Name of Drug/MedicationThe 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: the acute and maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder and the 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 for the treatment of adolescents with GAD, but is approved for adolescents (ages 12 to 17 years) with MDD. There are no trade names for Lexapro and, as stated by Forest Pharmaceuticals, animal studies suggest that the danger of abuse of this drug is low. Type of Substance As stated previously, 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.). Depressed people have low levels of serotonin, so SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin, meaning that more serotonin than normal 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 strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg ("Lexapro," 2004). Lexapro is available in the form of tablets or oral solution, the most frequent use being the tablet. The identification of the Lexapro tab... in the center of the sheet... r 18). Retrieved from http://www.rxlist.com/lexapro-drug.htmLexapro. (2004). Formulary, 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.pdfMandal, A. (n.d.). Ssris how they work. Retrieved from http://www.news-medical.net/health/SSRIs-How-They-Work.aspxRamachandria, C.T., Subramanyan, N., Bar, K.J., Baker, G., & Yeragani, V.K. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136031/Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ssris). (2013, July 9). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-approfondimento/ssris/art-20044825