What is Lexapro? Uses, effects, side effects & warnings

What is Lexapro?

Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is used for treating certain forms of depressive disorders and anxiety. It's not clear how Lexapro functions, but it is believed to work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in nerves. The serotonin levels in the space between nerves are increased.

Warnings

If you are taking citalopram, pimozide, or Celexa, then Lexapro is not for you.Use Lexapro only if you are not taking an MAO inhibitor within the 14 days prior to or after using it. This includes isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine injections, rasagiline, or selegiline.When first starting an antidepressant, some young people may have suicidal thoughts. Be alert for any changes in mood or symptoms. Notify your doctor of any symptoms that are new or getting worse.Serotonin syndrome symptoms include: hallucinations and agitation; fever; sweating or shivering; rapid heartbeat; stiffness of the muscles; twitching of the muscles; lack of coordination; nausea; vomiting; or diarrhoea.Lexapro should not be given to children under the age of 12.Consult your doctor before stopping Lexapro.

Similar/related drugs

Rexulti, Trintellix, Sertraline, Trazadone, Escitalopram, Duloxetine, and Hydroxyzine

Before you take this drug

If you have an allergy to Celexa or Escitalopram, or both (Celexa),:

You can also take pimozide.

You should not take Lexapro for 14 days prior to or after using an MAO inhibitor. It is possible that a dangerous drug interrelationship could happen. There are several MAO inhibitors, including isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (phenelzine), rasagiline (selegiline), and tranylcypromine.

Make sure to tell your doctor if you are also taking stimulant medicines, opioids, herbal products, or medications for mental illnesses like Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, or serious infections. They may cause serotonin-induced syndrome, a severe condition that can be caused by escitalopram.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Lexapro will be safe for you:

Liver or kidney disease
Seizures;
Low levels of sodium;
Heart disease High blood pressure
A stroke
Bleeding problems;
Sexual problems
Bipolar Disorder
Drug addiction Suicidal Thoughts

When first starting an antidepressant, some young people may have suicidal thoughts. Regular visits to your doctor are a good way for you and your doctor to monitor the progress of treatment. Your family should be alert to any change in your mood or symptoms.

Lexapro should not be used by children younger than 12.

If you're pregnant, ask your doctor if taking an SSRI during pregnancy can cause medical problems for the child. You may experience a depression relapse if you discontinue your antidepressant. Inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant. Never start taking Lexapro or stop it without consulting your doctor.

Pregnancy

You may find your name on a registry for pregnant women to monitor the effects of escitalopram.

Breastfeeding

Tell your doctor about any drowsiness or agitation you may notice in the baby. Also, let them know if there are feeding issues, poor weight gains, or a lack of appetite.

Click on the following link for more information about Lexapro and pregnancy.

How to take Lexapro?

Follow your doctor's instructions and take Lexapro only as directed. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.Take the medicine with or without food.Measuring liquid medication is important. Dosing devices are available.Your symptoms may not improve for up to four weeks. Continue to take the prescribed medication, and inform your doctor of any symptoms that do not improve.You will have to visit your doctor regularly in order for him or her to monitor the progress you are making. The height and weight of a child who is taking Lexapro must be monitored.Inform your doctor about any changes you experience in sexual function. Certain sexual disorders can be managed.If you stop taking Lexapro abruptly, it could cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to reduce your dose.Keep Lexapro away from heat and moisture at room temperature.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for generalised anxiety disorder:

Adult dose for depression:

If necessary, increase the dose to 20mg once daily after a week's treatment.
Maintenance dose: orally, 10–20 mg once daily.
The maximum dose is 20 mg taken orally, once per day.
Comments:
Acute episodes can require pharmacological treatment that continues for several months or even longer.
Patients should undergo periodic re-evaluations to determine if maintenance treatments are needed.
Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: Both acute and maintenance

The usual geriatric dose for depression:

Dosage: Orally, 10 mg once daily.
Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: Both acute and maintenance

The usual paediatric dose for depression is:

Twelve years old and over:
The initial dose is 10 mg, taken orally once a week. If necessary, increase the dosage to 20 mg after three weeks.
Maintenance dose: oral 10–20 mg once daily
The maximum dose is 20 mg taken orally, once per day.
Comments:
Acute episodes can require pharmacological treatment that continues for several months or even longer.
Patients should undergo periodic re-evaluations to determine if maintenance treatments are needed.
Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: Both acute and maintenance

What happens if I miss the dose?

Skip the dose you missed if it is almost time for your next one. Do not take more than 1 dose per day.

What happens if I overdose?

For poison assistance, call 1-800-222-1222 or get immediate medical help.

What should be avoided?

Consult your doctor prior to taking NSAIDs such as celecoxib, naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, or indomethacin. Taking an NSAID along with Lexapro can cause you to bleed or bruise easily.Avoid alcohol.Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine affects you. It is possible that you are unable to respond properly.

Side effects of Lexapro

If you experience any of the following: hives, skin reactions, difficulty breathing, skin reactions, or rashes, as well as swelling in your lips, face, throat, tongue, or mouth, seek emergency medical attention.You should tell your doctor if any symptoms worsen or change, including anxiety, attacks of panic, or mood changes. Also, you may feel more impulsive or aggressive, restless or hyperactive, mentally or physically, and/or more depressed.

Lexapro may cause serious side effects. If you experience:

Blurred vision or tunnel vision; eye swelling or pain
Feelings of extreme joy or sadness, racing thoughts, and unusual behaviour
Pain or burning after urinating;
Slow growth or weight loss in a child who is taking Lexapro
Low levels of sodium in your body: headache, confusion, slurred words, extreme weakness, nausea, lack of coordination, and feeling unsteady.
Severe Nervous System Reaction: Very stiff muscles (rigid), high fever, sweating, and confusion Fast or irregular heartbeats. Tremors. Feeling like you could pass out.

If you experience symptoms such as agitation or hallucinations, fever, sweating, and shivering; a rapid heartbeat; stiff muscles; twitching limbs; a lack of coordination; nausea; vomiting; or diarrhoea, seek medical help immediately.

Lexapro side effects may include:

Painful urination
Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, weakness;
Feeling anxious or agitated
Feeling shaky, increased muscle movement
Sleep problems (insomnia);
Increased thirst and sweating;
Nausea, constipation;
Yawning;
Nosebleed, heavy menstrual periods,
Impotence or difficulty having an orgasm are all symptoms of decreased sexual drive.

There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Call the FDA to report side effects at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

Lexapro can make this worse if taken with drugs that cause drowsiness. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, anxiety medications, or medication for seizures or anxiety, consult your doctor.Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking, including blood thinners such as Warfarin or Coumadin.It is important to avoid using certain drugs together with escitalopram.Tell your doctor about all medications you take and any you start or stop using. You should tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbs. This list does not include all interactions.