Lexapro
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Lexapro is used to treat depression. Lexapro 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.
Medication Information
Lexapro is used to treat
depression. Lexapro 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?
Lexapro 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
Lexapro, 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 Lexapro 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 Lexapro
and increase your dose after 1 week.
It may take 1-4 weeks or longer before you feel the
full benefit of Lexapro. Continue to take Lexapro even
if you feel well. Do not stop taking Lexapro 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
Lexapro may be
prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Lexapro,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic
to Lexapro, citalopram (Celexa), or any other
medications.
- do not take Lexapro 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 Lexapro 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 Lexapro, call your doctor. if
you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell
the doctor or dentist that you are taking Lexapro. you
should know that Lexapro may make you drowsy. Do not
drive a car or operate machinery until you know how
Lexapro affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness
caused by Lexapro.
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 Lexapro cause?
Lexapro
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) Lexapro may cause
other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any
unusual problems while taking Lexapro.
What storage conditions are needed for this
medicine?
Keep Lexapro 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. |
