Buy Lexapro
Lexapro
Lexapro Properties
About Lexapro
Lexapro - the brand name for the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor escitalopram - is prescribed to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Available as oral tablets in 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg strengths, Lexapro works by increasing the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood, sleep and cognition. In Singapore the medication is classified as a prescription-only product and is regulated by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). While its primary indications are depression and anxiety, clinicians sometimes consider it for other conditions after weighing the evidence and patient needs.
What is Generic Lexapro (Escitalopram)?
Generic Lexapro (Escitalopram) belongs to the class of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). First approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 for major depressive disorder, it received subsequent approval for generalized anxiety disorder. In Singapore, the HSA lists escitalopram as a prescription-only medication, marketed under the brand name Lexapro by Forest Laboratories, now part of AbbVie. The drug is supplied as film-coated tablets (5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg) that are taken orally once daily, usually in the morning or evening depending on tolerability.
How Lexapro Works
Lexapro exerts its therapeutic effect by selectively blocking the serotonin transporter (SERT) situated on presynaptic neurons. This inhibition prevents the re-absorption of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) back into the nerve terminal, allowing more serotonin to remain in the synaptic cleft. The increased extracellular serotonin enhances stimulation of postsynaptic serotonin receptors, gradually restoring normal mood regulation and reducing anxiety.
Key pharmacokinetic points:
- Absorption: Peak plasma concentrations occur 3-5 hours after oral ingestion. Food does not significantly affect bioavailability.
- Distribution: The drug is 38 % protein-bound and penetrates the central nervous system readily.
- Metabolism: Minimal hepatic metabolism occurs, primarily via CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 isoenzymes; therefore, drug-drug interactions are relatively limited compared with some other SSRIs.
- Elimination: The terminal half-life averages 27-32 hours, supporting once-daily dosing. Approximately 45 % is eliminated unchanged in the urine.
Because the pharmacodynamic action is highly selective, Lexapro produces fewer anticholinergic side effects than older antidepressants, contributing to its favorable tolerability profile.
Why Lexapro is Used for Mental Health Conditions
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Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Mechanistic fit: Low serotonin levels are implicated in depressive symptomatology; Lexapro’s SERT inhibition directly addresses this deficit.
- Guideline position: The American Psychiatric Association (APA) and Singapore’s Clinical Practice Guidelines list escitalopram as a first-line option for moderate-to-severe depression.
- Comparative advantage: Clinical trials demonstrate similar efficacy to other SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine) but with a quicker onset of symptom relief and lower dropout rates due to side effects.
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Mechanistic fit: Anxiety circuitry is also serotonin-dependent; increased serotonergic tone reduces excessive worry and physiological arousal.
- Guideline position: Recognized as a first-line treatment in both international and local anxiety guidelines.
- Comparative advantage: Studies show Lexapro achieves comparable anxiety reduction to paroxetine while causing fewer weight-gain concerns.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Off-label
- Evidence: Small randomized trials suggest modest benefit, though not formally approved in Singapore. Use should be under specialist supervision.
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Panic Disorder - Off-label
- Evidence: Meta-analyses report improvement in panic attack frequency, but regulatory approval remains absent.
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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) - Investigational
- Evidence: Early-phase studies indicate potential mood-stabilising effects; further research is required before routine use.
Overall, Lexapro’s high selectivity, predictable pharmacokinetics, and extensive safety data make it a versatile agent for a range of mood and anxiety disorders.
Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Lexapro
Beyond its approved indications, clinicians occasionally explore Lexapro for conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and premature ejaculation. Peer-reviewed studies (randomized controlled trials, open-label extensions) provide limited but suggestive evidence of benefit. However, these uses are not approved by Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority. Off-label use should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
Is Lexapro Right for You?
Lexapro suits adults who meet the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder and who can adhere to a daily oral regimen. Ideal candidates often include:
- Individuals with moderate to severe symptoms who have not responded to psychotherapy alone.
- Patients seeking a medication with once-daily dosing and a relatively low interaction burden.
- Those without a history of hypersensitivity to SSRIs, uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, or severe hepatic impairment.
Special populations require extra caution:
- Elderly patients may experience heightened sensitivity to side effects such as hyponatremia; start at 5 mg and titrate slowly.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Escitalopram crosses the placenta; discuss risk-benefit with obstetric specialists.
- Renal or hepatic disease: Dose adjustments might be necessary; monitor plasma levels when feasible.
Contraindications-for example, concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or pimozide-are listed in the product label and should be reviewed before initiating therapy.
Taking Lexapro Effectively
- Timing: Take the tablet at the same time each day, preferably with or without food based on personal tolerance.
- Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten within 12 hours, take it as soon as remembered; skip it if it’s almost time for the next dose to avoid double-dosing.
- Travel: Carry a written prescription and keep tablets in original packaging to satisfy customs regulations.
