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Lexapro (escitalopram)
Overall Rating
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3.09
Rating:

3.09

***
(Out of 5 Stars)
Side Effects
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2.43
Pricing
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2.89
Average Price: $35.86 Thumbs up Recommended By
71% of reviewers (of 103 reviews)
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Lexapro®

Generic Name: Escitalopram ess-sit-AL-oh-pram

Drug Class: Antidepressant, SSRI

 

Contents

 

Description
Lexapro is an antidepressant medication called a selective serotonine reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).



Lexapro is used to treat depression and anxiety. It is also approved for the treatment of depression in teenagers and children.


Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for other conditions as well.
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General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your healthcare provider. 

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Proper use of this medicine
This medicine should be taken about the same time every day, morning or evening and can be taken with or without food. This medicine may take up to 4 weeks to reach full effect, but you may see symptoms of depression improving in as little as 1-2 weeks.
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Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.
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Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
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Possible Side Effects
    • dry mouth
    • tremor or muscle spasms
    • nervousness
    • trouble sleeping
    • headache, drowsiness
    • nausea
    • drowsiness
    • insomnia
    • headache
    • increased sweating
    • dizziness, lightheadedness
    • changes in sexual function
    • Unreported side effects are possible, talk to your healthcare provider if any other symptoms occur.
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Warnings/Precautions
    • This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
    • Alcoholic beverages can increase the effects of this medicine and should be avoided.
    • Smoking cigarettes can decrease the effectiveness of this medicine.
    • If you are planning to have surgery, let your doctor know.
    • Do NOT take this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)] in the last two weeks.
    • This medicine can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in some children and teens. Parents of children taking antidepressants should watch for signs of worsening depression or unusual changes in behavior.
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Overdose
Seek medical attention immediately. U.S. residents can call the national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
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Drug Interactions
    • If you are taking a tricyclic antidepressant, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
    • St. John’s Wort should be avoided while taking this medicine due to the additive effects of serotonin.
    • Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
      • blood thinners (Coumadin)
      • other antidepressants
      • metoprolol
      • antihistamines
      • carbamazepine (Tegretol)
      • cimetidine (Tagamet)
      • estrogens
      • fluoxetine (Prozac)
      • intraconazole (Sporanox)
      • ketoconazole (Nizoral)
      • levodopa
      • lithium
      • muscle relaxants
      • birth control pills
      • sleeping pills
      • thyroid medications
    • Do not take this medicine with thioridizine, or within 5 weeks of taking this medicine.
    • Caution should be exercised when taking this medicine certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin.
    • If you are taking medications for migraines such as Imitrex, talk to your doctor before starting this medicine.
    • This medicine should not be taken with MAO inhibitors. If you think you are taking an MAO inhibitor talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

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Pregnancy/Nursing
If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss the benefits versus the risks of using this medicine while pregnant. Because this medicine is excreted in the breast milk, nursing mothers should not breastfeed while taking this medicine.
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More Information

Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially children/teenages) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with a doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication, even if the treatment is not for a mental condition. Tell your doctor immediatley if you notice worsening depression, unusual behavior changes, (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes. Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.
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Tags: depression antidepressant pcdep pcantidep pcanx




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Reviews
 
tita
Member

Registered: May 2006
Location: New York new york city
Posts: 193
Tue June 27, 2006 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8 

 
PROS: It helps me
CONS: no side effects

I been on Lexepro for about 2 months,I like that I don't get any drug reactions (Take alot of meds for Psyical reasons)also It took less time then other SSRIs to work.) I only had to wait for about a week for the med to work.
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LMo
Elder

Registered: January 2003
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 6224
Fri June 23, 2006 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $1.00| Rating: 9 

 
PROS: Was terrific for reducing anxiety and nervous energy
CONS: Intense drowsiness; incompatible with pregnancy

I love Lexapro! Made me feel more like the "real me" than I've ever felt. I took it for anxiety, not depression, and it was wonderful. I'm normally very high-energy - speak quickly, think quickly, do things quickly -- and Lexapro really mellowed me out without making me stupid. My husband, who is very mellow to begin with, takes it for depression and it worked in the complete opposite way for him -- he is more alert and sharp than when he was not on meds. Made me sleeeeeeeppppyy for the first two months I was on it -- almost to the point of interfering with my life. I can't take it now because I'm trying to get pregnant and it's a Class C drug. I'm now on Wellbutrin instead, but it's just not as good as Lexapro.
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Monty_girl
Grand Poohbah

Registered: December 2004
Location: South Central Kentucky
Posts: 1557
Thu June 15, 2006 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8 

 
PROS: Less side effects then other SSRI I've tried
CONS: Increased sweating

This has been a wonder drug for me. It's help my depression and also anxiety. Started working quickly for me. I have been able to stay on this medication longer then any others due to less side effects.
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