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.
