Lexapro
Key points
- Lexapro is in a class of antidepressants (mood elevators) called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
- It is usually taken once a day with or without food.
- Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
- However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
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Other Names:Escitalopram
Why is this medication prescribed?
Lexapro is used to treat depression. Lexapro is in a class of antidepressants (mood elevators) called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
How should this medicine be used?
Lexapro comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take Lexapro, take it around the same time every day, in the morning or in the evening. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Lexapro exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of Lexapro and increase your dose after 1 week.
It may take 1-4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of Lexapro. Continue to take Lexapro even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Lexapro without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Lexapro,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to Lexapro, citalopram (Celexa), or any other medications.
- do not take Lexapro if you are taking an MAO inhibitor such as phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate) or have stopped taking them in the last 2 weeks.
- you should know that Lexapro is very similar to another SSRI, citalopram (Celexa). You should not take these two medications together.
- tell your doctor or pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antihistamines; carbamazepine (Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet); ketoconazole (Sporanox); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithotabs); medications for anxiety, mental illness, or seizures; metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL); other antidepressants such as desipramine (Norpramin); sedatives; sleeping pills; sumatriptan (Imitrex); and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack and if you have or have ever had bipolar disorder; seizures; or liver, kidney, thyroid, or heart disease.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
