Drug Uses
The antidepressant Lexapro is a member of the family of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro offers advantages in the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
How Taken
Lexapro comes as a 10mg or 20mg tablet taken orally. It is usually taken once daily and may be taken with or without food. Take Lexapro exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take Lexapro even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Lexapro without talking to your doctor. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Lexapro, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, have kidney disease, suffer from seizures, or suffer from mania or have suicidal thoughts.
You may not be able to take Lexapro, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Lexapro should not be taken during treatment with citalopram (Celexa). Also, if you have had an allergic reaction to citalopram (Celexa), you may also have an allergic reaction to Lexapro. Do not take Lexapro without first talking to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to either medication in the past.
Lexapro is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Lexapro it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Lexapro without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Lexapro passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take Lexapro without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Possible Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Lexapro and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
-an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-an irregular heartbeat or pulse;
-low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness);
-high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or
-chills or fever.
If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking Lexapro and talk to your doctor:
-headache, tremor, nervousness, or anxiety;
-nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight;
-sleepiness or insomnia; or
-decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Storage
Store Lexapro at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Lexapro overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, drowsiness, dizziness, sweating, and a fast heartbeat.
More Information
Do not take Lexapro if you:
You have a known sensitivity or allergy to any component of Lexapro.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.
Allergies
