Lexapro

What is Lexapro?

Escitalopram, commonly known by the brand name Lexapro, is a prescription medication widely used for the treatment of major depressive disorder and various anxiety conditions.

As a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), it works by isolating the active S-enantiomer component of the earlier antidepressant citalopram. It highly selectively inhibits the presynaptic reuptake of serotonin in the central nervous system, enhancing serotonin neurotransmission with minimal affinity for other receptors.

Generic Names:

• Escitalopram: The active chemical compound used globally for the management of depression and anxiety.

Global Brand Names:

The following are prominent brand names for escitalopram available in various markets:

• Lexapro (立普能): The original brand manufactured by Lundbeck, available in Hong Kong as 10mg and 20mg film-coated tablets.
• Apo-Escitalopram: A common generic alternative registered and dispensed in Hong Kong.
• Escitalopram Sandoz: A generic formulation widely available in local hospital and pharmacy settings.

These names all refer to the same medication. It's important to note that while the active ingredient is the same, different countries may have different regulations and available medication formulations.

What is Lexapro used for?

Lexapro is used to relieve:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia).
• Panic Disorder, with or without agoraphobia.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

How do you use Lexapro?

Availability:

• Film-coated tablets.

Dosage Information:

• Adults: Start at 10mg once daily, increasing to a maximum of 20mg if required.
• Elderly: Start at 5mg daily, up to a maximum of 10mg per day.
• Adolescents (12-17): 10mg once daily for major depressive disorder, potentially increasing to 20mg.
• Panic Disorder Patients: Initial dose of 5mg for the first week, followed by an increase to 10mg daily.

Suitability:

• Adults: Yes, for indicated depression and anxiety disorders.
• Elderly: Yes, with necessary dosage adjustments.
• Adolescents: Yes, specifically for major depressive disorder.

Who cannot take Lexapro?

Allergies and unsuitability:

• Rare, but possible allergic reactions.

Conditions where the drug should not be used:

• Concomitant use with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).
• Concomitant use with pimozide.
• Known long QT syndrome.

Lexapro may cause mild side effects initially, such as nausea, dry mouth, increased sweating, insomnia, or fatigue, which typically diminish after a few weeks of treatment. Ejaculatory disorders or decreased libido may also occur.

Severe adverse reactions require immediate medical attention. These include life-threatening serotonin syndrome, extremely low sodium levels (hyponatremia), seizures, or an increased risk of abnormal bleeding. Like other SSRIs, escitalopram carries a risk of increased suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults during the early stages of treatment.

• Do not take with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) due to the risk of life-threatening serotonin syndrome.
• Avoid alcohol to reduce the risk of exacerbating symptoms and central nervous system effects.
• Do not stop taking the medication abruptly to prevent discontinuation syndrome, which includes dizziness, agitation, and sensory disturbances.
• Check with a doctor before using NSAIDs, aspirin, or warfarin due to an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Avoid St. John's Wort, triptans, and tramadol to reduce the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Do not exceed the prescribed daily dose to avoid severe adverse reactions.

Storage information:

• Store at controlled room temperature between 15°C and 30°C.
• Keep the medication in its original packaging to protect it from light and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Handling instructions:

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• Take the medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent drug levels in the body.

Where is Lexapro available in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Lexapro is classified as a "Prescription Only Medicine". This means you must present a valid doctor's prescription to purchase it legally at a registered pharmacy.

You can obtain this medication at registered dispensaries bearing the "Rx" logo, or through public and private hospital pharmacies, provided you have the required prescription from a registered medical practitioner.