escitalopram oxalate

(ess si tal' oh pram)

Lexapro

Pregnancy Category C

Drug classes
Antidepressant
SSRI

Therapeutic actions
Potentiates serotonergic activitity in the CNS by inhibiting reuptake of serotonin resulting
in antidepressant effect with little effect on norepinephrine or dopamine; an isomer of
citalopram.

Indications
• Treatment of major depressive disorder
• Maintenance treatment for patients with major depressive disorder
• Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder

Contraindications and cautions

• Contraindicated with MAOI use; with allergy to drug or to citalopram or any
component of the drug.
• Use cautiously in the elderly, with renal or hepatic impairment, illnesses of
metabolism or hemodynamic response, pregnancy, lactation, suicidal patients,
patients with mania or seizure disorders.

Available forms
Tablets—5, 10, 20 mg; oral solution—5 mg/5 mL

Dosages
ADULTS
• Major depressive disorder: Initially, 10 mg/day PO as a single daily dose; if
needed, may be increased to 20 mg/day after a minimum of 1-wk trial period. For
maintenance, 10–20 mg/day PO; reassess periodically.
• Generalized anxiety disorder: 10 mg/day PO; may be increased to 20 mg/day
after 1 wk if needed. Treatment beyond 8 wk not tested.
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
Safety and efficacy not established.
GERIATRIC PATIENTS OR ADULTS WITH HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT
10 mg/day PO as a single dose, do not increase dose.

Pharmacokinetics
Route Onset Peak
Oral Slow 3.5–6.5 hr

Metabolism: Hepatic metabolism; T1/2: 27–32 hour

Distribution: Crosses placenta; enters breast milk
Excretion: Urine

Adverse effects
• CNS: Somnolence, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue
• Dermatologic: Sweating
• GI: Nausea, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain,
decreased appetite
• GU: Ejaculatory disorders, impotence, anorgasmia in females, decreased libido
• Respiratory: Rhinitis, sinusitis, flulike symptoms

Interactions
Drug-drug
• Risk of serious toxic effects if combined with citalopram; do not use these drugs
concomitantly
• Increased escitalopram levels and toxicity if taken with MAOIs; ensure that
patient has been off the MAOI for at least 14 days before administering
escitalpram
• Possible severe adverse effects if combined with other centrally acting CNS
drugs, including alcohol; use caution
• Possible decreased effects of escitalopram if combined with carbamazepine,
lithium; monitor patient closely
Drug-alternative therapy
• Increased risk of severe reaction if combined with St. John's wort; avoid this
combination

Nursing considerations
CLINICAL ALERT!
There is potential for name confusion between escitalopram and citalopram;
use caution.

Assessment
• History: MAOI use; allergy to drug, citalopram, or any component of the drug;
renal or hepatic impairment; the elderly; pregnancy; lactation; suicidal tendencies;
metabolic illnesses or problems with hemodynamic response; alcoholism
• Physical: orientation, reflexes; P, BP, perfusion; R, bowel sounds, normal output;
urinary output; liver evaluation; liver and renal function tests

Interventions
• Administer once a day, in the morning or the evening; may be taken with food if
desired.
• Encourage patient to continue use for 4–6 weeks, as directed, to ensure adequate
levels to affect depression.
• Limit amount of drug given in prescription to potentially suicidal patients.
 • Advise any depressed patients to avoid the use of alcohol while being treated with
antidepressive drugs.
• Establish appropriate safety precautions if patient experiences adverse CNS
effects.
• Institute appropriate therapy for patient suffering from depression.

Teaching points
• Take this drug exactly as directed, and as long as directed; it may take a few
weeks to realize the benefits of the drug. The drug may be taken with food if
desired.
• Avoid the use of alcohol while you are taking this drug.
• This drug should not be taken during pregnancy or when nursing a baby; use of
barrier contraceptives is suggested.
• These side effects may occur: Drowsiness, dizziness, tremor (use caution and
avoid driving a car or performing other tasks that require alertness if you
experience daytime drowsiness); GI upset (eat frequent small meals; use frequent
mouth care); alterations in sexual function (this is a drug effect and will pass
when drug therapy is ended).
• Report severe nausea, vomiting; blurred vision; excessive sweating, suicidal
ideation, sexual dysfunction, insomnia.

Adverse effects in Italic are most common; those in Bold are life-threatening.