On March 14, 2012,
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic
Lexapro (escitalopram tablets) to treat both depression and generalized
anxiety disorder in adults.
Depression is characterized by symptoms that interfere with a
person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable
activities. Episodes of depression often recur throughout a person's
lifetime.
Signs and symptoms of major depression include: depressed mood, loss
of interest in usual activities, significant change in weight or
appetite, insomnia or excessive sleeping (hypersomnia),
restlessness/pacing (psychomotor agitation), increased fatigue, feelings
of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration,
and suicide attempts or thoughts of suicide.
People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are filled with
exaggerated worry and tension, even though there is little or nothing to
provoke it. They anticipate disaster and are overly concerned about
health issues, money, family problems, or difficulties at work. GAD is
diagnosed when a person worries excessively about a variety of everyday
problems for at least six months. People with GAD can’t relax, startle
easily, and have difficulty concentrating.
Source: FDA
