Generic name: Aripiprazole
Brand names: Escitalopram, Lexapro, Cipralex
General Information
Lexapro is a popular antidepressant medication that is known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It decreases syndromes of major anxiety and depression.
Don’t use Lexapro if you are taking a type of medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI): selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect).
Your doctor may prescribe this remedy for other purposes. Contact your physician if you need to learn more information about this drug.
Don’t stop treatment with Lexapro earlier than it was prescribed by your doctor even if you notice improvements of your condition. Stopping the medication too early may worsen your condition. Be careful about doing dangerous tasks, driving, operating machinery or climbing until you are aware how this drug affects you. Don’t drink alcohol. Always contact a medic before giving Lexapro to a child.
What symptoms or conditions should I report to a doctor before I take this medicine?
It is important to report to a doctor if you have or had the following conditions:
- seizures, heart disorders, stroke, heart attack
- kidney or liver disease
- any allergies
- stomach or intestinal bleeding
- epilepsy or seizures
- glaucoma
- bipolar disorder (manic-depression)
- suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
How to take Lexapro?
This drug is sold in the form of tablets to take orally. The usual starting dose of this remedy is 10 mg. It should be taken 1 time per day. Take it in the morning or evening. The dose may be increased to 20 mg 1 time a day after 1 week.
This medication is taken with some water. It is important to drink several glasses of water each day while you are taking Lexapro to protect your kidneys. You may take it on a full or on an empty stomach. In order to lighten stomach irritation and help your body absorb the drug is advisable to combine with meals. The tabs should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, crush or break them.
The dose of Lexapro varies among individuals and the diseases being treated. It is obviously to apply to your doctor before to take this medicine. Follow your medic instructions carefully.
What should be done if I missed the dose?
In case you forgot to take the dose, take it at your earliest opportunity. Never double your dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Take only one dose at once.
Overdosage
Taking any medicine in excess you can have serious consequences for your health. If you are overdosed apprise your physician instantly.
In large doses, Lexapro may give rise to severe dizziness, irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, seizures, fainting or coma.
Interaction
- lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
- carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol)
- blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin)
- cimetidine (Tagamet)
- frovatriptan (Frova), sumatriptan (Imitrex), almotriptan (Axert), rizatriptan (Maxalt), naratriptan (Amerge), zolmitriptan (Zomig)
- any other antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), amitriptyline (Elavil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Sarafem, Prozac), nortriptyline (Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft)
This list of interactions may be not complete. Provide your medical practitioners entire list of medicines, herbs, dietary supplements or non-prescription drugs you take. Moreover tell them whether you drink alcohol, use illegal drugs or smoke. Particular items may interact with your drug.
What side-effects may occur?
- Allergic reaction (skin rash or swelling; difficulty breathing; itching; swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue; hives)
- Decreased sex drive, lack of orgasms
- Delay in ejaculation
- Fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Mental, mood changes (loss of contact with reality, panic attacks, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, blurred vision)
- Problems with breathing, chest pain
- Fever with increased sweating
- Numbness, tingling in your hands or feet (tremor), muscle stiffness, or spasms
- Indigestion, or upset stomach, bloating, stomach gas, pain or cramps
- Nausea, vomiting
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Headache, dizziness, ringing in your ears or hearing loss
- Difficulty urinating (urinary retention), diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Liver problems, yellowing eyes, skin
If these persist or worsen, inform your medical practitioner straightway. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. If you notice other effects not mentioned above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How should Lexapro be stored?
Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C), tightly closed, away from sunlight, direct heat, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Lexapro out of the reach of children and away from pets.
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