Lexapro

Generic Name: escitalopram

Brand Name: Lexapro

Lexapro General Information

Lexapro is an antidepressant and is used to treat anxiety in adults and major depressive disorders. Its use is limited to adults and adolescents who are at least 12 years of age. Lexapro affects chemicals in the brain that sometime gets unbalanced and the resultant effect is manifested in the form of anxiety and depression.

However, Lexapro may also be used for purposes other than what is listed here.

Lexapro Uses

Lexapro should not be used if the person concerned is already using MAO inhibitor. Serious and sometime death can occur when these medicines are taken together. The person should wait 14 days after stopping a MAO inhibitor before he can take Lexapro. Similarly, 14 days after stopping Lexapro, one may start taking MAOI.

Before using Lexapro, one must tell the doctor whether he is allergic to any medicine or he is suffering from:

Liver or kidney disease
Bipolar disorder
Seizures or epilepsy
Ahistory of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts

In case any of these conditions are present, a dose adjustment of the medication will be necessary or special tests to be conducted for safe use of Lexapro.

It is observed that after starting this medication there is a tendency to commit suicide especially if the person in less than 24 years of age. The doctor should be told about this worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment or whenever your dose is changed. Family members should also be alert because of such fluctuating moods or symptoms. The Doctor needs also to check the person under medication at regular visits for atleast the first 12 weeks of treatment with Lexapro. Antidepressants like Lexapro can be life threatening lung problems for new born babies whose mothers took the medication during pregnancy. There may be relapse of depression if the medication is stopped abruptly. If you are planning a pregnancy or become pregnant while in medication, one should not stop the medication without first talking to thedoctor. A breast feeding mother should not take this medication without doctor's advice. Lexapro not to be given to anyone less than 12 years of age.

How Take Lexapro

Lexapro to be taken as prescribed.Larger than prescribed quantity for extended time period should never be practiced.

Take Lexapro with a glass full of water. The medicine should be taken at the same time each day. Direction on the prescription label should be followed. To use the correct measure of liquid Lexapro, a measuring spoon should be used.It takes about 4 weeks of medicationbefore one start feeling better but the medication should not be stopped without doctor's advice.

Lexapro Warnings

Alcohol increases side effects of Lexapro and should be avoided. Since this medication is likely to cause some impairment in thinking and affect reflexes, one should be very careful in driving or any other work that needs alertness or remain awake

Lexapro Missed Dose

Any missed dose as soon as remembered should be taken.But, if it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose may be skipped and the next schedule dose must be taken at the appropriate time. No extra dose to be taken to compensate the missed dose.

Lexapro Side Effects

Emergency medical help must be sought in case of the following allergic reactions are noticed or felt: breathing difficulty, hive, swelling of lips, tongue, face, or throat. Lexaprouse should be stopped and the Doctor should be informed if the patient has any new symptoms: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacktrouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania, thoughts of suicide or hurting oneself

Doctor has to be called in case the following side effects are noticed or experienced:

Increased blood pressure
Frequent change of moods
Easy bruising or bleeding
Severe blistering, peeling and red skin rash
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady
Headache, weakness, trouble concentrating, memory problems, fainting, seizures

There may be less serious side effects like dry mouth and dry eyes, blurred vision, decreased sex drive, impotence, difficulty having an orgasm, increased appetite. However, this is not a complete list of side effects and there may be others that may occur

Lexapro Storage Advice

Lexapro should be stored in room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Lexapro Overdose

Incase of suspected overdose of Lexapro, emergency room or poison control center should be called. Lexapro overdose symptoms in such cases are: dizziness, sleepiness, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, nausea.

LexaproMore Information

Pharmacist can be source of more information about Lexapro since he or she has the additional information about Lexapro written for health professional which may a source of additional information. One must take additional are to keep the medicines out of reach from children, never share the medicine with others and use the medication only for the indication prescribed.