Lexapro: News and Research

Lexapro is the brand name for escitalopram. It's an antidepressant medication that treats major depressive disorder (MDD). It also treats general anxiety disorder (GAD). Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs block your body's reabsorption of serotonin. Serotonin is the chemical that carries messages from your brain to your nerve cells.

Healthcare professionals also prescribe Lexapro to treat related mental health disorders, including:

• Panic disorder
• Anxiety
• Social anxiety

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lexapro in 2002. Forest Laboratories originally manufactured this drug. Actavis (now Allergan) acquired Forest Laboratories in 2014. In 2019, Allergan became part of AbbVie.

Lexapro is one of five FDA-approved SSRIs. The other four include:

• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)

As with other antidepressants, there are unpleasant and unhealthy side effects of Lexapro. 

How Does Lexapro Work?

Lexapro increases serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin carries signals from your brain to your nerve cells. By blocking the reabsorption of serotonin, Lexapro makes more of the chemical available for mood regulation.

The unique thing about SSRIs is that they only affect serotonin. They don't impact other neurotransmitters. This allows the medication to target the part of the brain that controls mood. SSRIs decrease depressive symptoms.

Oct. 15, 2004: FDA Orders Re-Labeling for Suicidality Risk

The FDA directed antidepressant drug manufacturers to change their labels. Per the FDA, drugmakers must warn of an increased risk of suicidality in children and adolescents.

Forest Laboratories added a black box warning to Lexapro's prescribing information in response to the FDA advisory.

July 2006: Combined Use of Lexapro and Migraine Medicines Risky

There's always a risk of adverse drug interactions when you start a new medication. The FDA issued an advisory about taking Lexapro with other antidepressants. The FDA warned against taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with triptans.

When patients take these drugs together, it can cause a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.

July 2006: Treatment Challenges of Depression in Pregnancy

In July 2006, the FDA issued an advisory about the potential risks of using Lexapro while pregnant. There was evidence that taking antidepressants while pregnant could cause persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).

Babies born with PPHN have abnormal blood flow through the heart and lungs. They don't get enough oxygen to their bodies. This condition can prove fatal.

June 2013: Lexapro Helps Treat Anxiety in Older Adults When Combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

In June 2013, researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine published a study in the American Journal of Psychiatry. The study focused on combining Lexapro with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in older adults.

Years ago, most clinicians prescribed benzodiazepines to older adults suffering from anxiety. But, these drugs can be harmful to older patients. They increase the risk of falls and cause cognitive impairment.

This study found that Lexapro and other SSRIs are effective treatments for older patients with anxiety.

November 2022: JAMA Study on Lexapro, Anxiety, and Mindfulness Meditation

In November 2022, an article about Lexapro and mindfulness-based stress reduction appeared in JAMA Psychiatry. The study found that mindfulness-based stress reduction may be as effective as taking Lexapro to reduce anxiety.

This clinical trial examined participants over eight weeks. Half the participants took Lexapro, while the other groups practiced mindfulness meditation. The researchers found that both groups experienced similar reductions in anxiety symptoms.

What To Do if You Become Sick After Taking Lexapro

Patients have made legal claims for injuries after taking Lexapro. If you or a family member suffer harm after taking Lexapro or any prescription medication, you may have a legal claim. You may have a product liability claim if you believe the drug manufacturer failed to warn you of certain health risks. Or, if you think your doctor or other health care provider was negligent in not warning you of the risks, you can file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

In either case, your product liability attorney can demand the following damages on your behalf:

• Medical bills and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and lost future income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages

Your chances of recovering compensation depend on the specific facts of your case. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.