The importance of proper drug storage illustrated by the example of the latest SSRI drug

STORAGE is the process of keeping medications at home. Drugs are chemicals that react to external stimulants such as heat, humidity, light, dust, etc. In many cases, such a reaction leads only to superficial changes, such as discoloration. In many other cases, the reaction can more seriously affect the drug, leading to a reduction or elimination of its efficacy and / or potency. There are cases of drugs that, thus affected, not only do not exert any curative effect but also cause adverse effects on the health of the patient,

Therefore, storage should not be taken lightly. This is even more important in the storage of antidepressant medications such as Lexapro because if its healing property is lost or diminished, the patient, given his psychological / mental condition, may completely refuse to take any medication and allow his condition to deteriorate into suicidal tendencies. , if not suicide itself.

Label instructions: It is always good practice to read the storage instructions printed on the container or strips that the medicine comes in. Many liquid medications must be used within a certain number of days after opening the container, after which their potency is reduced or lost. Therefore, reading the directions on the label is the first thing to do when purchasing a drug. In fact, these instructions are sufficient to store medications correctly, and generally no further advice is required.

Lexapro storage: Lexapro is the latest antidepressant drug that belongs to the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs. It is used in the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorders. The following are the storage instructions for Lexapro, which must be strictly adhered to:

• Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C)
• Store away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Keep the capsule or tablet away from the bathroom, kitchen sink, and other damp places. Heat or humidity can cause the medicine to break down or crack.
• Keep out of the reach of children (this applies to all medicines).

To conclude, don’t take drug storage lightly. Improper storage can reduce or even eliminate the potency of the medicine and this can dilute the patient’s confidence in the treatment they are receiving. In the case of patients with psychosomatic illnesses, this dissolution of confidence can reduce the chances of recovery and can even lead to suicide.