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Is It Safe To Take Lexapro For Stress While On Tamoxifen?
I was at my oncologist for my annual visit due to prior breast cancer and he sat down and asked me how I was doing, and I started going into some difficult life issues that I have been going through.......He recommended that I try Lexapro, the generic brand, and I was hesitant to take it as I was not there to get any other medication, other than the tamoxifen that I take...........I am leary about taking mind altering drugs, so I am not taking it yet..........he said that I would probably on it for a year............please advise if this is a safe drug.
Fri, 28 Oct 2022
Hello,
Lexapro is a drug called escitalopram that is an antidepressant. Lexapro is approved for usage in conditions like major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and insomnia. To treat symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, Lexapro is a safe drug as it can be used in renal and liver impairment. Adverse effects of Lexapro are >10%: headache (24%), nausea (15-18%), insomnia (7-14%), diarrhea (6-14%), somnolence (4-13%), ejaculation disorder (9-12%)
1-10%: xerostomia (4-9%), constipation (3-6%), fatigue (2-8%), dizziness (4-7%), libido decrease (3-7%), anorgasmia (2-6%), indigestion (2-6%), increased sweating (4-5%), rhinitis (5%), flu-like syndrome (5%), abnormal dreaming (3%), neck or shoulder pain (3%), decreased appetite (3%), vomiting (3%), sinusitis (3%), lethargy (3%), impotence (3%), menstrual disorder (1-2%), flatulence (2%), toothache (2%), yawning (2%), abdominal pain (2%), and weight gain (1%).
Despite the long list of adverse effects, it is considered safe in comparison with other anti depressants. You can start with 10mg/day. Important warning: in short-term studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (This increase was not seen in patients >24 years; a slight decrease in suicidal thinking was seen in adults >65 years). So just be cautious.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
Lexapro is a drug called escitalopram that is an antidepressant. Lexapro is approved for usage in conditions like major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and insomnia. To treat symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, Lexapro is a safe drug as it can be used in renal and liver impairment. Adverse effects of Lexapro are >10%: headache (24%), nausea (15-18%), insomnia (7-14%), diarrhea (6-14%), somnolence (4-13%), ejaculation disorder (9-12%)
1-10%: xerostomia (4-9%), constipation (3-6%), fatigue (2-8%), dizziness (4-7%), libido decrease (3-7%), anorgasmia (2-6%), indigestion (2-6%), increased sweating (4-5%), rhinitis (5%), flu-like syndrome (5%), abnormal dreaming (3%), neck or shoulder pain (3%), decreased appetite (3%), vomiting (3%), sinusitis (3%), lethargy (3%), impotence (3%), menstrual disorder (1-2%), flatulence (2%), toothache (2%), yawning (2%), abdominal pain (2%), and weight gain (1%).
Despite the long list of adverse effects, it is considered safe in comparison with other anti depressants. You can start with 10mg/day. Important warning: in short-term studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (This increase was not seen in patients >24 years; a slight decrease in suicidal thinking was seen in adults >65 years). So just be cautious.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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