Lexapro

The active ingredient in brand-name Lexapro is escitalopram oxalate. Escitalopram treats depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It's an antidepressant medication in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of medicines. SSRIs include fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, citalopram, and escitalopram. These medicines work by boosting serotonin activity in the brain.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Lexapro. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Lexapro:

• Typically, you take it by mouth once daily.
• Take the medicine at the same time each day.
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

The most common side effects of Lexapro seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Diarrhea.
• Visual disturbances (blurred or tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, seeing halos around lights, glaucoma).
• Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, or weakness.
• Anxiety or agitation.
• Muscle tremors or shakiness.
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia).
• Excessive sweating, dry mouth, increased thirst, or loss of appetite.
• Constipation.
• Excessive yawning.
• Sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, impotence, delayed ejaculation, or inability to have an ejaculation).
• Changes in appetite or weight.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Lexapro. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Watch for mood or behavior changes such as anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, impulsiveness, irritability, agitation, hostility, aggression, restlessness, hyperactivity, worsening depression, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Young adults are at higher risk of suicidal thoughts when starting antidepressants. Be aware that your mental health may change unexpectedly when taking escitalopram or other antidepressants, even if you are over 24. Suicidal thoughts may occur, particularly when beginning treatment or during dose adjustments.
• SSRIs, including Lexapro, can trigger serotonin syndrome—a potentially life-threatening condition. The risk increases when combined with other serotonergic drugs (such as triptans, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, meperidine, methadone, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John's Wort) or with drugs that hinder serotonin metabolism, like MAOIs. Notably, serotonin syndrome can also occur when SSRIs are used alone.
• Severe allergic reactions with symptoms such as hives, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, or shortness of breath can occur.
• Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation and torsade de pointes). Symptoms include increased heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded.
• Severe bleeding. If you experience bruising that does not get better, black-colored stools, blood in your urine, coughing up or vomiting blood, or unusual bleeding from the nose or gums, notify your healthcare provider immediately.
• Manic episodes (in bipolar disorder). Call your healthcare provider right away if you or a loved one notice any unusual behavioral changes, such as racing thoughts, restlessness, getting easily distracted, or unusual talkativeness.
• Low blood sodium levels. Seek immediate medical attention if you have weakness, difficulty concentrating, confusion, headache, or problems with your memory.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Lexapro. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Lexapro, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Liver or kidney disease.
• Seizures.
• Low levels of sodium in your blood.
• Heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure.
• Bleeding problems.
• Sexual problems.
• Bipolar disorder (manic depression).
• Drug addiction or suicidal thoughts.

Boxed Warning

• Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Do not use Lexapro if you also take pimozide or citalopram (Celexa). Avoid using monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) while taking Lexapro or within 14 days of stopping Lexapro treatment as this combination can cause an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. Similarly, do not start Lexapro within 14 days of stopping an MAOI used for psychiatric disorders. Specifically, avoid using Lexapro within 14 days before or after using any MAO inhibitor, including isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine. These combinations can lead to dangerous drug interactions.

Even though Lexapro only takes a few hours to increase serotonin levels within the brain, it may take several weeks to start working. Signs that Lexapro has started working include an improvement in your sleep, energy, or appetite. In some, this may happen in as little as 1 to 2 weeks. Relief from symptoms, such as a depressed mood or a lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy, may take up to 6 to 8 weeks to fully improve.

When Lexapro is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking, including:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others since using an NSAID with Lexapro may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.
• Other medications that increase your risk of bleeding such as warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven, antiplatelets, or other anticoagulants.
• Certain medications for migraine headaches like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, and zolmitriptan.

Lexapro is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• 5 mg oral tablets.
• 10 mg oral tablets.
• 20 mg oral tablets.
• 5 mg/5 mL oral solution.

Store Lexapro at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C); excursions permitted to 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).

• Store Lexapro at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Keep the Lexapro bottle closed tightly.
• Keep Lexapro and all medicines out of the reach of children.

Forest Laboratories is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures Lexapro.

Lexapro is available as a lower-cost generic.

Do not stop using Lexapro suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose. Stopping Lexapro too quickly may cause serious symptoms including:

• Anxiety, irritability, high or low mood, feeling restless, or changes in sleep habits
• Headache, sweating, nausea, dizziness
• Electric shock-like sensations, shaking, confusion

Taking an SSRI antidepressant during late pregnancy may cause serious medical complications in the baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Escitalopram is found in breast milk. Caution should be taken and breastfeeding infants should be observed for adverse effects if taken by a nursing mother. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.