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Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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lexapro
Uses
Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).
Storage
- Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
Overdose
- If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
- Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness, seizures.
Photos
LEXAPRO |
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Lexapro, Escitalopram Oxalate |
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LEXAPRO 10 MG TABLET |
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Lexapro is the boneless version of |
How To Use
- Take Lexapro by mouth usually once daily with or without food; or as directed by your doctor.
- You should take your dosage at the same time each day, either in the morning or in the evening.
- The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
- It is important to continue taking Lexapro as prescribed even if you feel well.
- Also, do not stop taking Lexapro without consulting your doctor.
- It may take up to several weeks before the full benefit of Lexapro takes effect.
Side Effects
- Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, fatigue, increased sweating, or dry mouth may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
- Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: changes in sexual ability/interest.
- Males - If you experience a painful and prolonged erection, stop using Lexapro and seek immediate medical attention.
- An allergic reaction to Lexapro is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
- If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, seizures, heart problems, other mental/mood disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder), thyroid problems, mineral (electrolyte) problems (e.g., hyponatremia, SIADH), any allergies.
- Lexapro may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.
- Caution is advised when using Lexapro in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Lexapro.
- Lexapro should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Lexapro passes into breast milk.
- Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Lexapro is not recommended.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Certain medications taken with this product could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions.
- Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after treatment with Lexapro.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.
- Do not take Lexapro with citalopram because the two agents are very similar.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
- Lexapro should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: weight loss drugs (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine).
- Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), nefazodone, trazodone, tramadol, venlafaxine, triptan migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline), carbamazepine, cimetidine, lithium, metoprolol, any herbal/natural products (e.g., melatonin, St.
- John s wort, ayahuasca).
- Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine).
- Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients.
- Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
- Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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| User Medicine Opinions for lexapro |
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| Overall: |
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| Low adverse
Reactions |
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| Healing
Power: |
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| No dependency problems: |
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| Cost-Benefit: |
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Sex:
M
Age: 39
Time Taken:
3 years
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| Reason: Depression |
Date:
5 July 2007 |
Side Effects
Uneven temperment, lack of patience if I skip several doses.
Additional
Thoughts
Went through a phase in life where I lost my job and was under-employed for a couple of years. Had descended to an all time low in self-loathing. Doc intially placed me on Welbutrine, which made me un-motived and essentially a disinterested by-stander in the story that is my life. Switched me over to 10mg dose of Lexapro, which has never increased. I now have a job I love (OK, like) and do not worry about the future. I continue to take Lexapro, as I said I am not as easy going if I miss several doses. My wife can tell when I am off of it, as little things will drive me nuts: barking dogs, annoying habits of others, other drivers, belligerent children...the usual list of suspects. My mother's side of the family is full of passionate, emotional rage machines, so it is a genetic thing or I am a product of the environment in which I spent my formative years. When I am on it I am calm cool and in control. Have notfound it to be physically addictive nor experienced any side effects.
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| Overall: |
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| Low adverse
Reactions |
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| Healing
Power: |
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| No dependency problems: |
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| Cost-Benefit: |
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Sex:
F
Age: 39
Time Taken:
2 years
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| Reason: Depression and mild anxiety |
Date:
8 July 2007 |
Side Effects
Constant dull headache, jittery in the morning if taken before bed, dizziness. These negative side effects subsided within a week or two. Other side effects have continued, including sleepiness and yawning, apathy, vivid (but great) dreams. My libido died and never came back.
Additional
Thoughts
This medication had an almost immediate positive effect on my life. Within 2 to 3 days of starting Lexapro, there was a noticeable lift in my general mood. A WARNING ABOUT STOPPING OR WEANING OFF LEXAPRO: I started taking 10 mg daily a couple of years ago for about 2 months, then decided I just didn't want to take medicine every day. So I weaned myself off over a 2-wk period, first reducing the dose to 5 mg/day, then 5 mg every other day before I stopped altogether. I figured I would be able to tell if my mood was going downhill and I would just restart if it did. Well, there was no gradual decline. I was careful to monitor my mood and thoughts every day and everything went great for about 3 months, then C.R.A.S.H!!! I mean it hit me like a WALL, very very suddenly! Despite exercising 4-5x per week, healthy eating, etc., I hit an all-time low. Overnight, I went from being "just fine" to barely able to hold myself together/falling to my knees sobbing about who knows wh
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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