Lexapro

Generic name: Escitalopram oxalate

What is Lexapro?

Lexapro is used to treat major depression, a persistently low mood that interferes with daily functioning. Lexapro is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, a condition marked by excessive worry and anxiety that is hard to control and interferes with daily life.

What is the most important information I should know about Lexapro?

Lexapro is not approved for use in children or adolescents.

Antidepressant medicines 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. Some people may have a particularly high risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions. These include people who have (or have a family history of) bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive illness) or suicidal thoughts or actions.

Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden ones, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is first started or when the dose is changed.

Call your doctor right away to report new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. Signs to watch for include new or worsening depression, new or worsening anxiety, agitation, insomnia, hostility, panic attacks, restlessness, extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior.

Keep all follow-up visits as scheduled, and call the doctor between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms.

Abrupt discontinuation of this drug or any antidepressant could cause side effects such as irritability, agitation, dizziness, headache, insomnia, and many others. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your physician.

Taking Lexapro at the same time you are taking aspirin, aspirin-related products, or any other blood thinner or anticoagulant increases the risk of bleeding.

Who should not take Lexapro?

Do not use Lexapro if you are taking pimozide or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), if you are allergic to Lexapro, or if you are sensitive to any component of the drug.

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, 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.

Adults: The recommended starting dose is 10 milligrams (mg) once daily. If necessary, your doctor may increase the dose to 20 mg after a minimum of 1 week. The higher dose is not recommended for most older adults and people with liver problems.

How should I take Lexapro?

Lexapro is available in tablet and liquid forms and can be taken with or without food in the morning or evening. Although improvement usually begins within 1-4 weeks, treatment typically continues for several months.

What should I avoid while taking Lexapro?

Do not stop taking Lexapro without first talking to your doctor. An abrupt decrease in dose could cause withdrawal symptoms such as mood problems, fatigue, insomnia, and tingling sensations.

Because Lexapro can cause dizziness or drowsiness, use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing hazardous activities until you know how the drug affects you. It's also best to avoid alcohol 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: antidepressants, painkillers, sedatives, and tranquilizers and other drugs that act on the brain; aspirin and other blood thinners such as warfarin; carbamazepine; cimetidine; citalopram; ketoconazole; lithium; metoprolol; migraine drugs known as triptans, such as sumatriptan and zolmitriptan; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen; narcotic painkillers such as oxycodone; and tryptophan.

Never combine Lexapro with any drug classified as an MAOI. Drugs in this category include the antidepressants phenelzine and tranylcypromine. Lexapro and MAOIs should not be taken together or within 14 days of each other. Combining these drugs with Lexapro can cause serious and even fatal reactions such as high body temperature, muscle rigidity, twitching, and agitation leading to delirium and coma.

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 and inability to have an orgasm, difficulty falling or staying asleep, ejaculation problems, fatigue, increased sweating, nausea, sleepiness

Can I receive Lexapro if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Lexapro during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you decide to breastfeed, Lexapro is not recommended.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Lexapro?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time.

How should I store Lexapro?

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.