Lexapro
New Antidepressant Lexapro (Escitalopram). Think of it as new and improved Celexa. Its made by the same company and is an isomer (same compound, different molecular structure) of Celexa. Improvements are less side effects, lower dosage, approved for treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder and has the quickest mean time (efficacy) of the SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) of 1-2 weeks versus 2-4 and 4-6 with the other
SSRIs.
Abilify
New Antipsychotic Abilify (Aripiprazole). Improvements are less side effects most notably weight gain. Also as a 5-HT antagonist it would have antidepressant qualities. As in all Atypical Antipsychotic there is a marked decreased risk of TD (Tardikive Dyskinesia). For those of you who have been coming to the Sanctuary for a while you can remember us touting its virtues 2 years ago. Our “Ask the Dr” Dr. Markovitz was doing trials with the drug. But because the drug didn’t have FDA approval yet we had to remove all mention of it. At this time the drug is only FDA approved for treatment of Schizophrenia. Dr Markovitz expressed that it could possibly be a good choice for treating bipolar since it would both stabilize mood and
control depression. Thus it would also be helpful in treating other associated mood disorders such
as Borderline Personality Disorder. It is however counterindicated for those with cardiovascular disorder(s).
