Lexapro
Indicated for major depressive disorder and utilized to support serotonin balance to handle anxiety.
- Category
- Antidepressants
- Active ingredient
- Escitalopram
- Supply
- Pharmacy
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Film-coated tablet
- Strengths
- 5 · 10 · 20mg
Lexapro details
- Alternative names
- Cipralex; Nexito
- Therapeutic class
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
- Pharmacological class
- SSRI
- Contraindications
- concurrent use of MAO inhibitors; hypersensitivity
- Minor side effects
- nausea; insomnia; headache; dizziness
- Moderate side effects
- dry mouth; diarrhoea; increased sweating; libido changes
- Dosage forms
- Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Pharmacist only, dispensed without a prescription
- Manufacturer
- Lundbeck
- Onset Time
- 2–4 weeks
- Duration
- 24 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
- MAO inhibitors; St. John's wort; NSAIDs
- Age restrictions
- Not for children under 18 years.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Pregnancy: Risk benefit analysis required. Breastfeeding: Caution advised.
Precautions and warnings
monitor for suicidal ideation, especially in early treatment; avoid rapid discontinuation; use with caution in epilepsy
Serious side effects
serotonin syndrome, requires immediate medical attention; hyponatraemia, requires immediate medical attention; suicidal ideation, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Indicated for major depressive disorder and utilized to support serotonin balance to handle anxiety.
Mechanism of action
This medication selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin at the neuronal membrane. By increasing the availability of this neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft, it improves communication between neurons to elevate mood.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Lexapro
Lexapro is a well-known brand of escitalopram, utilised in the management of Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. Developed by Lundbeck, the same active ingredient is also sold under the brand names Cipralex and Nexito. It is supplied as a tablet in strengths of 5, 10 and 20mg.
Lexapro availability in Asia
Lexapro is registered across 13 markets, including South Korea, Japan and the UAE, with further availability in Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand. As a common treatment for these conditions, generic escitalopram remains accessible throughout the region. This medication should only be used under the clear guidance and regular monitoring of a qualified medical professional to ensure appropriate individual care.