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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.
Although the brain chemistry of
depression is not fully understood, there does exist a growing body of evidence to support
the view that people with depression have an imbalance of the brain’s
neurotransmitters. These are chemicals in the brain that allow nerve cells to communicate.
One of these neurotransmitters is serotonin. An imbalance in serotonin may be an important
factor in the development and severity of depression. As a result, LEXAPRO is able to provide
effective and well-tolerated therapy for depressed patients.
How To Take This Medication:
Simple 10 mg/day starting dose for all patients. LEXAPRO
should be taken once every day. It may be taken with or without food, in the morning or
evening. Also remember to fill prescriptions ahead of time to avoid missing a dose. To get
the best results, it is important to follow all of your healthcare provider's instructions
about how and when you should take LEXAPRO.
Side Effects:
LEXAPRO is well tolerated by most people. The most commonly
reported side effects of LEXAPRO are nausea, insomnia, problems
with ejaculation, drowsiness, increased sweating, and fatigue. Most of the side effects
experienced by patients taking LEXAPRO are mild and go away with
continued treatment, and usually do not cause patients to stop taking LEXAPRO.
Drug Interactions:
LEXAPRO can be taken with most other medications except
another family of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). LEXAPRO and MAOIs should not be taken together or within 14 days of each
other. Before you begin taking LEXAPRO, make sure to tell your
healthcare provider if you are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter
medications, herbal remedies, diet supplements, etc.
Notes:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room
immediately.
Missed Dosage:
If you do miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store the capsule or tablet form of this
medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture
may cause the medicine to break down.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer
needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
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