FDA Approves Lexapro 10 mg Treatment For GAD
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a disease that make approximately four million Americans suffer every year. GAD is revealed by excessive anxiety and worry that affects an individual’s daily functioning.
It has been known today that Lexapro (Escitalopram) is indicated not only for the initial treatment and maintenance of major depressive disorder but also for the treatment of GAD. Forest Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:FRX) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) after researching the efficacy and safety of Lexapro drug.
According to the words of Philip Ninan, M.D., professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and director of the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program at Emory University School of Medicine, Lexapro medication is a first-line treatment option, which has proven to be effective with a favorable side effect profile.
The results were obtained during three studies in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled groups. It involved approximately 850 patients, 18 to 80 years of age, having GAD. They were administered a fixed dose of Lexapro 10 mg per day (this dose was increased to 20 mg per day) or placebo.
The analysis of three placebo-controlled studies revealed that Escitalopram generic demonstrated a significant improvement in quality of life and also in a response rate compared to patients treated with placebo.
Lexapro antipsychotic medicine was well tolerated due to the data of the three studies, and among the found common adverse events were fatigue, ejaculation disorder, insomnia, nausea, decreased libido and anorgasmia.
In conclusion Mr. Ninan said that it is the one of the biggest challenges in treating GAD patients to find a treatment that is not only effective, but also is well-tolerated for the long term. That is why FDA’s approval of Lexapro tablets is so important for doctors and patients.
