Drug name
Lexapro (Escitalopram)
Drug Uses
For treating anxiety and depression nothing works best than Lexapro. This medicine can also be used for treating other conditions if the doctor suggests it to do so.
How Taken
Lexapro should be used as directed by the doctor.
- While buying Lexapro you will also find an additional patient information sheet known as Medication Guide. This guide should be read carefully every time when you get Lexapro refilled.
- Lexapro can be taken with/without food and in case of any stomach upsets it can be taken for reducing the stomach related problems.
- Lexapro works in full effect after its use for several weeks
- Even when patients feel well, he/she continue to use Lexapro and none of the doses should be missed out.
- For any problem or for any query you must always consult a health practitioner and then you should use Lexapro.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Lexapro is an antidepressant that is a kind of Selective Serotine Reuptake Inhibator or SSRI. It increases the activity of the brain by charging a chemical known as serotonin that helps in elevating the mood.
Missed Dose
In case you have missed the dose of Lexapro on a specific time, it is always suggested that you should take it immediately. For the next dose, do not forget to take the subsequent dose and be in the regular schedule of the intake of the medicine. Generally, it is advised not more than two doses in a day.
Storage
Lexapro should be stored at 77 degrees F and should stay away from heat, moisture and light. A brief storage temperature should be about 59-86 degrees F if they are being permitted. It should not be stored in a bathroom and they should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
Warnings Precautions
Lexapro should not be used if the following conditions arrive:
- You are consuming Citalopram
- Allergy towards any ingredient in Lexapro
- Regular consumption of MAOI or Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor, St. John's wort or Selegiline
- Regular intake of fenfluramine derivative, pimozide, nefazodone, H1 antagonist or sibutramine.
Doctors should be consulted if the following conditions arise when you interact with Lexapro:
- In case you are pregnant or breast feeding your baby
- Taking prescription or non prescription medicine, dietary supplements and herbal preparations
- You have allergies to medicines or any other substances
- Family history of any bipolar disorders or mood or mental problems or any mental problems where you have suicidal attempts, alcohols and or other abusive addictions
- History of any seizures, kidney problems, liver problems, bowel bleeding, metabolism and stomach problems
- If your health is suffering from dehydration, low blood sodium levels or problem of alcoholism
- You are undergoing electroconvulsive therapy or ECT
In case you are consuming some medicines, they may interact with Lexapro and so it is necessary that you should consult physician before taking such medicines.
- Nefazodone, Selegiline, Linezolid, Lithium, Fenfluramine Derivatives Maois, Metoclopramide, Nefazodone, St. John's Wort, Or Trazodone, these are some of the medicines which have severe side effects and when they interact with Lexapro, it may cause severe problems like rigid muscles, changes in blood pressure, confusion, agitation, delirium, irritability, fever and even coma.
- Drugs like aspirin, Anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also cause risk of bleeding which includes stomach bleeding etc.
- Low sodium blood levels may also increase due to Diuretics
- Tramadol may be cause because of the increased risk of seizures, while Phenothiazines or H1 antagonists may also causes severe heart problems which includes heartbeat
- Cyproheptadine or Carbamazepine can also decrease the affectivity of Lexapro.
- Lexapro can also increase the side effects of other antidepressants like Risperidone, Pimozide, Clozapine, or Tricyclic.
Positive side effects
There can also be other medicines which may cause side effects or else there cannot be any side effects as such. Some of the bothersome side efforts can be the following:
Deviating sexual desire, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, light-headedness, increased sweating, loss of appetite, stomach upset, nausea and trouble sleeping.
You can always seek for doctor’s suggestions when you have the following severe side effects:
Allergic reactions like rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); panic attacks, memory loss; black or bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; aggressiveness, restlessness, hallucinations; decreased concentration; fast or irregular heartbeat; menstrual period changes; worsening agitation, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling, or inability to sit still.
More information
Lexapro should be used by one who is being prescribed and it should be shared among other people and if the symptoms don’t improves, it is better to check with the doctor.