Lexapro/Escitalopram Oxalate

Lexapro information

Lexapro is an anti-depressant belonging to the family of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro increases the supply of the chemical serotonin in the brain, thus helping to restore the brain's chemical balance. Lexapro appears to relieve depression by increasing serotonin without affecting many of the other chemicals in the brain that influence mood.

Lexapro - Side Effects

Side effects from Lexapro use are generally mild and go away by themselves. The most commonly reported ones are nausea, insomnia, problems with ejaculation, drowsiness, increased sweating, and fatigue.

Lexapro - Warnings

Do not use Lexapro if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. The medicine may take several weeks to reach its full effect. Do not stop taking it without consulting with a doctor first: it may cause some conditions to get worse. Keep all doctor and hospital appointments while you are taking this medicine. Additional monitoring is advisable when you begin the treatment and whenever a change is made to your dose. If you experience anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsive feelings, severe restlessness, or any other symptom indicating possible worsening of depression, consult your doctor immediately. If you are a family member or other caregiver of a patient using Lexapro, it is important that you watch for the symptoms mentioned above, and consult a doctor immediately if they occur. Lexapro may induce drowsiness and dizziness. Do not perform actions that require alertness (such as driving a car or operating machinery) until you know how you react to Lexapro. Use of Lexapro will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. Use of alcohol while taking this medicine is not recommended. Use of other medicines, including over-the-counter and herbal/natural ones, may conflict with Lexapro or increase side effects. Consult a healthcare professional before using other medicines during your treatment with Lexapro. Children and the elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of Lexapro. Caution is advised. Pregnant women should consult a doctor about the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. Lexapro passes into breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Lexapro.

Lexapro - Proper Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Lexapro - Proper Usage

Lexapro has a simple 10mg-per-day starting dose for all patients. It should be taken once daily, in the morning or evening. It can be taken with or without food. It is important to follow all of your healthcare provider's instructions about how to take Lexapro.

Lexapro - Missed Dosge

If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as possible, but if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the one you missed and take only the next one as directed. Never take a double dose unless specifically directed to do so by your doctor.

Lexapro - Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all drugs you are using, including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural drugs, before using Lexapro. Lexapro cannot be taken with antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). If you are taking MAOIs or have taken them in the past 14 days, do not use Lexapro.