What Are Lexapro Pills For?
Lexapro is a prescription medication that works by increasing a chemical in the brain called serotonin, which improves mood.
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Anxiety Disorder
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Lexapro is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat generalized anxiety disorder.
Mental Health
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Lexapro is approved by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder in adults. According to the Nursing 2010 Drug Handbook, Lexapro isn't approved to treat depression in children.
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Off-label Uses
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Your physician may also prescribe this medication to treat other conditions such as bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression associated with the onset of menopause.
Considerations
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Lexapro is used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, but it cannot cure them. This medication needs to be taken as prescribed and contact your physician if your symptoms don't improve or worsen.
Effects
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It can take one to four weeks before the effects of Lexapro are felt. Take this medicine even if you feel better and don't discontinue this medication without physician guidance.
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References
- MedlinePlus: Escitalopram
- WebMD: Lexapro Oral
- Nursing 2010 Drug Handbook; Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; May 1, 2009
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Shutr
