Lexapro
Generic Name: Escitalopram
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro is used to treat major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder.What is the most important information I should know about Lexapro?
Antidepressant medicines, like Lexapro, may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults when the medicine is first started. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. People with bipolar disorder or who have a family history of this condition (also called manic-depressive illness) are at a greater risk. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any changes, especially sudden ones, in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings and suicidal thoughts or behavior.Lexapro may cause a severe, possibly life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: agitation, hallucinations, coma, fast heart beat, changes in blood pressure, increased body temperature, lack of coordination, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Do not stop taking Lexapro without first talking with your doctor as this can cause serious side effects.
Lexapro may cause a condition called hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels). Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: headache, difficulty concentrating, confusion, weakness, unsteadiness, hallucinations, falls, or seizures.
Lexapro may increase your risk of bleeding. Do not take Lexapro with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or blood-thinners (such as warfarin).
Lexapro may cause drowsiness and affect your mental and motor skills, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Lexapro will affect you. Avoid alcohol while taking Lexapro as it can worsen these side effects.
Lexapro should never be combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a class of drugs used to treat depression, psychiatric or emotional disorders, or Parkinson's disease. Lexapro and MAOIs should not be taken together or within 14 days of each other.
Who should not take Lexapro?
Do not use Lexapro if you are taking pimozide or an MAOI, if you are allergic to Lexapro, or if you are sensitive to any component of Lexapro.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Lexapro?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Lexapro. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a bleeding disorder, kidney or liver disease, a history of seizure disorders, suffer from mania/hypomania, or experience worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Anxiety Disorder
Adults: The recommended starting dose is 10 milligrams (mg) once a day. If necessary, your doctor may increase the dose to 20 mg after a minimum of 1 week.
Elderly and people with liver problems: The recommended dose is 10 mg once a day.
Major Depressive Disorder
Adults: The recommended dose is 10 mg once a day. If necessary, your doctor may increase the dose to 20 mg after a minimum of 1 week.
Adolescents: The recommended dose is 10 mg once a day. If necessary, your doctor may increase the dose to 20 mg after a minimum of 3 weeks.
Elderly and people with liver problems: The recommended dose is 10 mg once a day.
How should I take Lexapro?
Lexapro is available in tablet and liquid forms. Lexapro should only be taken once a day, in the morning or evening, and can be taken with or without food. Although you may feel better after 1-4 weeks, do not stop taking Lexapro; continue taking Lexapro as directed by your doctor.What should I avoid while taking Lexapro?
Lexapro may cause you to feel drowsy or less alert and may affect your judgment. Therefore, avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any dangerous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Lexapro affects you. Avoid alcohol while taking Lexapro as it can worsen these side effects.Do not suddenly stop taking Lexapro without talking to your doctor first as this can cause serious side effects.
Lexapro may increase your risk of bleeding. Avoid taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, or blood-thinners such as warfarin while taking Lexapro.
Do not take Celexa (citalopram) while you are taking Lexapro, since the two drugs are related.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Lexapro?
If Lexapro is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lexapro with the following: alcohol, aspirin, carbamazepine, cimetidine, citalopram, desipramine, ketoconazole, linezolid, lithium, MAOIs, metoprolol, narcotic pain killers such as oxycodone, NSAIDs, phenelzine, pimozide, sedatives, St. John's wort, theophylline, tramadol, tranquilizers, tranylcypromine, migraine medicines such as sumatriptan, tryptophan, and warfarin.What are the possible side effects of Lexapro?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: decreased sex drive, inability to have an orgasm, difficulty falling or staying asleep, ejaculation problems, urinary tract infection, increased sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, sleepiness, diarrhea, tiredness, back pain, nasal congestion
Can I receive Lexapro if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Unborn babies exposed to Lexapro late in the third trimester of pregnancy have developed serious complications. The effects of Lexapro during breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Lexapro?
If you miss a dose of Lexapro, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Lexapro?
Store at room temperature.
