Lexapro
Escitalopram (Lexapro) is used to treat depression. Escitalopram
is in a class of antidepressants (mood elevators) called selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing
the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that
helps maintain mental balance. |
LEXAPRO DRUG INFO
Why is Lexapro medication prescribed?
Escitalopram is used to treat depression. Escitalopram
is in a class of antidepressants (mood elevators) called selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the
amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps
maintain mental balance.
How should Lexapro medicine be used?
Escitalopram
comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day
with or without food. To help you remember to take escitalopram,
take it around the same time every day, in the morning or in the
evening. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully,
and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not
understand. Take escitalopram exactly as directed. Do not take more
or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of escitalopram
and increase your dose after 1 week.
It may take 1-4 weeks or longer before you feel
the full benefit of escitalopram. Continue to take escitalopram
even if you feel well. Do not stop taking escitalopram without talking
to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long
time. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
Other uses for Lexapro medicine
This
medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow
when taking Lexapro?
Before taking escitalopram,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to escitalopram,
citalopram (Celexa), or any other medications.
- do not take escitalopram if you are taking an MAO inhibitor
such as phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate) or have
stopped taking them in the last 2 weeks.
- you should know that escitalopram is very similar to another
SSRI, citalopram (Celexa). You should not take these two medications
together.
- tell your doctor or pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products
you are taking. Be sure to mention anticoagulants ('blood thinners')
such as warfarin (Coumadin); antihistamines; carbamazepine (Tegretol);
cimetidine (Tagamet); ketoconazole (Sporanox); lithium (Eskalith,
Lithobid, Lithotabs); medications for anxiety, mental illness,
or seizures; metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL); other antidepressants
such as desipramine (Norpramin); sedatives; sleeping pills; sumatriptan
(Imitrex); and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the
doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack and
if you have or have ever had bipolar disorder; seizures; or liver,
kidney, thyroid, or heart disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking escitalopram,
call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are taking escitalopram.
- you should know that escitalopram may make you drowsy. Do not
drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication
affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this
medication.
What special dietary instructions
should I follow with Lexapro?
Unless your doctor tells
you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose
of Lexapro?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double
dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can Lexapro cause?
Escitalopram may cause side effects.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- constipation
- changes in sex drive or ability
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- drowsiness
- increased sweating
- dizziness
- heartburn
- stomach pain
- excessive tiredness
- dry mouth
- increased appetite
- flu-like symptoms
- runny nose
- sneezing
Some side effects can be serious. The following
symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience either of them, call
your doctor immediately:
- unusual excitement
- seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
Escitalopram may cause other side effects. Call
your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions are needed
for Lexapro?
Keep this medication
in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of
children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the
proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In
case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency
services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- dizziness
- sweating
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- tremor
- drowsiness
- fast or pounding heartbeat
- seizures
- confusion
- forgetfulness
- fast breathing
- coma
What other information should
I know about Lexapro?
Keep all appointments with your
doctor .
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your
prescription.
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