Brand Name: Lexapro

IMPORTANT WARNING: A small number of children, teenagers, and young adults (up to 24 years of age) who took antidepressants ('mood elevators') such as Lexapro during clinical studies became suicidal (thinking about harming or killing oneself or planning or trying to do so). Children, teenagers, and young adults who take antidepressants to treat depression or other mental illnesses may be more likely to become suicidal than children, teenagers, and young adults who do not take antidepressants to treat these conditions. However, experts are not sure about how great this risk is and how much it should be considered in deciding whether a child or teenager should take an antidepressant. Children younger than 18 years of age should not normally take Lexapro, but in some cases, a doctor may decide that Lexapro is the best medication to treat a child's condition.

You should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways when you take Lexapro or other antidepressants even if you are an adult over age 24. You may become suicidal, especially at the beginning of your treatment and any time that your dose is increased or decreased. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression; thinking about harming or killing yourself, or planning or trying to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; aggressive behavior; irritability; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; and frenzied abnormal excitement. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor when you are unable to seek treatment on your own.

Lexapro Anti Depression Medication Information

Lexapro is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; excessive worry and tension that disrupts daily life and lasts for 6 months or longer). Lexapro is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.

How should I use Lexapro antidepressants?

Lexapro comes as a tablet and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take Lexapro, take it at around the same time every day, in the morning or in the evening. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Lexapro exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of Lexapro and increase your dose after 1 week.

It may take 1 to 4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of Lexapro. Continue to take Lexapro even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Lexapro without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking Lexapro, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as mood changes, irritability, agitation, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, anxiety, confusion, headache, tiredness, and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

What special precautions should I observe when on Lexapro anti depression medicine?

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to Lexapro, citalopram (Celexa), or any other medications.
• tell your doctor if you are taking pimozide (Orap) or a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate), or if you have stopped taking an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take Lexapro. If you stop taking Lexapro, you should wait at least 14 days before you start to take an MAO inhibitor.
• you should know that Lexapro is very similar to another SSRI, citalopram (Celexa). You should not take these two medications together.
• tell your doctor or pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, and vitamins you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antihistamines; aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); carbamazepine (Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet); ketoconazole (Sporanox); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithotabs); linezolid (Zyvox); medications for anxiety, mental illness, or seizures; medications for migraine headaches such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), and zolmitriptan (Zomig); metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL); other antidepressants such as desipramine (Norpramin); sedatives; sibutramine (Meridia); sleeping pills; tramadol; and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor what nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking, especially products containing St. John's wort or tryptophan.
• tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack and if you have or have ever had seizures or liver, kidney, thyroid, or heart disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Lexapro, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Lexapro.
• you should know that Lexapro may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.

What should I do if I forget a dose of Lexapro?

What side effects can antidepression medications such as Lexapro cause?

• nausea
• 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
• sneezing

• unusual excitement
• seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)

How should I store Lexapro medication?

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control left at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.