Lexapro®
Generic Name: Escitalopram ess-sit-AL-oh-pram
Drug Class: Antidepressant, SSRI |
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Description | Lexapro is an antidepressant medication called a selective serotonine reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Lexapro is used to treat depression and anxiety. It is also approved for the treatment of depression in teenagers and children.
Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for other conditions as well.
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| General Information |
| This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your healthcare provider. Top of page
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| Proper use of this medicine |
This medicine should be taken about the same time every day, morning or evening and can be taken with or without food. This medicine may take up to 4 weeks to reach full effect, but you may see symptoms of depression improving in as little as 1-2 weeks.
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| Missed Dose |
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.
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| Storage |
Keep this medication 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. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
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| Possible Side Effects |
- dry mouth
- tremor or muscle spasms
- nervousness
- trouble sleeping
- headache, drowsiness
- nausea
- drowsiness
- insomnia
- headache
- increased sweating
- dizziness, lightheadedness
- changes in sexual function
- Unreported side effects are possible, talk to your healthcare provider if any other symptoms occur.
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| Warnings/Precautions |
- This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
- Alcoholic beverages can increase the effects of this medicine and should be avoided.
- Smoking cigarettes can decrease the effectiveness of this medicine.
- If you are planning to have surgery, let your doctor know.
- Do NOT take this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)] in the last two weeks.
- This medicine can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in some children and teens. Parents of children taking antidepressants should watch for signs of worsening depression or unusual changes in behavior.
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| Overdose |
Seek medical attention immediately. U.S. residents can call the national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
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| Drug Interactions |
- If you are taking a tricyclic antidepressant, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
- St. John’s Wort should be avoided while taking this medicine due to the additive effects of serotonin.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
- blood thinners (Coumadin)
- Do not take this medicine with thioridizine, or within 5 weeks of taking this medicine.
- Caution should be exercised when taking this medicine certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin.
- If you are taking medications for migraines such as Imitrex, talk to your doctor before starting this medicine.
- This medicine should not be taken with MAO inhibitors. If you think you are taking an MAO inhibitor talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
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| Pregnancy/Nursing |
If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss the benefits versus the risks of using this medicine while pregnant. Because this medicine is excreted in the breast milk, nursing mothers should not breastfeed while taking this medicine.
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| More Information |
Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially children/teenages) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with a doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication, even if the treatment is not for a mental condition. Tell your doctor immediatley if you notice worsening depression, unusual behavior changes, (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes. Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.
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