Lexapro (Escitalopram)

What is Lexapro?

Lexapro (escitalopram) is an antidepressant. It belongs to a class of drugs known as SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.

What is Lexapro used for?

Lexapro is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorders and anxiety disorders in adults and children aged 12 years and above. The medicine helps improve certain mood problems and decreases nervousness.

How does Lexapro work?

Lexapro works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) in the brain.

How to use Lexapro

Lexapro should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once daily, with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

If you are taking the medicine in liquid form, do not measure the dose with a standard tablespoon or teaspoon. Measure it with a special-dose measuring cup or spoon.

Lexapro warnings and precautions

Do not use Lexapro if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Emsam, Eldepryl), or rasagiline (Azilect) in the past 2 weeks.

Prior to taking Lexapro, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, bipolar disorder (manic depression), epilepsy, or a history of suicidal thoughts or drug abuse. While using Lexapro, avoid drinking alcohol and performing activities that require alertness.

Tell your doctor if you take medicines that you make you sleepy, or medication to treat pain, arthritis, fever, and swelling.

Pregnant and lactating women should not take this medicine without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Lexapro dose?

If you have missed your Lexapro dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Lexapro overdose?

If you have taken a Lexapro overdose, you should seek medical attention.

Lexapro interactions

Before taking Lexapro, consult your doctor if you take a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), cimetidine (Tagamet), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol); other antidepressants such as fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Sarafem, Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), nortriptyline (Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil), citalopram (Celexa), amitriptyline (Elavil); almotriptan (Axert), sumatriptan (Imitrex), frovatriptan (Frova), rizatriptan (Maxalt), naratriptan (Amerge), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), etodolac (Lodine), diclofenac (Voltaren), piroxicam (Feldene), indomethacin, nabumetone (Relafen); or aspirin.

Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Lexapro side effects

Lexapro side effects include hives or skin rash, panic attacks, anxiety, mood or behavior changes, aggressiveness, irritability, agitation, restlessness, depression, hyperactivity (mental or physical), sleeping or breathing trouble; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions.

Seizure, high fever, stiff muscles, tremors, diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, nausea, uneven heartbeats, loss of appetite, overactive reflexes, loss of coordination, headache, confusion, memory problems, concentration troubles, weakness, fainting, confusion, hallucinations, and shallow breathing are also side effects from Lexapro. If you get any of these side effects after using Lexapro, contact your doctor right away.

Mild nausea, dizziness, weight changes, drowsiness, constipation, insomnia, dry mouth, gas, upset stomach, heatburn, impotence, decreased sex drive or difficulties having an orgasm are some less serious side effects of Lexapro.