Escitalopram Oxalate(ess si tal’ oh pram)
Lexapro
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Classes
Antidepressant
SSRI
Therapeutic Actions
Potentiates serotonergic activity in the CNS by inhibiting reuptake of serotonin resulting in antidepressant effect with little effect on norepinephrine or dopamine; an isomer of citalopram.
Indications
Acute and maintenance treatment for patients with major depressive disorder
Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder
Unlabeled uses: Panic disorder, PTSD insomnia in adults, IBS
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with MAOI, pimozide use; with allergy to drug or to citalopram or any component of the drug.
Use cautiously in the elderly and with renal or hepatic impairment, illnesses of metabolism or hemodynamic response, pregnancy, lactation, suicidal patients, patients with mania or seizure disorders.
Available Forms
Tablets—5, 10, 20 mg; oral solution—1 mg/mL
Dosages
Adults
Major depressive disorder: Initially, 10 mg/day PO as a single daily dose; if needed, may be increased to 20 mg/day after a minimum of 1-wk trial period. For maintenance, 10–20 mg/day PO; reassess periodically.
Generalized anxiety disorder: 10 mg/day PO; may be increased to 20 mg/day after 1 wk if needed. Treatment beyond 8 wk not tested.
Pediatric patients 12–17 yr
Major depressive disorder: 10 mg/day PO as a single dose. Increase dose slowly over a minimum of 3 wk. Maximum dose, 20 mg/day.
Geriatric patients or adults with hepatic impairment
10 mg/day PO as a single dose; do not increase dose.
Pharmacokinetics
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