Lexapro

Name of the Drug - Lexapro (Escitalopram)

Lexapro (Escitalopram) is an orally administered drug in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

Drug Indications

Lexapro is indicated for use in the treatment of anxiety and depression. The drug might be prescribed for other conditions as seen fit by your physician.

How to Use

Follow the instructions of your doctor in the use of the drug.

• Read through the literature known as Medication guide that comes with the drug and use it as per the instructions provided.
• Food has no bearing on the absorption of the drug. If you are suffering from any stomach upset, it is best to take the drug after consuming food.
• It may take many weeks of regular use for the drug to provide optimum results.
• It is essential to avoid discontinuation of the drug even if you feel that you are cured of the condition.
• Avoid the possibility of missing doses.

Drug Type and How it Works

Lexapro is a type of antidepressant and is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works against problems like anxiety and depression by improving mood through a process that improves the levels of serotonin in the brain.

If You Forget a Dose

In case you forget to take a dose, consume it as once you recollect that you missed a dose. In case the time when you remember is close to the next scheduled dose, avoid taking the dose you have missed and take the tablet only at the next scheduled time. Do not compensate for the missed dose by taking extra dose of medicine.

Instructions for Storage

Lexapro is best stored at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) although you can briefly store it under room temperature between 15-30 degrees C (59 -86 degrees F). Avoid storing the drug in the bathroom. Keep the drug away from children and pets.

Safety Guidelines

Avoid the use of Lexapro under the following circumstances:

• In case of allergy to the drug or to citalopram
• In the event that you have been on a monoamine oxide (MAO) inhibitor like phenelazine in the past two weeks.
• If you are on current medications such as citalopram, tramadol, linezolid, selegiline, pimozide or some weight reduction drugs like phentermine.

Caution

• If you are taking Lexapro, avoid driving and other activities that may cause a hazard if you do not monitor it with care.
• Avoid combining the drug with alcohol or with any medication that induces drowsiness as it might cause an increase in the effects. If you have any doubts about drugs that induce drowsiness, check with the doctor or the pharmacist.
• Antidepressants have the potential to induce suicidal tendencies especially in children and in teenagers. This risk is compounded if you are suffering from a bipolar condition like maniac-depressive illness, history of bipolar disease in the family or if you have a history of suicidal tendency. It is essential that family members have a close monitoring of the moods and actions of the individual. Report any sudden changes or if symptoms of anxiety, depression, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts or tendencies, irritability, etc to the physician at the earliest.
• Lexapro should be used with extreme caution in the elderly.
• Lexapro is not indicated for use in children as their safety and efficiency have not been established.
• Pregnancy / Breast feeding: Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant and have been advised to take Lexapro and discuss the advantages and risks of using the drug. Extreme caution is essential if you are in the third trimester. Lexapro is found in the breast milk if you are taking the drug and it is essential to seek the advice of the doctor about the potential risks the drug might pose for the baby.

Probable Adverse Effects

Some of the commonly observed adverse effects are described below. If these side effects become persistent or cause you trouble, please inform your doctor. Some of the commonly seen side effects include decrease in libido, diarrhea, backache, dizziness, drowsiness, impotence, drying of mouth, reduced incidence of orgasms, reduction of appetite, profuse sweating, delay of ejaculation, constipation, stomach upset, nausea, trouble with sleep and vomiting.

It is essential to see your doctor at the earliest if you suffer from serious side effects like severe allergy symptoms like rash, shortness of breath, hives, swelling of face, lips, mouth or tongue, chest tightness; anxiety; darkening of stools; chest pain; irritability; muscle cramps; hostility; impulsiveness; agitation; prolonged erections or pain during erection; mania; suicidal tendencies; seizures; tremors; severe mood swings; irregularities of heartbeat; restlessness; sleeplessness; bruising or bleeding; vision problems; increase in depression; vomit that resembles coffee grounds.

Additional Information

Lexapro is restricted for use in people who have been prescribed the drug and should not be shared with anybody.

If there are no changes to the symptoms you are experiencing or if they are deteriorating even further, seek the doctor's advice.