When Not to Take Ssri Anti-Depressant Drugs
Anti-depressants are drugs that interfere with the functioning of the central nervous system. Hence, it is of the utmost importance that one takes these drugs only under healing advice. There are many contraindications of anti-depressants, i.e., healing conditions in which such drugs should not be taken. This article will use the example of Lexapro, the most recent member of the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (Ssri) group of drugs, to focus on the contraindications of anti-depressants. Even a purely psychiatric outpatient has to be careful in the use of Lexapro because of its potential side-effects; so the case for caution in patients with definite prior conditions is all the more critical.
When Not to Take Ssri Anti-Depressant Drugs
Doctors are normally reluctant to prescribe Lexapro to:
Patients with suicidal tendencies: Lexapro takes around two weeks to show a discernible effect. During this period, the patient's health may seem to deteriorate, heightening suicidal tendencies in patients who have earlier contemplated suicide.Patients at a risk for bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder is a blend of depression and mania. The history of the patient's psychiatry history, together with family history, should be screened to settle if there is a risk of bipolar disorder. If the risk exists, Lexapro must not be administered.Patients on Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (Maoi) treatment: Lexapro is incompatible with Maoi drugs. A blend of the two can lead to serious, sometimes fatal, reaction. Therefore, Lexapro must not be administered to patients on Maoi therapy until at least 14 days have elapsed from the disontinuation of Maoi medication. Patients with concomitant illness: Though not much data is available on this, the healing fraternity is normally cautious in prescribing Lexapro to patients with severe renal impairment.
Pregnancy: Babies, born to mothers using Lexapro, are susceptible a health called persistent pulmonary hypertension (pphn) whose symptoms include: abnormal blood flow and insufficient oxygen level in body. Use of Lexapro During reproduction has also resulted in birth defects, together with heart problems, in some babies. However, the physician might have reason to administer a small dosage (10mg a day) of Lexapro if the mother's healing health warrants treatment for the sake of general foetal growth. Finally, it's not all hope lost for patients with one or more of the contraindications for Lexapro. There are many anti-depressants in the market, with separate levels of efficacy and side-effects and the physician knows which anti-depressant would be best for patients with definite contraindications. The thumb rule is: avoid self-medication.
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