Drug/Drug NameThe brand name is Lexapro, but is known generically as Escitalopram. Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) (Escitalopram, 2011). Lexapro is used to treat: acute and maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder and acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (Forest Pharmaceuticals, 2012). Lexapro can treat adults for both MDD and GAD. Lexapro is not indicated by the FDA to treat adolescents with GAD, but is approved for adolescents (ages 12 to 17) with MDD. There is no street name for Lexapro, and according to Forest Pharmaceuticals, animal studies suggest that the abuse risk of this drug is low. Type of substance As previously stated, Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are by far the most frequently prescribed antidepressants (“Selective Serotonin Reuptake,” 2013). SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain (Mandal, n.d.). Serotonin regulates certain aspects of the brain, including mood, sleep, and emotions (Mandal, n.d.). People with depression have low levels of serotonin, so SSRIs block serotonin reuptake, meaning that more serotonin than usual remains available in the synaptic space between the two nerves (Mandal, n.d.). SSRIs relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, are fairly safe, and generally cause fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants (“Selective Serotonin Reuptake,” 2013). Lexapro tablets are round, film-coated tablets containing esxitalopram oxalate in concentrations equal to 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg (“Lexapro”, 2004). Lexapro is available in tablet or oral solution form, with the most common use being the tablet. The identification of the Lexapro tab...... middle of paper ......r 18). Retrieved from http://www.rxlist.com/lexapro-drug.htmLexapro. (2004). Form, 39(2), 79-80.Lexapro. (2004, April). Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/04/briefing/2004-4065b1-22-tab11C-Lexapro-Tabs-SLR015.pdf.Lieberman, J.A. (2003). History of antidepressant use in primary care. Primary Care Companion, 5, 6-10. Retrieved from http://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/pccpdf/v05s07/v05s0702.pdf Mandal, A. (nd). Let's see how they work. Retrieved from http://www.news-medical.net/health/SSRIs-How-They-Work.aspxRamachandria, CT, Subramanyan, N., Bar, KJ, Baker, G. and Yeragani, VK (nd). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136031/Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ssris). (July 9, 2013). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-owned/ssris/art-20044825