The
following information is a summary about Lexapro.
It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Lexapro USES
Lexapro (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.
Lexapro DIRECTIONS
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.
Lexapro SIDE EFFECTS
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 this medication.
Lexapro PRECAUTIONS
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 (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 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 this medication affects you. * remember
that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by
this medication.
Lexapro DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
meds you may use, especially of: carbamazepine, narcotic
pain relievers (e.g., codeine), drugs used to aid
sleep, antidepressants (e.g., SSRI-types such as
fluoxetine or fluvoxamine), MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine,
selegiline, tranylcypromine), psychiatric medicine
(e.g., nefazodone), "triptan"-type drugs, anti-anxiety
drugs (e.g., diazepam), sibutramine. Also, report
use of certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
which are also present in many cough-and-cold products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor
or pharmacist approval.
Lexapro 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
Lexapro NOTES
Do not share Lexapro with others.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use Lexapro 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-up" the dose to catch up.
Lexapro STORAGE
Store Lexapro at room temperature between 36 and
77 degrees F (2 -25 degrees C) away from light and
moisture.
