What are the side effects of Lexapro that is used to treat anxiety disorder in older people?
For older adults, anxiety is an increasingly common problem, and new research suggests that cognitive behavior therapy may help them ease their worries more than standard care does. Researchers found that people over age 60 who were treated with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) had less worry, fewer depressive symptoms and improved general mental health at the end of the study compared to people who received biweekly telephone calls from their health-care provider. “This kind of treatment (CBT) can be useful for people who have anxiety, and it can help them learn how to manage it better,” said the study’s lead author, Melinda Stanley, a professor in the Menninger department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “Many older adults are not always thrilled with the use of medications for anxiety. Many times, they’re already on medications for chronic health conditions, and they may be afraid of side effects. This is a non-medication treatment opti
The side effect profile of escitalopram is close to that of other SSRIs, with nausea, somnolence and gastrointestinal side effects reported as relatively common. Escitalopram, like other SSRIs,[17] has been shown to cause sexual side effects such as decreased libido, ejaculatory delay, and anorgasmia.[18] Escitalopram is not associated with significant weight gain. For example, 0.6 kg mean weight change after 6 months of treatment with escitalopram for depression was insignificant and similar to that with placebo (0.2 kg).[19] 1.4-1.8 kg mean weight gain was reported in 8-month trials of escitalopram for depression,[20] and generalized anxiety disorder.[21] A 52-week trial of escitalopram for the long-term treatment of depression in elderly also found insignificant 0.6 kg mean weight gain.[22] Escitalopram may help reduce weight in those treated for binge eating associated obesity.[23] An analysis conducted by the FDA found a statistically insignificant 1.5 to 2.4-fold (depending on th
For older adults, anxiety is an increasingly common problem, and new research suggests that cognitive behavior therapy may help them ease their worries more than standard care does. Researchers found that people over age 60 who were treated with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) had less worry, fewer depressive symptoms and improved general mental health at the end of the study compared to people who received biweekly telephone calls from their health-care provider. “This kind of treatment (CBT) can be useful for people who have anxiety, and it can help them learn how to manage it better,” said the study’s lead author, Melinda Stanley, a professor in the Menninger department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “Many older adults are not always thrilled with the use of medications for anxiety. Many times, they’re already on medications for chronic health conditions, and they may be afraid of side effects. This is a non-medication treatment opti
