Lexapro is an antidepressant which helps restore chemical stability in the brain by increasing the serotonin in the brain. When you are suffering from depression, your mind is clouded by negative thoughts, isolation and inferiority complexes. You probably think of committing suicide. Serotonin influences your moods. Lexapro is an effective anti depressant because it increases the serotonin in your mind and enables your brain to restore chemical stability. Lexapro can already manifest improvement of your condition in the first two weeks but the medication shall be a long term process to cure your depression.

Uses of Lexapro

 

Lexapro is used to treat depression.

 

 

Lexapro Directions

Lexapro may be taken with or without food. It can be stored at room temperature. Proper supervision of your doctor is needed during your medication. He should know when you started taking the drug as well as he should be the one to advise you when to stop using taking the medication. Even if your condition has already improved, the medication should not be stopped unless advised by your doctor.

 

Lexapro Side Effects

Lexapro have lesser as well as milder known side effects than many other anti depressants which are used for treatments of depression and anxiety disorders. These include nausea, ejaculation problems, excessive sweating, dizziness, upset stomach, insomnia, constipation, somnolence and temporary fatigue. Persisting instance of any side effects must be notified to your doctor. Even though allergic reactions are not likely to happen, if you suspect its occurrence, you must also inform your doctor about it. Some of the signs of allergic reactions are itching, swelling, rashes, difficulty in breathing and severe dizziness.

 

Lexapro Precautions

 

It may take several weeks to be able to see manifestations of improvement of your condition. If the doctor has not given the order to stop its usage, you should do as advised. Lexapro should not be taken with alcohol as well as other medicines because it adds to the effects of the alcohol and other medications. Your ability to perform several tasks shall greatly be affected. For pregnant women, there should be a doctor’s advice whether it is safe to take the medication or not. Breastfeeding is also not recommended because Lexapro is excreted in breast milk and could be harmful to your baby.

 

Like other antidepressants, Lexapro also has several withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, anorexia, restlessness, tremors, irritability, suicidal tendency, stomach disorders and lack of concentrations among many others. These withdrawal symptoms occur when the medication or use of the drug is suddenly stopped or discontinued. This could occur a few hours after the last dose is taken. These symptoms can be experienced for many days and could even last for some months in other cases. Withdrawal symptoms can be avoided by reducing the dosage slowly and not suddenly discontinuing the medication.

 

Lexapro Drug Interactions

 

You should not take Lexapro with other drugs such as monoamine oxidase inhibitor or some weight loss drugs such as sibutramine and phentermine. The dose of Lexapro must be closely monitored if you are taking other antidepressants. All of these should be informed to your doctor.

 

Missed Dose of Lexapro

 

When you missed a dose of Lexapro, do not double your intake on your next schedule.

 

Lexapro Overdose

If you suspect an overdose of the drug, you should notify your doctor right away. Symptoms of over dose may include seizures, lightheadedness, palpitations and fainting.