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Escitalopram

Brand name: Lexapro


Important Information {short description of image} Description {short description of image} Who should not take it? {short description of image} How should I take it? {short description of image} What happens if I miss a dose? {short description of image} What happens if I overdose? {short description of image} What should I avoid while taking it? {short description of image} What are the side effects? {short description of image} What other drugs will affect it? {short description of image} Where can I get more information? {short description of image} Brand Names


What is the most important information I should know about escitalopram?

While you are taking escitalopram you may need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts especially at the start of therapy or when doses are changed. Your doctor may want you to monitor for the following symptoms: anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, severe restlessness, and mania (mental and/or physical hyperactivity). These symptoms may be associated with development of worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts or actions. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop any new or worsening mental health symptoms during treatment with escitalopram. Do not stop taking escitalopram without first talking to your healthcare provider.

{short description of image} Do not stop taking escitalopram without first talking to your doctor. It may take several weeks for you to start feeling better.
{short description of image} Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Escitalopram may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
{short description of image} Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking escitalopram or affect your condition.

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What is escitalopram?
  Escitalopram is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Escitalopram affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.
  Escitalopram is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
  Escitalopram may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking escitalopram?
{short description of image} Do not take escitalopram 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 escitalopram is combined with any of these medications.
  Before taking escitalopram, 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 escitalopram, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
{short description of image} Escitalopram 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 escitalopram. Do not take escitalopram without first talking to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to either medication in the past.
{short description of image} Escitalopram is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether escitalopram it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take escitalopram without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
{short description of image} Escitalopram passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take escitalopram without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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How should I take escitalopram?
  Take escitalopram exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
{short description of image} Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
  To ensure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of escitalopram 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.
  Escitalopram may be taken with or without food.
  Escitalopram is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. Take the dose at the same time each day.
{short description of image} Do not stop taking escitalopram without first talking to your doctor. It may take several weeks for you to start feeling better.
{short description of image} Store escitalopram at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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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.

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What happens if I overdose?
{short description of image} Seek emergency medical attention.
  Symptoms of a escitalopram overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, drowsiness, dizziness, sweating, and a fast heartbeat.

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What should I avoid while taking escitalopram?
{short description of image} Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Escitalopram may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
{short description of image} Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking escitalopram or affect your condition.

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What are the possible side effects of escitalopram?
{short description of image} If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking escitalopram and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
       · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
       · an irregular heartbeat or pulse;
       · low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness);
       · high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or
       · chills or fever.
  If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking escitalopram and talk to your doctor:
       · headache, tremor, nervousness, or anxiety;
       · nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight;
       · sleepiness or insomnia; or
       · decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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What other drugs will affect escitalopram?
{short description of image} Do not take escitalopram 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 when escitalopram is combined with any of these medications.
  Before taking escitalopram, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
       · another antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), trazodone (Desyrel), or nefazodone (Serzone);
       · a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
       · a seizure medication including carbamazepine (Tegretol) or felbamate (Felbatol);
       · a stomach medicine such as cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac 75), or omeprazole (Prilosec);
       · an antibiotic such as erythromycin (Eryc-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S., Erythrocin, P.C.E., others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin);
       · an antifungal medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
       · a migraine medication such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), or zolmitriptan (Zomig);
       · the asthma medication zafirlukast (Accolate); or
       · lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs).
  You may not be able to take escitalopram, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with escitalopram. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

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Where can I get more information?
  Your pharmacist has additional information about escitalopram written for health professionals that you may read.

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What does my medication look like?

Escitalopram is available with a prescription under the brand name Lexapro. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

  • Lexapro 5 mg--white, round, tablets
  • Lexapro 10 mg-white, round, scored tablets
  • Lexapro 20 mg-white, round, scored tablets
  • Lexapro 5 mg/5 mL-peppermint-flavored oral solution
Brand Names:
  Lexapro

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and / or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2003 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.03. Revision Date: 4/15/04.

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