After the FDA approved Sildenafil (Viagra) for treatment of erectile dysfunction in March 2004, sales reached nearly $27 billion in 2021. The generic pill saw sales climb to $12.5 billion in volume alone. In 2021 alone, there were 14.5 million prescriptions written for Viagra worldwide, and this number is projected to reach 23 million by the end of 2022.
The drug’s success opened the floodgates for other pharmaceutical companies seeking to cash in on the lucrative market. Today, there are hundreds of ‘sleeper drugs’ in development that could see unprecedented growth as the world turns to medicine for longevity, better health and longer life expectancies.
While the demand for pharmaceuticals is growing, researchers are also working to uncover the downsides of pharmaceuticals and the risks that come along with massive drug prescriptions. One drug in particular has been the subject of intense scrutiny, and it’s not the one you’ll find in your local pharmacy.
Lexapro, the chemical compound chemically derived from the plant drug Atropa Belladonna, has seen sales of $17 billion and counting, having been approved for various conditions ranging from anxiety and depression to Alzheimer’s disease and chronic pain. But how is Lexapro contributing to the growing drug epidemic? And what are the risks associated with the use of this medication?
Growing Popularity
Although the exact reasons are not entirely clear, popular culture, including books, films and TV shows, may have played some role in the recent explosion of interest in and demand for Lexapro. One theory suggests that the popularity of TV series like The Handmaid’s Tale and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel may have contributed to the recent explosion in popularity of Lexapro. In The Handmaid’s Tale, Offred, the Handmaid, is used as a sex slave and given a drug that makes her susceptible to the whims of men. Similarly, in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, the main character discovers a new medicine that alleviates her arthritis and gives her youthful looks. These types of stories may have influenced some viewers to ask their physicians for the drug.
Side Effects And Risk
In many cases, drugs are not known for their good qualities and may have dangerous side effects. Lexapro is no exception, as this drug is associated with numerous problems. One of the most serious side effects of Lexapro is its association with suicidal thoughts and behavior. In at least one published study, 16.8% of patients taking Lexapro experienced suicidal ideation compared to 3.1% of those taking a placebo. Additionally, in several clinical trials, there was a significantly higher rate of reported suicidal ideation among patients taking Lexapro compared to those taking a placebo. Physicians should exercise extreme caution when prescribing this drug for patients with a history of depression, anorexia nervosa, bipolar disorder, and anyone under the age of 24, as discussed below.
Some people may experience the side effects of Lexapro more strongly than others. For instance, in one study, women were 3.3 times more likely to experience the side effects of this drug than men. Furthermore, certain groups of people, such as those with certain medical conditions, may be more susceptible to the effects of this medication than others. For example, patients taking Lexapro and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may have an increased risk of suicidality, which could be caused by the combination of the two medications. Patients taking Lexapro who are also taking opioids may have an increased risk of seizures.
Other risks associated with Lexapro include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Sexual dysfunction
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Faintness
- Low blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Sexual difficulties
- Urine retention
- Dry mouth
- Allergic reactions
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Suicide
- Aggression
- Violence
- Abandonment
Based on the evidence presented above, it is evident that Lexapro is neither a safe nor a profitable investment for patients or health care providers. This drug should be used only when other less dangerous options are unavailable. Furthermore, physicians should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with a history of depression, anxiety or eating disorders.
This article is meant to act as a short guide for physicians and other health care professionals regarding the risks associated with the use of Lexapro and to encourage them to explore less risky, yet just as effective, alternatives for the treatment of mental health conditions.