Category: Anti-Depressant/Anti-Anxiety

Drug Uses
Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro treats depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

How Taken
Lexapro comes as a tablet and a liquid taken orally. The general dosage is a tablet per day. It may be taken with or without a meal. For best effect Lexapro should be taken regularly for a couple of weeks.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Storage
Store this medication at room temperature 20–25°C (68–77°F). Keep away from children and excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

More Information
You should not take Lexapro if you are taking any form of medication known as "nitrates" or drugs called "alpha–blockers", which are sometimes prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure. Combining Lexapro with alpha–blockers can drop your blood pressure to an unsafe level. If your doctor determines that sexual activity poses a health risk for you, you should not take Lexapro. Do not take Lexapro if you are allergic to it. This medication does not protect you from HIV (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases.

Warnings/Precautions
You may not be able to take Lexapro or you may need dosage adjustment or monitoring while you are taking Lexapro if you have liver or kidney disease, suffer form seizures, or from mania or have suicidal thoughts. Before taking Lexapro tell your doctor if you have any of the above. Consult you doctor if you have any allergies, especially if you have had allergic reaction to Lexapro or Celexa in the past. Do not take this drug together with citalopram (Celexa). This drug is in the FDA pregnancy category C, which means that studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the fetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women, or studies in women and animals are not available. Also it is not known whether Lexapro passes into breast milk. Therefore, do not take Lexapro without your doctor`s approval if you are pregnant, likely to become pregnant or breast feeding.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- dry mouth, headache, increased sweating, nausea/vomiting, constipation, anxiety, an irregular heartbeat or pulse, low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness), high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision), or chills or fever. Notify your doctor if you experience any of these or other conditions. You should let your doctor know immediately if you experience unusual weight loss or gain, palpitations, agitation, trouble sleeping, tremor, dizziness, fainting, mood changes, slowed movements, difficulty urinating, decreased sex drive, and drowsiness, seizures, mental problems, fever, muscle aches, yellowing of the eyes or skin. It is unlikely for allergic reaction (trouble breathing, rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness) to occur, however if you experience any of these conditions you should let your doctor know immediately.