Q: What is Lexapro?

A: Lexapro, from the class of medicines known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs, is used for the treatment of depression and General Anxiety Disorder or GAD. Lexapro is developed and produced by Forest Laboratories Inc and was granted approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2002.

Q: Is there any recent news about Lexapro?

A: US FDA released two warnings regarding Lexapro in July 2006. The initial FDA alert was about the results of the study regarding the use of antidepressant medicines during the pregnancy period of mothers where babies who were born with severe condition known as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn or PPHN. The second warning stated that there was a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome that could happen when SSRIs like Lexapro and other medicines for migraine headaches called as 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists or triptans were taken together.

For several years, FDA worked closely with the producers of all marketed antidepressants like Lexapro to completely assess the probable risks of suicidality in children, adolescents, and adults who were treated with these particular medicines. Forest Laboratories Inc, the manufacturer of Lexapro, inserted a black box warning to Lexapro’s prescribing information stating the increased risks of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and adolescents who were using antidepressants.

Q: Who should avoid taking Lexapro?

A: You should avoid taking Lexpro if you are taking another drug for treatment of depression called Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor or MAOI, or if you have discontinued taking MAOI for the last 14 days. Taking these drugs close in time might lead to severe, and sometimes might be fatal, reactions which include high body temperature, seizures or convulsions, and coma.

Q: Is there any serious health risks related with Lexapro?

A: There are harmful side effects that may happen if you discontinue taking Lexapro abruptly. The healthcare provider would be able to reduce your dose gradually when t is needed. The other risks of taking Lexapro are:

• Increased chances of having suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Mania
• Bleeding problems
• Sexual problems
• Seizures or convulsions

There are also high health risks if you take Lexapro while you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

Q: Is there any side effects related with Lexapro?

A: Side effects related with taking Lexapro are difficulty in sleeping, increased sweating nausea, sleepiness, and exhaustion.

Q: What should I tell my healthcare provider before they prescribe Lexapro?

A: It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, particularly if you have or had liver or kidney problems or glaucoma. Inform them also if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.

Q: Can other medicines or foods affect Lexapro?

A: It is also very important to inform your healthcare provider about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins that you take. Avoid taking Lexapro with Celexa, from citalopram, which is another drug for treatment of depression. Lexapro and Celexa are similar and taking them together increases the chances of overdose. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you are planning to drink alcohol while taking Lexapro.

Q: What should I do if I think I have been injured as a consequence of taking Lexapro?

A: If you or any of your family members are experiencing one or more of the symptoms or rare medical condition while taking Lexapro, you must contact first your doctor or your healthcare provider. Then, you may find an experienced lawyer to discuss with you the options and safwguard your rights to legal remedy for any injury sustained while taking the Lexapro.