This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Lexapro Consumer Information
LEXAPRO
Generic Name: escitalopram (EEE sih TAL oh pram)
Brand Names: Lexapro
What is the most important information I should know about escitalopram?
- Do not stop taking escitalopram 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. Escitalopram may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking escitalopram or affect your condition.
What is escitalopram?
- Escitalopram is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Escitalopram affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.
- Escitalopram is used to treat depression.
- Escitalopram may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking escitalopram?
- Do not take escitalopram 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 escitalopram is combined with any of these medications.
- Before taking escitalopram, 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 escitalopram, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Escitalopram 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 escitalopram. Do not take escitalopram without first talking to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to either medication in the past.
- Escitalopram is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether escitalopram it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take escitalopram without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Escitalopram passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take escitalopram without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take escitalopram?
- Take escitalopram 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 escitalopram 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.
- Escitalopram may be taken with or without food.
- Escitalopram is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Take the dose at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking escitalopram without first talking to your doctor. It may take several weeks for you to start feeling better.
- Store escitalopram at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I 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 I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a escitalopram overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, drowsiness, dizziness, sweating, and a fast heartbeat.
What should I avoid while taking escitalopram?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Escitalopram may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking escitalopram or affect your condition.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.