- Alcohol: Moderate consumption is permissible, but excessive intake can amplify sedation and serotonergic effects.
- Drug interactions: Inform your prescriber about other medications, especially other serotonergic agents (e.g., tramadol, linezolid) to reduce serotonin-syndrome risk.
Consistent adherence for at least 4-6 weeks is often required before full therapeutic effects become apparent. If no improvement is observed, dosage escalation or switching to an alternative SSRI may be considered.
Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Lexapro’s side-effect profile reflects its serotonergic action:
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Common (1-10 %): Nausea, dry mouth, insomnia, somnolence, increased sweating, and sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, delayed ejaculation). Management: Take the tablet with food to ease nausea; schedule sexual activity after the medication’s peak plasma level wanes; consider dose timing adjustments or brief drug holidays under physician guidance.
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Less common (.1-1 %): Dizziness, headache, tremor, abdominal pain, weight changes. Management: Hydration, balanced meals, and gradual dose titration often reduce these symptoms.
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Serious (rare): Serotonin syndrome, severe hyponatremia, abnormal bleeding, suicidal thoughts (especially in young adults). When to seek care: Sudden confusion, fever, muscle rigidity, or uncontrolled bleeding warrants immediate medical attention. Any emergence of suicidal ideation should prompt urgent psychiatric evaluation.
Because most adverse effects are dose-related, clinicians may lower the dose or switch to another SSRI if tolerability becomes an issue.
Buying Lexapro from Our Online Pharmacy
If you are looking to buy Lexapro online, our platform offers a seamless, secure experience for Singapore residents seeking this essential medication.
Why Choose Our Service?
Through our online pharmacy you gain direct access to a licensed source of Lexapro, eliminating the long wait times often encountered at traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies. Our streamlined ordering process, discreet packaging, and reliable delivery network ensure you receive your medication quickly and confidentially.
Quality & Safety
We partner with internationally accredited suppliers that comply with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Every batch of Lexapro is verified for potency, purity, and authenticity before it leaves our fulfillment center, giving you confidence in the product you receive.
Pricing & Access
Our online pharmacy leverages bulk purchasing agreements to offer Lexapro at competitive prices, often 30 % lower than retail pharmacy rates. For patients who require long-term therapy, we provide a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, making sustained treatment more affordable.
Discreet Delivery
Orders are shipped in unmarked, tamper-evident containers. Standard delivery reaches most Singapore addresses within 3 weeks, while our express option delivers in 7 days, both with full tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Lexapro safe to use with other antidepressants? Combining two serotonergic agents increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Only a specialist should consider such a regimen, and it usually involves a wash-out period.
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How long does it take for Lexapro to start working? Some patients notice improvement in sleep or anxiety within 1-2 weeks, but full antidepressant effects typically emerge after 4-6 weeks of consistent dosing.
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Can I take Lexapro if I have a history of seizures? Escitalopram is not known to lower the seizure threshold, but patients with uncontrolled epilepsy should discuss any antidepressant therapy with their neurologist.
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What should I do if I miss a dose during a weekend? Take the missed tablet as soon as you remember, unless it is near the time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed one and resume your regular schedule.
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Is there a generic version of Lexapro available in Singapore? Yes, locally produced generic escitalopram tablets are approved by the HSA and contain the same active ingredient as Lexapro, offering a cost-effective alternative.
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Will Lexapro affect my ability to drive? Some individuals experience dizziness or fatigue, especially when therapy begins. It is advisable to assess your own response before operating machinery or driving.
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Does Lexapro interact with over-the-counter supplements? St. John’s wort, tryptophan, and certain herbal products can increase serotonergic activity. Always disclose supplement use to your prescriber.
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Can Lexapro be taken during pregnancy? While data are limited, most guidelines suggest using SSRIs only when the potential benefits outweigh fetal risks. Discuss any concerns with your obstetrician.
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What is the difference between Lexapro and Cipralex? Both contain escitalopram; Cipralex is the EU-market brand name. Formulation, dosage strengths, and regulatory approvals may differ slightly, but clinical efficacy is equivalent.
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Why might I experience weight changes on Lexapro? SSRIs can influence appetite and metabolism. If weight gain becomes concerning, discuss lifestyle strategies or alternative therapies with your doctor.
Glossary
- Serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SRI)
- A drug that blocks the reabsorption of serotonin into neurons, increasing its availability in the brain.
- Half-life
- The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce by 50 %; for Lexapro this is roughly 27-32 hours.
- Serotonin syndrome
- A potentially life-threatening condition caused by excess serotonergic activity, presenting with agitation, hyperthermia, tremor, and autonomic instability.
Disclaimer
The information provided about Lexapro is for general knowledge only and does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions, including those regarding off-label use, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Lexapro for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.
