Lexapro in Children
Lexapro is the brand name for the prescription medication escitalopram oxalate. Doctors prescribe Lexapro for the treatment of depression in children ages 12 to 17, and the FDA approved its use for children in early 2009.
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Function
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Lexapro prevents the breakdown of serotonin, a chemical in the brain responsible for regulating mood, appetite, sleep, sensation of pain, and sexual arousal. The drug increases serotonin levels, helping to alleviate symptoms of depression.
Indications
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Doctors typically prescribe Lexapro for use in children who, for two weeks or more, persistently show five of the nine hallmark symptoms of depression: loss of interest in usual activities; depressed mood; significant change in weight or appetite; insomnia or excess sleeping; anxiety or sluggishness; increased fatigue; feelings of guilt or worthlessness; slowed thinking or impaired concentration; and suicidal thoughts or actions.
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Dosage
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Children begin with a regimen of 10mg of Lexapro once daily. If symptoms do not lessen within three weeks, the dose could be increased to 20mg per day, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Time Frame for Treatment
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Lexapro is usually prescribed for at least eight weeks, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. When the drug is no longer needed to treat depression in the child, her doctor will gradually wean her off the drug in order to prevent a sudden drop in serotonin levels, which can cause insomnia, irritability, agitation and dizziness.
Side Effects
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The most common side effects of Lexapro in children include back pain, vomiting, nasal congestion and increased incidence of urinary tract infections. Lexapro poses a risk for suicidal thoughts and self-harmful behavior in children and young adults during the first few weeks of treatment, warns the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
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