The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that using Lexapro is safe or appropriate for you.

Brand Name: Lexapro

Generic Name: escitalopram

What is Lexapro used for? Escitalopram is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Lexapro is used to relieve symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

FDA Warnings for Lexapro: The FDA issued a public health alert for Lexapro in March 2004 warning that Lexapro can lead to deeper depression and suicide. The FDA recommends that health care providers warn patients, their families and their caregivers to be alert for agitation, irritability, suicide and worsening depression while using Lexapro. The FDA also recommends that health care providers closely monitor adult and children treated with escitalopram for worsening of depression or suicidal tendencies, especially at the beginning of therapy or when the dose either increases or decreases.

General Lexapro Precautions:
_ You may have an allergic reaction to escitalopram if you have had an allergic reaction to citalopram (Celexa).
_ Lexapro may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
_ Rise slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position to prevent dizziness or possible falls.
_ Do not take Lexapro if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction can occur if Lexapro is combined with MAO inhibitors.
_ It is not known whether Lexapro will harm an unborn baby or a nursing baby.
_ Lexapro may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Patients using escitalopram should exercise caution until they have adapted to therapy.
_ If you skip the missed dose and take only the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of Lexapro. Overdose is possible.

Lexapro can cause serious side effects. Only you can decide if this drug medication is the best means of treating depression symptoms. It is important for people currently taking antidepressants to discuss side effect concerns with their physician.

Lexapro Side Effects:
_ Agitation.
_ Irritability.
_ Deepened depression.
_ Increased risk of suicide.
_ Fast or irregular heartbeat or pulse.
_ High blood pressure.
_ Low blood pressure.
_ Dizziness.
_ Weakness.
_ Headache.
_ Decreased sex drive.
_ Impotence.
_ Difficulty reaching orgasm.
_ Blurred vision.
_ Chills or fever.
_ Nervousness.
_ Anxiety.
_ Diarrhea.
_ Sleeplessness or insomnia.
_ Tremors.
_ Changes in appetite or weight.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: An allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives). Stop taking Lexapro and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment if you also experience a fast or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure (blurred vision, headache), low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness), chills or fever. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Symptoms of overdose may include: Symptoms of Lexapro overdose include seizures, tremor, nausea, vomiting, agitation, drowsiness, hyperactivity or enlarged pupils.

Before taking escitalopram, tell your doctor if you have or have had:
_ Seizures.
_ Liver disease.
_ Kidney disease.
_ A history of mania or bipolar disorder.
_ Suicidal thoughts.
_ Allergic reaction to citalopram (Celexa).

What should I avoid while taking this medication?
_ Use alcohol cautiously while taking Lexapro. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness.

What other drugs will affect escitalopram? Lexapro can increase the effects of many other drugs, leading to serious side effects. If taking Lexapro, talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Do not take escitalopram with the following medicines without your doctor’s approval:
_ Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI).
_ Other antidepressants.
_ Seizure medication including carbamazepine or felbamate.
_ Stomach medication including cimetidine, ranitidine, or omeprazole.
_ Antibiotics including erythromycin or clarithromycin.
_ Antifungal medications including fluconazole, itraconazole, or ketoconazole.
_ Migraine medications including almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, or zolmitriptan.
_ Asthma medication including zafirlukast.
_ Lithium.
_ Drugs other than the above listed may also interact with Lexapro. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription, over-the-counter medicines or natural supplements.

People seeking depression relief should carefully evaluate Lexapro information and side effects before deciding to take Lexapro. Consult your healthcare professional before using escitalopram.

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*This antidepressant drug information does not endorse Lexapro, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible warnings, uses, precautions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse side effects of Lexapro. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your health care provider or pharmacist. The information provided should not be construed to indicate that Lexapro is safe, effective or appropriate.

Do not stop taking escitalopram without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor may need to gradually reduce the dose before stopping completely. Suddenly stopping Lexapro may cause unpleasant and potentially serious side effects.
 

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