Lexapro is an anti depressant in the SSRI class (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). It is approved by the FDA and is used for treating major depressive episodes and GAD (generalized anxiety disorder).
Lexapro is related to Celexa. Celexa has two halves called enantiomeres. Studies show that one half of these enantiomeres was effective and the other one was producing all of the side effects. Lexapro has only that effective side of Celexa.
Lexapro is can be bought in 5, 10 and 20 milligrams. A usual starting dose might be a 5 or 10 milligram tablet that is taken once daily. Doses should be lower if you are above the age of 65 or have liver problems. Lexapro shouldn’t be used for anyone under the age of 12.
Lexapro should be used in pregnancy only when the benefits outweigh the risks. You should talk to your doctor before taking Lexapro while pregnant.
If you would like to take Lexapro and Celexa together follow the advice of your doctor. Patients can use another SSRI drug without a waiting for any confirmation from their doctor. But experts are of the opinion that because of serotonin discontinuation symptoms, it is probably a better step to taper off one SSRI instead of just stopping it abruptly. Most of the doctors start patients on Lexapro while they taper off the other antidepressant, but there are few doctors who believe that tapering off first is crucial before starting the second. Whatever is the case, one thing is for sure, there is virtually no danger in overlapping the drugs for a limited period of time.