Side
Effects of Lexapro
Bethany Jordin - 1/24/2009
-
Consider the Side Effects of Lexapro Before Taking
Lexapro is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant. It is able to work because it returns
balance to the chemical makeup of various chemicals, such as serotonin, in the brain. By doing this it reduces
anxiety and/or fear and restores an atmosphere of mental well-being. So, what are the potential side effects of
Lexapro and who should be worried about them?
Suicide
The risk of suicide is one that is expected by those who are feeling depressed. It isn't often expected to increase
as a result of the medications that are designed to treat depression. In some cases though, this is the case. The
risks are greater in those who are younger than 25 but only marginally so. This means that anyone taking Lexapro
should be on the lookout for worsening depression symptoms or thoughts of depression. You should notify your
physician immediately if you notice these things or unusual moods, an inability to sleep, feelings of hostility
and/or anger, restlessness, and agitation. You should not only notify your doctor of these symptoms when you begin
taking Lexapro but any time your dosage is adjusted or you have forgotten to take a pill and then began taking the
medication again (though this isn't advised at all—it is important to take Lexapro as prescribed to avoid other
possible side effects or withdrawal symptoms as well as lessening the effectiveness of the medication to treat your
depression).
Physical Side Effects
You should also be prepared for the following physical side effects of Lexapro: decrease in sex drive, impotence,
sweating, dry mouth, easy bruising, nausea, easy bleeding, weakness, yawning, and an irregular heartbeat. Elderly
patience who are taking water pills should exercise great caution while taking Lexapro that they do not lose too
much salt. You should also avoid taking this medication while pregnant. There is a risk of babies being born with
withdrawal symptoms if you take this drug during the last 3 months of your pregnancy.
Drug Interactions
Another side effect you must worry about when taking medications such as Lexapro include the potential for drug
interactions. You should notify your physician of any and all medications, herbal remedies, vitamins, and
supplements you are taking in order to avoid potential interactions with Lexapro. You should not take Lexapro in
combination with MAO inhibitors or for two weeks preceding or after you have taken Lexapro. You should also avoid
taking Lexapro in combination with any weight loss medications. Even aspirin can cause interactions with Lexapro so
it is important to notify your doctor about all medications no matter how harmless you may believe them to be.
The side effects of Lexapro range in severity from mildly annoying to life threatening. It is best to have a clear
understanding of the risks involved in taking medications for depression. If you want to minimize the risks you may
be interested in seeking natural or herbal alternatives to prescribed antidepressants.
About the author:
Bethany Jordin is an Information Technology professional and aspiring writer who was clinically diagnosed with SAD
(Social Anxiety Disorder) in 2007.
Source: http://www.naturalantidepressants.info
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