Lexapro (Escitalopram)

Chemical Name: Escitalopram (ess-sye-TAL-oh-pram)

LEXAPRO is an anti-depressant medication which is taken orally to help treat depression. This medication belongs to a family of medication called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). LEXAPRO is known as a mood elevator because it increases the level of serotonin (a natural substance) in the brain which helps maintain mental balance.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Depending on each patient's condition and medical history, your physician may prescribe a different dosage. LEXAPRO is available in liquid and pill form. Generally, it is taken with or without food depending on the patient's preference. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Store this medicine 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 away from light and moisture.

Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. If you do miss a dose of this medicine, 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 at once.

Cautions

Do not use LEXAPRO if you are using an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam).

Before taking this medicine, tell your physician if you:

• have allergies to any drugs
• are taking prescription, nonprescription or herbal medications
• have liver or kidney disease
• have seizures or epilepsy
• experience bipolar disorder or manic depression
• have a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take LEXAPRO.

Side Effects

The following may occur while taking this medication:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• constipation
• changes in sex drive or ability
• drowsiness
• increased sweating
• dizziness
• heartburn
• stomach pain
• excessive tiredness
• dry mouth
• increased appetite
• flu like symptoms
• runny nose and sneezing

LEXAPRO users should know:

• LEXAPRO may cause you to feel drowsy, less alert, and may affect your judgment
• thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant are possible
• there is a possibility of worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment (if this is the case, tell your doctor)
• there is a possibility of mood changes
• make regular physician visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment with LEXAPRO
• antidepressants may cause serious or life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies
• do not stop taking LEXAPRO without first talking to your physician
• do not give LEXAPRO to anyone younger than 12 years old without the advice of a physician
• avoid taking tryptophan while you are taking LEXAPRO
• avoid consuming alcohol while taking LEXAPRO as it can increase certain side effects
• do not suddenly stop taking LEXAPRO without consulting your physician

Stop using LEXAPRO and call your doctor immediately if you have any of the above side effects.