Lexapro
is an anti-depressant from the
family of drugs known as selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors
or SSRIs. Lexapro helps to restore
the brain's chemical balance by
increasing the supply of a substance
in the brain called serotonin.
Lexapro appears to relieve depression
by increasing serotonin without
affecting many of the other chemicals
in the brain that influence mood.
Lexapro Directions?
Simple 10 mg/day starting
dose for all patients. LEXAPRO should be taken
once daily. It may be taken with or without
food, in the morning or evening. In order
to avoid missing a dose remember to fill prescriptions
ahead of time. To get optimum results, it
is important to follow all of your healthcare
provider's instructions about how and when
you should take LEXAPRO.
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.
Lexapro Warnings?
LEXAPRO can be taken
with most other medications except another
family of antidepressants called monoamine
oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). LEXAPRO and MAOIs
should not be taken together or within 14
days of each other. 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.
Lexapro Drug Interactions?
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE
if you have had an allergic reaction to it
or are allergic to any ingredient in this
product. SEVERAL WEEKS MAY PASS before this
medicine reaches its full effect. Do not stop
taking this medicine without checking with
your doctor. Some conditions may become worse
if the medicine is suddenly stopped. Your
dose may need to be slowly lowered to avoid
side effects when the medicine is stopped.
KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS
while you are taking this medicine. ADDITIONAL
MONITORING OF YOUR CONDITION is recommended
at the start of treatment with this medicine
and whenever a change to your dose is made.
If you experience anxiety, agitation, panic
attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability,
hostility, impulsive feelings, severe restlessness,
or worsening of depression contact your doctor
as soon as possible. These may be signs that
your condition is worsening or that your treatment
with this medicine should be evaluated. If
you are a parent or caregiver of a patient
that is taking this medicine, it is important
for you to watch for these symptoms. Contact
the doctor as soon as possible if any of these
symptoms occur. Contact your doctor for more
information. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness
or dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY,
OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS
until you know how you react to this medicine.
Using this medicine alone, with other medicines,
or with alcohol may lessen your ability to
drive or to perform other potentially dangerous
tasks. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS
of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your
pharmacist if you have questions about which
medicines are depressants. Use of alcohol
while taking this medicine is not recommended.
Talk with your doctor about the use of alcohol
with this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING
ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter,
check with your doctor or pharmacist. This
includes any medicines that contain drowsiness-causing
ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the
safe use of these products. CAUTION IS ADVISED
WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because
they may be more sensitive to the effects
of this medicine. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN
USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN because they
may be more sensitive to the effects of this
medicine. F0R WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING
PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits
and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy,
especially during the third trimester. THIS
MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT
BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
Lexapro Missed Dose?
Take the missed dose
as soon as you remember. However, if it is
almost time for the next regularly scheduled
dose, skip the missed dose and take the next
one as directed. Do not take a double
dose of this medication unless otherwise directed
by your doctor./span>
Lexapro Storage?
Store it at room temperature
away from sunlight and moisture. Keep this
and all medications out of the reach of children.
Anything Else I Should
Know About Lexapro?
Lexapro is in a class
of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors. Lexapro affects chemicals in the
brain that may become unbalanced and cause
depression. Lexapro is used in the treatment
of depression and generalized anxiety disorder
(GAD).
NOTE: The above
information is intended to supplement, not
substitute for, the expertise and judgment
of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before taking
the product.
