Lexapro Approved for Adolescent Depression
by abcnews.go.com
The Forest Laboratories antidepressant Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) has been approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in people aged 12 to 17, the company said Friday in a news release.
Some 2 million teens in the United States have had a bout of MDD in the past year, the company said.
Approved for adults in 2002, Lexapro is among a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It was evaluated in treating adolescent depression in two placebo-controlled studies, the news release said.
According to the Associated Press, the U.S. Justice Department last month filed a complaint against Forest, alleging that the drug maker had inappropriately promoted Lexapro for use by children. Forest has denied the complaint's allegations, the wire service said.
Lexapro and similar antidepressants include an FDA "black-box" label warning stating they show an increased risk compared to a non-medicinal placebo of "suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders."
The warning advises that anyone considering the use of Lexapro or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult "must balance this risk with the clinical need."
Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Healthday/story?id=7135665
Monday, June 15, 2026
Lamictal For Mood Stabilizer: Benefits, Dosage, And Safety
Mood Stabilizer is a condition that affects a significant number of people and can range from mild and occasional to persistent and severely disruptive. Understanding the available treatment options is an important part of managing symptoms effectively. Healthcare providers evaluate the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health profile before recommending a specific medication or combination of treatments. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures vary widely in their manifestation, from brief lapses in consciousness lasting only seconds to full convulsive episodes involving the entire body. The specific seizure type, the region of the brain involved, and the underlying cause of the epilepsy are all important factors in determining the most appropriate treatment approach. Lamictal (lamotrigine) belongs to the class of medications used for seizure and epilepsy treatment and is commonly considered by clinicians evaluating treatment options for this condition. Patients looking closely at lamictal for mood stabilizer will find that the medication offers a practical option for many individuals dealing with this specific issue, particularly when first-line approaches have provided incomplete relief. As with any prescription or over-the-counter medication, proper dosing and adherence to usage guidelines are essential to getting the most benefit from Lamictal while minimizing the risk of side effects. Taking the medication as directed, at the appropriate time of day, and for the full recommended duration helps ensure therapeutic blood levels are maintained. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all other medications they are taking to check for potential interactions. For broader context on treatment options related to seizure and epilepsy treatment, https://mednewwsstoday.com/seizures/ provides evidence-based information covering the full range of medications used in this therapeutic area, helping patients and caregivers compare approaches and make informed decisions alongside their medical team.
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