Lexapro
Lexapro is in a class of drugs
called selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors. Lexapro
affects chemicals in the brain
that may become unbalanced and
cause depression.
• Lexapro is used to treat
depression.
• Lexapro may also be used
for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my
healthcare provider before
taking Lexapro?
• Do not take Lexapro if
you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such
as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate)
during the last 2 weeks. A
dangerous drug interaction can
occur if Lexapro is combined
with any of these medications.
• Before taking Lexapro,
tell your doctor if you
· have liver disease,
· have kidney disease,
· suffer from seizures, or
· suffer from mania or have
suicidal thoughts.
• You may not be able to
take Lexapro, or you may
require a dosage adjustment or
special monitoring during
treatment if you have any of
the conditions listed above.
• Lexapro should not be
taken during treatment with
citalopram (Celexa). Also, if
you have had an allergic
reaction to citalopram (Celexa),
you may also have an allergic
reaction to Lexapro. Do not
take Lexapro without first
talking to your doctor if you
have had an allergic reaction
to either medication in the
past.
• Lexapro is in the FDA
pregnancy category C. This
means that it is not known
whether Lexapro it will be
harmful to an unborn baby. Do
not take Lexapro without first
talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant or could become
pregnant during treatment.
• Lexapro passes into breast
milk and may affect a nursing
infant. Do not take Lexapro
without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby.
How should I take Lexapro?
• Take Lexapro exactly as
directed by your doctor. If you
do not understand these
instructions, ask your
pharmacist, nurse, or doctor
to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a
full glass (8 ounces) of water.
• To ensure you get the
correct dose, measure the
liquid form of Lexapro with a
dose-measuring spoon, cup, or
dropper, not with a regular
table spoon. If you do not
have a dose-measuring device,
ask your pharmacist where you
can get one.
• Lexapro may be taken with
or without food.
• Lexapro is usually taken
once a day. Follow your
doctor's instructions. Take the
dose at the same time each day.
• Do not stop taking
Lexapro without first talking
to your doctor. It may take
several weeks for you to start
feeling better.
• Store Lexapro at room
temperature away from moisture
and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as
soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the
next regularly scheduled dose,
skip the missed dose and take
the next one as directed. Do
not take a double dose of this
medication unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical
attention.
• Symptoms of a Lexapro
overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, drowsiness, dizziness, sweating, and a fast heartbeat.
Lexapro
LEXAPRO