Lexapro Information:
IMPORTANT
NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your
physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the
drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before using this drug.
USES: Lexapro is used to treat depression. Lexapro
is in a class of antidepressants (mood elevators) called
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It
works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural
substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
HOW TO USE: Lexapro comes as a tablet to take
by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without
food. To help you remember to take Lexapro, take it
around the same time every day, in the morning or in
the evening. Follow the directions on your prescription
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to
explain any part you do not understand. Take Lexapro
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it
or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your
doctor may start you on a low dose of Lexapro and increase
your dose after 1 week.
It may take
1-4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit
of Lexapro. Continue to take escitalopram even if you
feel well. Do not stop taking Lexapro without talking
to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses
for a long time. Your doctor will probably decrease
your dose gradually.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most commonly reported side
effects of Lexapro are nausea, insomnia, problems with
ejaculation, somnolence, increased sweating, and fatigue.
Most of the side effects experienced by patients taking
Lexapro are mild to moderate and go away with continued
treatment, and usually do not cause patients to stop
taking Lexapro.
PRECAUTIONS:
Lexapro can be taken with most other medications except
another family of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (MAOIs). Lexapro and MAO Is should not be
taken together or within 14 days of each other. Before
you begin taking Lexapro, make sure to tell your healthcare
provider if you are taking any other medications, including
over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, diet
supplements, etc.
DRUG
INTERACTIONS: Do not take Lexapro if you have
taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., furazolidone,
isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine,
selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or
after treatment with Lexapro. Do not take Lexapro if
you are taking citalopram, or weight loss drugs (e.g.,
sibutramine, phentermine). Additional monitoring of
your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking
another SSRI antidepressant (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline),
nefazodone, trazodone, tramadol, venlafaxine, "triptan"
migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, z olmitriptan), tricyclic
antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline),
carbamazepine, cimetidine, lithium, metoprolol, any
herbal/natural products (e.g., melatonin, St. John's
wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you are taking
any medicines that cause drowsiness such as medicines
for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety
drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g.,
codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines
such as chlorpromazine), anti-seizure medicines (e.g.,
phenytoin), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause
drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine).
MISSED
DOSE: 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.
STORAGE:
Keep Lexapro in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature
and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
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