The following information is a summary about Lexapro. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
What is escitalopram?
Escitalopram is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs). Escitalopram affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and
cause depression or anxiety.
Escitalopram is used to treat anxiety and major depressive disorder.
Escitalopram may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What is the most important information I should know about escitalopram?
Do not take escitalopram together with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such
as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl,
Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI
before you can take escitalopram. After you stop taking escitalopram, you must wait at least 14
days before you start taking an MAOI.
You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant,
especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular
visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood
or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable,
agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or
have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
SSRI antidepressants may cause serious or life-threatening lung problems in newborn
babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse
of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant during pregnancy. If you are planning a
pregnancy, or if you become pregnant while taking escitalopram, do not stop taking the
medication without first talking to your doctor.
It is dangerous to try and purchase escitalopram on the Internet or from vendors outside of
the United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous
ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. Samples of escitalopram
purchased on the Internet have been found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a potent antipsychotic
drug with dangerous side effects. For more information, contact the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) or visit www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking escitalopram?
It is dangerous to try and purchase escitalopram on the Internet or from vendors outside of
the United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous
ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. Samples of escitalopram
purchased on the Internet have been found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a potent antipsychotic
drug with dangerous side effects. For more information, contact the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) or visit www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide.
Do not use escitalopram if you are using an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid
(Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline
(Eldepryl, Emsam). Serious and sometimes fatal reactions can occur when these medicines are
taken with escitalopram. You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before
you can take escitalopram. After you stop taking escitalopram, you must wait at least 14 days
before you start taking an MAOI.
Before taking escitalopram, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- liver or kidney disease;
- seizures or epilepsy;
- bipolar disorder (manic depression); or
- a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
escitalopram, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant,
especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening
symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or
whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or
symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of
treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. SSRI antidepressants may cause serious or
life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during
pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your
antidepressant during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, or if you become pregnant
while taking escitalopram, do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor.
Escitalopram can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give escitalopram to anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of
of a doctor.
How should I take escitalopram?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may
occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from the medication.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Try to take the medicine at the same time each day. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
To be sure you get the correct dose of liquid escitalopram, measure the liquid with a
marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a
dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
It may take 4 weeks or longer before you start feeling better. Do not stop using
escitalopram without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you
stop taking this medication suddenly.
Store escitalopram at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a 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 extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this
medication. Symptoms of an escitalopram overdose may include nausea, vomiting, tremor,
sweating, rapid heartbeat, confusion, dizziness, seizures, and coma.
What should I avoid while taking escitalopram?
Do not take escitalopram together with citalopram (Celexa), isocarboxazid
(Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate).
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of escitalopram.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain
medication, muscle relaxers, medicine for seizures, other medication for depression or anxiety).
They can add to sleepiness caused by escitalopram.
Escitalopram can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Escitalopram side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic
reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or
behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable,
agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or
have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- seizure (convulsions);
- tremors, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching;
- problems with balance or coordination; or
- agitation, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
- feeling nervous, restless, or unable to sit still;
- headache, trouble concentrating;
- drowsiness, dizziness;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- nausea, diarrhea, heartburn;
- weight changes;
- decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; or
- dry mouth, ringing in your ears.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect escitalopram?
Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. This
includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren),
indomethacin, piroxicam (Feldene), nabumetone (Relafen), etodolac (Lodine), and others.
Taking any of these drugs with escitalopram may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.
Before taking escitalopram, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following
medicines:
- carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);
- cimetidine (Tagamet);
- lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);
- a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
- any other antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil),
citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Tofranil),
nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft); or
- almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), sumatriptan
(Imitrex), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or zolmitriptan (Zomig).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use
escitalopram, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect escitalopram. Tell your doctor about all
the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals,
herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication
without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has information about escitalopram written for health professionals that
you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Escitalopram is available with a prescription under the brand name Lexapro. Other brand
or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about
this medication, especially if it is new to you.
- Lexapro 5 mg--white, round, tablets
- Lexapro 10 mg-white, round, scored tablets
- Lexapro 20 mg-white, round, scored tablets
- Lexapro 5 mg/5 mL-peppermint-flavored oral solution
