Lexapro Antidepressant Medication

Lexapro is an antidepressant medication that is a member of the family of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro helps to restore the brain's chemical balance by increasing the available supply of serotonin, a substance in the brain believed to influence mood.

Uses of Lexapro

Lexapro is used as an antidepressant medication to treat depression.

Lexapro Directions

Lexapro may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE LEXAPRO at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F ( 15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store Lexapro away from light and moisture. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses of Lexapro.

Lexapro Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Lexapro include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, or dry mouth. If these symptoms continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience increased sweating, unusual fatigue, changes in sexual ability/interest. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience stomach pain, vision changes, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, uncontrolled movements (tremors), chest pain, unusual or severe mental/mood changes, muscle cramps, restlessness, seizures, painful or prolonged erection, or change in amount of urine. An allergic reaction to Lexapro is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Lexapro Precautions

SEVERAL WEEKS MAY PASS before Lexapro reaches its full effect. Do not stop taking Lexapro without checking with your doctor. LEXAPRO MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to Lexapro. Using Lexapro alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. LEXAPRO WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Caution should be used in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of Lexapro. F0R WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Lexapro during pregnancy. LEXAPRO IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Lexapro.

Lexapro 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 wart, 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 of Lexapro

IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF LEXAPRO, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses of Lexapro at once.

Lexapro Overdose

If overdose of Lexapro is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness, or seizures.