Symptoms of Depression
People may experience the symptoms of depression in different ways. While you may not have all of the symptoms listed below, some common signs of depression include1:
- Depressed or irritable mood most of the day-nearly every day
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities (such as hobbies, work, sex, or being with friends) most of the day-nearly every day
- A sudden change in weight (weight loss without dieting, gaining more than 5% of body weight in 1 month) or a change in appetite
- Inability to sleep or sleeping too much nearly every day
- Agitation or restlessness (observed by others) nearly every day
- Constant fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
- Frequent feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt nearly every day
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions nearly every day
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide (or a suicide attempt or plan)
Please note: If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, seek professional help immediately through your healthcare professional or doctor, or call 411 to get the phone number for the nearest local suicide hotline.
Screening for depression is an important first step you can take on your own and in the privacy of your own home. If you think you may be experiencing the symptoms of depression, you can start taking charge of your health today by taking the Depression Self-Screener. Results are anonymous. Be sure to share your answers with your healthcare professional so he or she can properly diagnose your condition and provide appropriate treatment. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose depression.
References: 1. Bancroft J, Janssen E, Strong D, Carnes L, Vukadinovic Z, Long JS. The relation between mood and sexuality in heterosexual men. Arch Sex Behav. 2003;32:217-230.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidality (suicidal thinking and behavior) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of antidepressants in children, adolescents or young adults must balance the risk to clinical need. Patients of all ages started on antidepressant therapy should be closely monitored and observed for clinical worsening, suicidality or unusual changes in behavior, especially at the beginning of therapy or at the time of dose changes. This risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Lexapro is not approved for use in pediatric patients.
Lexapro is contraindicated in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), pimozide (see DRUG INTERACTIONS: Pimozide and Celexa), or in patients with hypersensitivity to escitalopram oxalate. As with other SSRIs, caution is indicated in the coadministration of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) with Lexapro. SSRIs and SNRIs (including Lexapro) and other psychotropic drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake may increase the risk of bleeding events. Concomitant use of aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin and other anticoagulants may add to the risk. Patients should be cautioned about these risks. SSRIs and SNRIs have been associated with clinically significant hyponatremia. Elderly patients or patients taking diuretics or who are otherwise volume-depleted appear to be at a greater risk. Discontinuation of Lexapro should be considered in patients with symptomatic hyponatremia and appropriate medical intervention should be instituted. The most common adverse events with Lexapro versus placebo (approximately 5% or greater and approximately 2x placebo) were nausea, insomnia, ejaculation disorder, somnolence, increased sweating, fatigue, decreased libido, and anorgasmia.
