Generic Name: Escitalopram Oxalate
Use
Lexapro is effective in the treatment of depression. Lexapro was developed by isolating a part of the Celexa (citalopram HBr) molecule, known as an isomer. As a result, Lexapro appears to offer some particular advantages in the treatment of depression.
Dosage
Simple 10 mg/day starting dose for all patients. Lexapro should be taken once every day. It may be taken with or without food, in the morning or evening. Also remember to fill prescriptions ahead of time to avoid missing a dose. To get the best results, it is important to follow all of your healthcare provider's instructions about how and when you should take Lexapro.
Side effects
Lexapro is well tolerated by most people. The most commonly reported side effects of Lexapro are nausea, insomnia, problems with ejaculation, drowsiness, increased sweating, and fatigue. Most of the side effects experienced by patients taking Lexapro are mild and go away with continued treatment, and usually do not cause patients to stop taking Lexapro.
Precautions
Before you begin taking Lexapro, make sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, diet supplements, etc. Certain medications taken with this product could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information. This drug is not recommended for use with: weight loss drugs (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other SSRI antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), nefazodone, trazodone, tramadol, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), cimetidine, lithium, itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), any herbal/ natural products (e.g., melatonin, St John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti- anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. |
