Lexapro FAQ
Q: What is Lexapro?
A: Lexapro is in a class of medicines called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro is used to treat depression and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Lexapro is made by Forest Laboratories, Inc., and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002.
Q: Has there been any recent news about Lexapro?
A: In July 2006, the FDA issued two alerts related to Lexapro. The first FDA alert announced the results of a study concerning the use of antidepressant medicines during pregnancy by mothers of babies born with a serious condition called persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Click here for more information on this FDA alert.
The second FDA alert states that a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome can occur when SSRIs (such as Lexapro) and medicines used to treat migraine headaches known as 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists (triptans), are taken together. Click here for more information on this FDA alert.
Over the last few years, the FDA has worked closely with the manufacturers of all marketed antidepressants (such as Lexapro) to fully evaluate the risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and adults treated with these medications. Lexapro maker Forest Laboratories, Inc. added a black box warning to Lexapro's prescribing information describing the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and adolescents taking antidepressants. Click here for more information.
Q: Who should not take Lexapro?
A:
You should not take Lexapro if you take another drug that treats depression, called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), or if you have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days. Taking these two drugs close in time can result in serious (and sometimes fatal) reactions including high body temperature, coma, and seizures (convulsions).
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Most content above from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
