Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) that is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents (aged 12-17) and for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. The brain chemistry in depression and anxiety is not completely understood. It is believed that the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) allow communications between the nerve cells which regulate some aspects of behavior and mood. These neurotransmitters are thought to play an important role in the development of depression and anxiety. The neurotransmitter serotonin has been linked to most, perhaps all, forms of depression. SSRIs are thought to work by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, thus increasing available serotonin.http://www.lexapro.com/about-lexapro/ Lexapro may improve feelings of well-being, increase energy level and reduce nervousness.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63990-Lexapro+Oral.aspx?drugid=63990&drugname=Lexapro+Oral

Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.

Tell the doctor immediately if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63990-Lexapro+Oral.aspx?drugid=63990&drugname=Lexapro+Oral

Cautions

Do not take Lexapro if you are:

1. Taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Azilect, Eldepryl, Emsam. Fourteen days must elapse after stopping an MAOI before taking Lexapro. Fourteen days must also elapse after taking Lexapro before starting an MAOI.
2. Taking a type of antipsychotic medicine called Orap
3. Have had a bad reaction to Lexapro or any of the ingredients of Lexapro, Celexa, or generic citalopramhttp://www.drugs.com/lexapro.html

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur:

1. Pimozide
2. Tryptophan
3. Weight loss drugs (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine).http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63990-Lexapro+Oral.aspx?drugid=63990&drugname=Lexapro+Oral

Before taking Lexapro, tell your doctor if you have:

1. Liver or kidney disease
2. Epilepsy or seizures
3. Bipolar disorder
4. History of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.

If you have any of these conditions your dosage may have to be adjusted or tests may have to be taken to make sure it is safe to take Lexapro.http://www.drugs.com/lexapro.html

Drug Interactions

To avoid serious or potentially life-threatening conditions let your doctor know if you are taking any of the following because there could be serious drug interactions:

1. Any other SSRIs, migraine or headache medications
2. Medications prescribed for a neurologic or psychiatric conditionhttp://www.lexapro.com/about-lexapro/lexapro-drug-interactions.aspx
3. NSAID pain relievers like Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, or naproxen, aspirin, blood thinners, Voltaren, indomethacin, Feldene, Relafen, Lodine. These drugs taken with Lexapro can cause the individual to bleed or bruise easily.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63990-Lexapro+Oral.aspx?drugid=63990&drugname=Lexapro+Oral
4. Diureticshttp://www.lexapro.com/about-lexapro/lexapro-drug-interactions.aspx
5. Carbatrol, Tegretol
6. Tagamet
7. Lithium
8. Any other antidepressants such as Elavil, Celexa, Prozac, Sarafem, Luvox, Tofranil, Pamelor, Paxil, or Zoloft
9. Any of the following: Axert, Frova, Imitrex, Amerge, Maxalt, or Zomig
10. Avoid drinking alcohol
11. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any over-the-counter medications including vitamins, minerals, herbal products, or if you are taking any drugs prescribed by other doctors.
12. Also tell your doctor if you take any other drugs that increase serotonin, such as buspirone, dextromethorphan, meperidine, propoxyphene, SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine), St. John's wort, street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," or amphetamines.
13. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. The elderly are more likely to lose too much salt (hyponatremia), especially if they are also taking "water pills" (diuretics) with this medication.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63990-Lexapro+Oral.aspx?drugid=63990&drugname=Lexapro+Oral
14. There are 183 drugs that have major interactions, and 630 drugs that have moderate interactions. Be sure to discuss your medications with your doctor and/or your pharmacist.http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/escitalopram,lexapro.html

1. The usual dosage for Lexapro is 10 mg/day for effective treatment. Doses up to 20 mg/day can be taken, but they have not been shown to be more effective.http://www.medicinenet.com/escitalopram/article.htm
2. Lexapro should be taken once daily and can be taken with or without food.http://www.lexapro.com/about-lexapro/what-is-lexapro.aspx
3. Take Lexapro with a full glass of water.
4. Take Lexapro as prescribed. Do not take extra dosages or take it for longer than prescribed. The doctor may change your dosage occasionally for the best results of Lexapro.
5. Take the medication regularly, preferably at the same time each day.
6. If you are taking Lexapro liquid make sure you have a marked measuring spoon and do not use a regular tablespoon. The pharmacist can provide you with one if you don’t have one.
7. The medication may take up to at least four weeks before it reaches its full potential.
8. Do not stop taking Lexapro without talking to your doctor. Sudden cessation may cause unpleasant side effects.
9. Store Lexapro at room temperature and keep it away from heat and moisture.
10. Be sure to dispose of this medication safely. Do not flush down the toilet or put down the drain.
11. Do not share this medication with anyone, it is against the law.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63990-Lexapro+Oral.aspx?drugid=63990&drugname=Lexapro+Oral
12. Lexapro may cause suicidal thoughts in individuals under age 24. It is important to make regular visits to the doctor for the first 12 weeks of treatment.
13. Family members and caregivers should watch for signs of mood changes or symptoms.
14. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms call your doctor immediately. These symptoms could include increased depression, thoughts of suicide or self-injury, anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, mood or behavior changes, or if you feel irritable, impulsive, hostile, agitated, restless, aggressive, or hyperactive.
15. SSRIs can cause life-threatening lung problems in newborns. Lexapro should not be taken during pregnancy. If you are planning on getting pregnant consult your doctor about stopping the medication for the duration of your pregnancy.
16. Women should not breastfeed while on Lexapro because the medication can pass to the infant through the mother’s milk.http://www.lexapro.com/about-lexapro/what-is-lexapro.aspx
17. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Lexapro affects you.
18. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is too close to the time for the next dose, skip it. Do not double dose.
19. If you believe you have taken too much medication, seek emergency medical help. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, sweating, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, seizures, tremor, confusion, and coma.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63990-Lexapro+Oral.aspx?drugid=63990&drugname=Lexapro+Oral

Dangerous Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

1. Skin rash or hives;
2. Difficulty breathing;
3. Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Serious Side Effects

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

1. Very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, overactive reflexes;
2. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, loss of coordination; or
3. Headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, confusion, hallucinations, fainting, seizure, shallow breathing or breathing that stops;
4. New or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: stomach pain, fainting, bloody/black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, easy bruising/bleeding, muscle weakness/cramps, seizures, irregular/pounding heartbeat, change in the amount of urine.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63990-Lexapro+Oral.aspx?drugid=63990&drugname=Lexapro+Oral

Common Side Effects include: drowsiness, dizziness; sleep problems, insomnia;mild nausea, gas, heartburn, upset stomach, constipation; weight changes; decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; or dry mouth, yawning, ringing in your ears,http://www.drugs.com/lexapro.html agitation or restlessness, blurred vision, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, fever, frequent urination, headache, nausea, increased or decreased appetite, increased sweating, taste alterations, tremor (shaking). http://www.medicinenet.com/escitalopram/page2.htm

The following side effects were seen in children in addition to the above: back pain, urinary tract infection, vomiting, and nasal congestion. http://www.lexapro.com/about-lexapro/what-is-lexapro.aspx

For males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.

Some patients experience withdrawal reactions upon stopping SSRI therapy. Symptoms may include dizziness, tingling, tiredness, vivid dreams, irritability, or poor mood. In order to avoid these symptoms, the dose of SSRI can be slowly reduced instead of abruptly stopped.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63990-Lexapro+Oral.aspx?drugid=63990&drugname=Lexapro+Oral

The content on this page is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak with a qualified heath care professional to ensure that you have the most accurate information regarding any medication.