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Lexapro

Lexapro  (Escitalopram Oxalate) is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder and maintenance therapy to prevent people with depression from suffering a relapse. The efficacy of Lexapro in the treatment of major depressive disorder was established in part in an 8-week controlled trial of outpatients who diagnoses corresponded most closely with the DSM-IV category of major depressive disorder.

Lexapro - Uses

A major depressive episode implies a prominent and relatively persistent (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks) depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning, and includes at least five of the following nine symptoms: depressed mood, loss of interest in usual activities, significant change in weight and/or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor retardation or aggitation, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration.

The efficacy of Lexapro in hospitalized patients with major depressive disorders has not been adequately studied.
While the longer-term efficacy of Lexapro has not been systematically evaluated, the efficacy of racemic citalopram, of which escitalopram is the active isomer, in maintaining a response following 6-8 weeks of acute treatment in patients with major depressive disorder was demonstrated in two placebo-controlled trials, in which patients were observed for relapse for up to 24-weeks. The efficacy of racemic citalopram in maintaining a response in patients with recurrent major depressive disorder who had responsded and continued to be improved during an initial 22-25 weeks of treatment and were then followed for a period of up to 72-weeks was demonstrated in a third placebo-controlled trial. Nevertheless, the physician who elects to use Lexapro for extended periods of time should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefullness of the drug for the individual patient.
How Lexapro is Supplied

5 mg tablets: White to off-white, round, non-scored film coated. Imprint "FL" on one side of the tablet and "5" on the other side.

10 mg tablets: White to off-white, round, non-scored film coated. Imprint on scored side with "F" on the left side and "L" on the right side. Imprint on the non-scored side with "10."

20 mg tablets: White to off-white, round, non-scored film coated. Imprint on scored side with "F" on the left side and "L" on the right side. Imprint on the non-scored side with "20."

Lexapro - How to Use

Take this medication by mouth usually once daily in the morning, with or without food; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Some medical conditions may require a different dosing schedule (e.g., twice daily in the morning and at noon) as determined by your doctor. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Also, do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. It may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.

Lexapro - Side Effects

Nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, drowsiness, sweating, or upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: loss of appetite, unusual weight loss, unusual or severe mental/mood changes, uncontrolled movements (tremor), decreased interest in sex, flu-like symptoms (e.g., chills, fever, muscle aches, weakness). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision changes, trouble swallowing, swelling or white spots on the mouth and/or tongue, changes in sexual ability, painful and/or prolonged erection. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular/fast heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Lexapro - Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney disease, seizures, heart problems, diabetes, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar and/or small amounts of alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product. Caution is advised when using this product in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Lexapro - Drug Interactions

Certain medications taken with this product could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks, and avoid taking thioridazine within 5 weeks, before or after treatment with this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information. This drug is not recommended for use with: weight loss medicine (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine), thioridazine, terfenadine, astemizole. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other SSRI antidepressants (e.g., citalopram, sertraline), nefazodone, trazodone, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), flecainide, propafenone, haloperidol, clozapine, lithium, tryptophan, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin/hydantoins), herbal/natural products (e.g., St John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., alprazolam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), muscle relaxants, psychiatric medicine (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Report other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide, sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Fluoxetine may affect the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. If you take any anti-diabetes medication (e.g., glipizide, glyburide, metformin), your dosage of these drugs may need to be adjusted when fluoxetine is started or discontinued. Consult your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Lexapro - Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness.

Lexapro - Notes

Do not share this medication (Lexapro) with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

Lexapro - Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Lexapro - Storage

Store (Lexapro) at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.