa, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. Further, it was obviously observed that lower than 7% of patients who switched to Lexapro discontinued Lexapro too.
o Generalized Sadness (GAD): A study demonstrated that GAD patients on 10mg Lexapro treatment experienced precisely the same intensity of side-effects as those using placebos. In a different study, that directly compared Lexapro with Paxil of the treatment of GAD, them sets of patients taking the drugs experienced nearly precisely the same degree alleviation of symptoms, but only 7% of a typical patients taking Lexapro discontinued the therapy due to side-effects while in so far as 23% discontinued Paxil for a similar reason.
o Other observations: Lexapro doesn't increase agitation, anxiety or nervousness within the patient in comparison to his condition before start of Lexapro treatment. Lexapro does not cause any significant weight change in patients, while placebos do. A study on the weight-change aspect showed which 8% of patients using Lexapro gained weight compared with 18% for Paxil. Finally, Lexapro is not really addictive although the patient shouldn't abruptly stop the drug without consulting the doctor.
o What, then, would be the side-effects: There's no drug which includes no side-effects, and Lexapro is sadly no exception. Lexapro can cardio-vascular side-effects such as 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 could bring about neoplasm, and menstrual disorders.
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