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LexaproŽ
Lexapro Uses:
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.
How to take Lexapro:
Lexapro may be taken on an empty stomach or with food.
STORE LEXAPRO at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage
between 59 and 86 degrees F ( 15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store
Lexapro away from light and moisture. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if
you feel well. Do not miss any doses of Lexapro.
Lexapro Side Effects:
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Lexapro include nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, loss of appetite, dizziness,
drowsiness, trouble sleeping, or dry mouth. If these symptoms continue or
are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE if you experience increased sweating, unusual fatigue, changes in
sexual ability/interest. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience
stomach pain, vision changes, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, uncontrolled
movements (tremors), chest pain, unusual or severe mental/mood changes,
muscle cramps, restlessness, seizures, painful or prolonged erection, or
change in amount of urine. An allergic reaction to Lexapro is unlikely, but
seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic
reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble
breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Lexapro Precautions:
SEVERAL WEEKS MAY PASS before Lexapro reaches its full effect. Do not stop
taking Lexapro without checking with your doctor. LEXAPRO 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 Lexapro. Using
Lexapro alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability
to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. LEXAPRO WILL ADD
TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Caution should be used in
the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of Lexapro. F0R
WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the
benefits and risks of using Lexapro during pregnancy. LEXAPRO IS EXCRETED IN
BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Lexapro.
Lexapro Drug Interactions:
DO NOT TAKE LEXAPRO if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
(e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine,
procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after
treatment with Lexapro. DO NOT TAKE LEXAPRO if you are taking citalopram, or
weight loss drugs (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF
YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking another SSRI
antidepressant (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), nefazodone, trazodone,
tramadol, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, z
olmitriptan), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine,
nortriptyline), carbamazepine, cimetidine, lithium, metoprolol, any
herbal/natural products (e.g., melatonin, St. John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell
your doctor if you are taking any medicines that cause drowsiness such as
medicines for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs
(e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric
medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), anti-seizure
medicines (e.g., phenytoin), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause
drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine).
Lexapro Overdose:
If overdose of Lexapro is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness, or
seizures.
Missed Dose of Lexapro:
IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF LEXAPRO, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular
dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses of Lexapro at once.
Lexapro Storage:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Keep Lexapro and all
medications out of the reach of children.