Prescribed by U.S. doctors and dispensed by U.S. pharmacists.
Chemical Name:
ESCITALOPRAM (ess-sye-TAL-oh-pram)
Drug Manufacturer:
FOREST
Common Uses:
Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression.
Lexapro may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How to use Lexapro:
Follow the directions for using Lexapro provided by your doctor. Lexapro may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE Lexapro at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F ( 15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from light and moisture. CONTINUE TO TAKE Lexapro even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF Lexapro, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions:
SEVERAL WEEKS MAY PASS before Lexapro reaches its full effect. Do not stop taking Lexapro without checking with your doctor. Lexapro MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to Lexapro. Using Lexapro alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Lexapro WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines which contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Caution should be used in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. F0R WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Lexapro during pregnancy. Lexapro IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Lexapro.
Possible Side Effects:
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Lexapro include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, or dry mouth. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience increased sweating, unusual fatigue, changes in sexual ability/interest. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience stomach pain, vision changes, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, uncontrolled movements (tremors), chest pain, unusual or severe mental/mood changes, muscle cramps, restlessness, seizures, painful or prolonged erection, or change in amount of urine. An allergic reaction to Lexapro is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
