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What is Lexapro
 Lexapro
is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors. Lexapro affects chemicals in the brain that may
become unbalanced and cause depression.
Lexapro
is used to treat depression.
Lexapro
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Lexapro
Do not stop taking Lexapro without first talking
to your doctor. It may take several weeks for you to start
feeling better.
Use caution when driving, operating
machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Lexapro
may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid
these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol
may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Lexapro
or affect your condition.
What you should find out before taking
Lexapro
Do not take Lexapro if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during
the last 2 weeks. A dangerous drug interaction can occur
if Lexapro is combined with any of these medications.
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.
How should take Lexapro Take Lexapro exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
To ensure
you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of Lexapro
with a dose-measuring spoon, cup, or dropper, not with a
regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring
device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Lexapro may be taken with or without food.
Lexapro
is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Take the dose at the same time each day.
Do not stop
taking Lexapro without first talking to your doctor. It
may take several weeks for you to start feeling better.
Store Lexapro at room temperature away from moisture
and heat.
If you miss a 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.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Lexapro overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor,
drowsiness, dizziness, sweating, and a fast heartbeat.
Avoid while taking Lexapro Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Lexapro may cause
dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness
and dizziness while taking Lexapro or affect your condition.
Possible side effects of Lexapro 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.
What other drugs will affect Lexapro Do not take Lexapro if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during
the last 2 weeks. A dangerous drug interaction can occur
when Lexapro is combined with any of these medications.
Before taking Lexapro, tell your doctor if you are
taking any of the following medicines:
- another
antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac),
fluvoxamine (Luvox), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil),
trazodone (Desyrel), or nefazodone (Serzone);
- a
tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil),
imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline
(Pamelor), and others;
- a seizure medication including
carbamazepine (Tegretol) or felbamate (Felbatol);
-
a stomach medicine such as cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet
HB), ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac 75), or omeprazole (Prilosec);
- an antibiotic such as erythromycin (Eryc-Tab, E-Mycin,
E.E.S., Erythrocin, P.C.E., others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin);
- an antifungal medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan),
itraconazole (Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
-
a migraine medication such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan
(Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan
(Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), or zolmitriptan (Zomig);
- the asthma medication zafirlukast (Accolate); or
- lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs).
You may not be able to take Lexapro, or you may require
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Lexapro.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products. |
