Lexapro is an antidepressant drug which is categorized as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI for short). This class of drugs help to restore the proper chemical balance in the brain by affecting the use of the neurotransmitter called serotonin. SSRI drugs produce a feeling of well being and lower anxiety and fear in the user.
Obviously, this is a great thing for Lexapro users; however, the drug is not free of side effects. Something which every patient who is taking or is considered to be a good candidate for the medication needs to consider carefully is this: are the side effects of Lexapro serious enough that they warrant not taking the drug in the first place? If you?ve been thinking about this yourself, then you should read the possible side effects of this antidepressant drug which are discussed below and talk to your doctor about them.
Increased Risk of Suicide. Though the increased risk of suicide is ever so slight it is one of the side effects of Lexapro that should not be overlooked and dismissed. There are certain contributing factors that increase the likelihood of this specific side effect but there is no one who takes this medication that is exempt from the possibility of increased depression symptoms including thoughts of, and in some extreme cases, suicide.
Lexapro users under the age of 25 are at an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or of the act itself. However, users of Lexapro of any age who have side effects including agitation, mood swings, unexplainable hostility or anger and trouble sleeping should take these symptoms as a sign to consult with their physician. If you are taking Lexapro and have thoughts about harming yourself or others, then you need to see your physician immediately.
Physical Side Effects. Some of the physical side effects of Lexapro are particularly disturbing. Among them are the following: impotence, decreased sex drive, dry mouth, easy bruising, sweating, easy bleeding, weakness, yawning, nausea, and irregular heartbeat. Patience should not take a diuretic in combination with Lexapro because you run the risk of losing too much salt. You also should not take Lexapro while pregnant. This is especially true during the last three months of pregnancy when it is believed to contribute to the possibility of babies being born with withdrawal symptoms.
Drug Interactions: There is always a risk of interactions with other prescription medications and this is true of Lexapro as well. You should avoid taking diuretics while taking Lexapro and always tell your physician about every medication you are taking when you are prescribed the drug by your physician. You should not take aspirin or weight loss medications when taking Lexapro and you must also avoid all MAO inhibitor drugs for two weeks before or after taking Lexapro.
The side effects of Lexapro are often mild and short in duration. However, these side effects may be severe and last in duration for the entire course of treatment with the drug. When you know which symptoms to watch for as signifying the known side effects of Lexapro and which may be a sign of an unrelated problem, you?ll e better prepared to protect your health. Before taking any new medication, discuss any and all possible side effects with your physician before you decide if this medication is the best one for your condition. You?ll want to talk to your doctor about whether the side effects of a given medication are worthwhile for the benefits it offers.
If you are uncomfortable with the side effects of Lexapro you always have the option of pursuing alternatives to Lexapro such as herbal and natural antidepressants that offer fewer side effects. A few examples of the most commonly used herbal and natural antidepressant alternatives are St John?s Wort, the amino acid 5-htp, and valerian. - 14130
Obviously, this is a great thing for Lexapro users; however, the drug is not free of side effects. Something which every patient who is taking or is considered to be a good candidate for the medication needs to consider carefully is this: are the side effects of Lexapro serious enough that they warrant not taking the drug in the first place? If you?ve been thinking about this yourself, then you should read the possible side effects of this antidepressant drug which are discussed below and talk to your doctor about them.
Increased Risk of Suicide. Though the increased risk of suicide is ever so slight it is one of the side effects of Lexapro that should not be overlooked and dismissed. There are certain contributing factors that increase the likelihood of this specific side effect but there is no one who takes this medication that is exempt from the possibility of increased depression symptoms including thoughts of, and in some extreme cases, suicide.
Lexapro users under the age of 25 are at an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or of the act itself. However, users of Lexapro of any age who have side effects including agitation, mood swings, unexplainable hostility or anger and trouble sleeping should take these symptoms as a sign to consult with their physician. If you are taking Lexapro and have thoughts about harming yourself or others, then you need to see your physician immediately.
Physical Side Effects. Some of the physical side effects of Lexapro are particularly disturbing. Among them are the following: impotence, decreased sex drive, dry mouth, easy bruising, sweating, easy bleeding, weakness, yawning, nausea, and irregular heartbeat. Patience should not take a diuretic in combination with Lexapro because you run the risk of losing too much salt. You also should not take Lexapro while pregnant. This is especially true during the last three months of pregnancy when it is believed to contribute to the possibility of babies being born with withdrawal symptoms.
Drug Interactions: There is always a risk of interactions with other prescription medications and this is true of Lexapro as well. You should avoid taking diuretics while taking Lexapro and always tell your physician about every medication you are taking when you are prescribed the drug by your physician. You should not take aspirin or weight loss medications when taking Lexapro and you must also avoid all MAO inhibitor drugs for two weeks before or after taking Lexapro.
The side effects of Lexapro are often mild and short in duration. However, these side effects may be severe and last in duration for the entire course of treatment with the drug. When you know which symptoms to watch for as signifying the known side effects of Lexapro and which may be a sign of an unrelated problem, you?ll e better prepared to protect your health. Before taking any new medication, discuss any and all possible side effects with your physician before you decide if this medication is the best one for your condition. You?ll want to talk to your doctor about whether the side effects of a given medication are worthwhile for the benefits it offers.
If you are uncomfortable with the side effects of Lexapro you always have the option of pursuing alternatives to Lexapro such as herbal and natural antidepressants that offer fewer side effects. A few examples of the most commonly used herbal and natural antidepressant alternatives are St John?s Wort, the amino acid 5-htp, and valerian. - 14130
About the Author:
Visit Bethany Jordin's website for more information on the side effects of Lexapro, natural antidepressants, and anxiety disorders in general. Everyone is welcome to visit at www.naturalantidepressants.info
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