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Lexapro Side EffectsLexapro (escitalopram oxalate) is the latest antidepressant to be approved by the FDA for treating depression in the U.S., arriving on pharmacy shelves Sept. 5, 2002. But just how safe is it? Antidepressants, like all other manufactured drugs, produce side effects in many people who take them. Lexapro, however, is being marketed as having fewer side effects than the original drug it was derived from.
Lexapro is actually one-half of the celexa molecule, produced by splitting celexa into its 'right-hand' side and its 'left-hand' side. The right-hand side of celexa presumably does not contain depression-fighting abilities and may even contribute to the side effects profile. The left-hand side of celexa, the 'good' half, is theorized to be the part that fights depression and produces little or no side effects. Following this theory, there should be fewer lexapro side effects than its parent drug, celexa.
But what do the facts say? From the Burke et al studies, the percentage of patients experiencing lexapro side effects were By comparison, the reported side effects from taking celexa were Therefore, lexapro side effects at the lower dosage (10 mg lexapro) were slightly less than celexa at 40 mg. 79.0% for lexapro versus 86.4% for celexa. Doesn't sound like much of a difference to me. How can we interpret this data? Micromedex, the Denver-based "leading provider of information for professionals and consumers in health care and industry" is an objective, unbiased, and quite knowledgeable source of information regarding depression medications. Their take on lexapro side effects: "Available data (already buffed and polished to show the best possible results!) do not suggest a significant advantage of this agent (lexapro) over citalopram (celexa) or other SSRI's... "No significant difference in adverse effects (lexapro side effects) between these agents (lexapro vs. celexa) has been demonstrated." Hardly a ringing endorsement. In fact, the lexapro side effects are really quite similar to the side effects of celexa. In other words, lexapro appears to be about the same as celexa. Only time will tell for sure. Lexapro Side EffectsFrom clinical testing, the most common lexapro side effects are as follows:
Other less frequent lexapro side effects include: agitation or restlessness, blurred vision, confusion, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fast talking and excited feelings or actions that are out of control, fever, frequent urination, headache, indigestion, increased or decreased appetite, suicidal thoughts, taste alterations, tremor (shaking), various sexual difficulties, vomiting, and weight changes. As far as antidepressants go, this is actually a small list. Look for many more side effects to show up over time. Basically, lexapro side effects are very similar to celexa side effects. Don't expect a whole lot of difference between the two. It's also important to understand the underlying causes that would lead you to such a painful place. I almost feel guilty because my life has become so enjoyable and so easy. Especially since I remember how miserable I used to be. Basically it comes down to making one slight shift in what you do everyday, and you can watch in amazement as your life slowly begins to start working out in almost every way. It's such an important change that I've written a complete e-book about it. And I'd like to give you a copy for free. All you have to do is write your first name and primary email address into the space below, and you'll be receiving a link to download the e-book right away.
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