Drug Uses

Lexapro is an antidepressant from the group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro treats depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

How Taken

Lexapro is a tablet and should be taken orally with a liquid. The usual dose is one pill a day and it can be taken with or without food. Lexapro should be taken exactly as instructed. Take the prescribed dose; do not take more or less of the drug, or more often that your doctor advised you. The usage of Lexapro should continue even after the patient feels well. Stop taking the drug only after a consultation with your doctor. You have to take Lexapro a few weeks in order to fill the desired results.

Warnings/Precautions

Consult your doctor if you have some of the following conditions: liver disease, kidney disease, seizures, mania or suicidal thoughts. In case you suffer from any of these diseases, you may not be able to take Lexapro or your dosage may need to be adjusted. Lexapro should not be taken in you are using citalopram (Celexa), or if you are allergic to Celexa, because you can develop an allergic reaction to Lexapro. Consult your doctor before using Lexapro if you have had any allergic reactions in the past. Do not take Lexapro during pregnancy because it is harmful to an unborn baby as it falls into the FDA pregnancy category C. Talk to your doctor before using Lexapro if you are pregnant or may become pregnant during the usage of the drug. Also, consult your doctor if you are breast-feeding because Lexapro can passes into breast milk and can affect the baby.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, take the drug as soon as you remember. If it's already time for your next dose, skip the missed one and take the scheduled one. Do no take a double dose of Lexapro unless it is prescribed by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects

Contact your doctor immediately and stop taking Lexapro if you develop any of these side effects:

-an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-an irregular heartbeat or pulse;
-low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness);
-high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or
-chills or fever. If you have any of the following less serious side effects, continue using Lexapro but inform your doctor:
-headache, tremor, nervousness, or anxiety;
-nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight;
-sleepiness or insomnia; or
-decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

Other different side effects that are not listed here may also occur. If you notice some unusual effects or conditions, inform your doctor about them.

Storage

Lexapro should be kept at a room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Overdose

If you take an overdose of Lexapro, immediately search for medical help. Symptoms of an overdose may be nausea, vomiting, tremor, drowsiness, dizziness, sweating, and a fast heartbeat.

More Information

Patients who have an allergy to any component of Lexapro should not use the drug.

Disclaimer

These instructions are for your information only. Be aware that the directions don't cover all uses, medicine interactions, precautions, or unfavorable effects. These prescriptions are only informative and shouldn't be relied on for any further actions. Don't accept the instructions as directions for application for any specific complaint. We deny all responsibility for the preciseness and trustiness of the information displayed and/or any results proceeding from it inclusive of harms or undesirable consequences to people or possessions if such occur. No warranty, either expressed or referred to, is made in connection to the above information.