What is Lexapro?

Lexapro is a drug which comes under the class of anti depressants called serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Uses

Lexapro is used to treat anxiety in adults. It is also used to treat depressive disorder in adults as well as kids above the age of 12 years.
You might be prescribed Lexapro for uses other than those listed above. It may also be given along with other medicines for some other disease too. Contact your doctor or pharmacist about the uses of Lexapro.

How should I take Lexapro?

Lexapro should only be used according to the prescribed way. Do not take Lexapro for a longer time than the given course. Lexapro is not to be used in bigger amounts than the prescribed amount.
Lexapro is to be taken along with a glass full of water.
Try to use Lexapro the same time each day. You can ask your doctor about eh timings of the dose.
If you are using Lexapro liquid then make sure that you get the exact prescribed amount in your dose. To ensure this use a measuring spoon or a marked cup. Do not use a regular spoon for measuring the dose.
It may take up to a month to improve your symptoms. Do not stop the use of Lexapro without prior permission from your doctor. You might face unpleasant side effects if you immediately stop the use of Lexapro.

What happens if I overdose?

Immediate medial help should be provided if the patient takes too much of this medicine.
An overdose may be reflected by nausea, vomiting, tremors, rapid heartbeat, seizures and coma.

Lexapro side effects

Call your doctor immediately if you have any new or worsening symptoms of:

• Mood swings;
• Panic attacks;
• Insomnia;
• Agitated mood;
• Hyperactive or;
• Suicidal thoughts.

Serious side effects of Lexapro include:

• Stiff muscles;
• Uneven heartbeat;
• Tremors;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Hallucinations;
• Seizures;
• Confusion or
• Memory problems.

The patient might face side effects other than those listed here. If any unusual symptom is caused by the use of Lexapro then contact your doctor immediately.

Proper storage of Lexapro

Lexapro is to be stored at room temperature. Room temperature: 68 to 77 Degrees F or 20 to 25o C. It is to be kept in a tightly closed container. Keep Lexapro away from sunlight, heat and moisture. Do not place it in bathrooms. Keep Lexapro out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information

For more information about Lexapro consult your doctor or pharmacist. If your symptoms get worse after using this drug then inform this to your doctor.
Lexapro is to be used only for the person it is prescribed for. Do not share your medication.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If the patient misses a dose then take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the scheduled next dose is near then skip the missed dose. Continue the rest of the course as usual. Do not take any other medicine to cover up the missed dose.

Warnings

Lexapro should not be taken with a monoamine oxidize inhibitor. Before taking Lexapro you should wait for 14 days if you have taken an MAIO. If you have taken Lexapro you should wait for 14 days before taking an MAIO. After taking an antidepressant one may have thoughts of having suicide, your doctor will have to keep visiting for around 12 weeks after taking Lexapro. You should consult your doctor if you start having random thoughts or mood swings such as anxiety, panic attacks, and trouble sleeping .For mothers taking this medicine during pregnancy it can have life threatening effects. You may have a decline in depression if you stop taking SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy. Purchase from internet might be dangerous as distributors of Lexapro outside United States may include dangerous ingredients. Before taking Lexapro you should inform your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or you have kidney or liver disease, epilepsy, history of suicidal thoughts. If these symptoms show up you may be in need of dose adjustment or special tests for safely using Lexapro. Feeding mothers should not take this medicine as Escitalopram can pass on to babies and may harm them. Lexapro should not be given to kids under 12 years.