Lexapro

Description

Lexapro (escitalopram) is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Escitalopram affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression or anxiety.

Lexapro is used to treat anxiety in adults.

Lexapro is used to treat anxiety in adults.

Lexapro is also used to treat major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents who are at least 12 years old.

Important information

You should not use Lexapro you also take pimozide (Orap) or citalopram (Celexa).

Do not use Lexapro within 14 days before or 14 days after you have used a MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Do not give Lexapro to anyone under 12 years.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Lexapro if you are allergic to escitalopram or citalopram (Celexa), or if:

• you also take pimozide or citalopram.

Do not use Lexapro within 14 days before or 14 days after you have used an MAO inhibitor. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Some medicines can interact with escitalopram and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Be sure your doctor knows if you also take stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor before making any changes in how or when you take your medications.

To make sure Lexapro is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver or kidney disease;
• seizures;
• low levels of sodium in your blood;
• heart disease, high blood pressure;
• a stroke;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
• bipolar disorder (manic depression); or
• drug addiction or suicidal thoughts.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.