The Importance of Proper Storage of Drugs Illustrated by the Example of the Latest SSRI Drug

STORAGE is the process of keeping drugs at home. Drugs are chemicals that react to external stimulants such as heat, moisture, light, dust, etc. In many cases, such reaction leads only to superficial changes, such as discoloration. In many other cases, the reaction may affect the drug more seriously, leading to reduction or elimination of its efficacy and/or potency. There are cases of drugs that, thus affected, not only exert no healing effect but also cause adverse effects on the patient’s health,

Storage therefore must not be taken lightly. This is even more important in the storage of anti-depressant drugs such as Lexapro because if its healing property is lost or diminished, the patient, given his or her psychological/mental condition, may altogether refuse to take any medication and allow his or her condition to deteriorate to suicidal tendencies, if not suicide itself.

Label instructions: It is always a good practice to read storage instructions printed on the container or strips in which the medicine comes. Many liquid medicines are required to be used within a certain number of days after opening the container, after which their potency is reduced or lost. Reading instructions on the label is therefore the first thing one should do on purchasing a medicine. In fact, these instructions are enough to store medicines properly and one does not usually require further advice on it.

Storage of Lexapro: Lexapro is the latest anti-depressant drug belonging to the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) group of 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 adhere 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 moisture can cause the medicine to break down or crack
  • Keep out of reach of children (this is applicable to all medicines)

To conclude, do not take storage of drugs lightly. Improper storage can reduce or even eliminate potency of the drug and this can dilute the patient’s confidence in the treatment he or she is receiving. In the case of patients with psychosomatic illnesses, this dilution of confidence can seriously impair chances of recovery and can even lead to suicide.