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Lexapro (Escitalopram): Uses, Side-Effects, Dosage, Interaction and Precautions

Lexapro Medication and Drugs

Generic Name(s)— Escitalopram Oxalate

Brand Names— Lexapro

What Is Lexapro?


Lexapro or Escitalopram is an antidepressant, used to treat depression and anxiety. Escitalopram belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It helps to affect chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in the individuals with depression or anxiety. It is taken by mouth.

The medication can be used to treat anxiety and major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents who are at least 12 years old. [Trusted Source 1] [Trusted Source 2]

Important Information:


Do not use Lexapro within 14 days before/after you have used a monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as linezolid, isocarboxazid, rasagiline, selegiline, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine. [Trusted Source 2]

Many young people may have suicidal thoughts when first using an antidepressant. You should be alert and careful to changes in your mood. If you have any serious symptoms call your doctor right away.

Seek medical advice if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as fever, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shivering, agitation, hallucinations, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching or loss of coordination. [Trusted Source 2]

It is not advisable to give this medicine to people under the age of 12 years.

Dosage:


Lexapro is available in the tablet form. The recommended dosage of Lexapro for adults is 10 mg once daily. It may take more than four weeks for the benefits to be appear.

A daily dose of 20 mg may not be more beneficial than 10 mg daily for the treatment of depression. The dose may be increased to 20 mg once daily after about three weeks.

Interactions:


Do not use Lexapro or Escitalopram if you are using monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as [Trusted Source 1]

  • Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
  • Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
  • Selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam)
  • Phenelzine (Nardil)
  • Rasagiline (Azilect)

Precautions:


It is not recommended to take this medication during pregnancy. It may harm the unborn baby in many ways. [trsuted Source 3]

It is also not advised to take this medicine if you are breast—feeding. It is believed that Lexapro may excreted in the human milk. [trsuted Source 3]

What Are The Possible Side-Effects of Lexapro?


Common side effects of Lexapro may include —

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Vivid dreams
  • Irritability
  • Poor mood
  • Upset stomach
  • Gas
  • Heartburn
  • Constipation
  • Restlessness
  • Blurred vision
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
  • Frequent urination
  • Headache
  • Indigestion
  • Increased sweating
  • Sexual difficulties (decreased sexual ability or desire, delayed ejaculation)
  • Weight changes

What Happens If I Miss A Dose?


Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost the time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What Happens If I Take An Overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help Line at 1—800—222—1222.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Lexapro?


Consult your doctor before using a non—steroidal anti—inflammatory drug (NSAID) for fever, pain, arthritis or swelling. It includes naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), meloxicam, diclofenac, indomethacin and others. Using an NSAID with this medication may cause you to bruise or bleed easily. [Trusted Source 2]

Drinking alcohol with this medication can also cause many side-effects.

What Else Should I Know About Lexapro (Escitalopram)?


  • The FDA approved escitalopram in August 2002
  • It is available in tablets form— 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg and oral solution— 1 mg/ml
  • The medicine should be stored at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F.
  • The medication is available in the generic form. You need a prescription to get this medication

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