Lexapro ®
Generic Name: Escitalopram (ess-sye-TAL-oh-pram)
Drug Class: Antidepressant, SSRI
Contents
Drug Uses
Escitalopram is used to treat depression. This medicine may be used to treat
other conditions as determined by your doctor or healthcare provider.
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 health care provider.
How it Works
This medicine works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin (a neurotransmitter)
back into the nerve cell. This increases the amount of serotonin that is available.
How to Take It
Follow your doctor's directions. This medicine is taken orally and may be
taken with food or on an empty stomach.
Possible Side Effects
- Side effects that this medicine may cause include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- dizziness and/or drowsiness
- dry mouth
Warnings/Precautions
- Alcoholic beverages can increase the effects of this medicine and should
be avoided.
- This medicine can cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- Other sedatives can increase the drowsy effects when taken together
with this medicine.
- This medicine may take several weeks to reach its full effect. Do not
stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor.
Overdose
- Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your
local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
- This medication should not be taken with MAO inhibitors. Your doctor
or pharmacist can give you more information on MAO inhibitors. Wait 5
weeks after stopping escitalopram before starting a non-selective MAO
inhibitor. Wait 2 weeks after stopping an MAO inhibitor before starting
escitalopram.
- Do not take escitalopram with the herb, St. John's Wort.
- If you are taking medications for migraines such as Imitrex, talk to
your doctor before starting escitalopram.
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.
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 (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed.
Pregnancy/Nursing
If you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor about
the risks and benefits of using this medicine during your pregnancy. Escitalopram
is excreted in the breast milk and should be avoid if you are nursing.
More Information
For additional information on escitalopram, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Copyright © 2004 PharmClips,
Inc. All rights reserved. Information expires March 1, 2005. Published
March 1, 2004.
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general
information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions
for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility
for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained
herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property
as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty,
expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material.
The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before
making any changes in their drug regimen. |
