LexaproLexapro (Escitalopram) is used to treat
depression. Lexapro (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.
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LEXAPRO DRUG INFO
Why is this 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 this 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 this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses;
ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
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 (generic 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; Rozerem, 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?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue
your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
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 this medication 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 this medicine?
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?
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
medication.
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