Escitalopram (By Mouth)

Escitalopram (es-sye-TAL-oh-pram)

Treats severe depression. This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Brand Name(s):

Lexapro
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to escitalopram or citalopram (Celexa®), or if you have used an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®) within the past 14 days. Do not use an MAO inhibitor for at least 14 days after you stop using escitalopram.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use citalopram (Celexa®) while you are using escitalopram. These two medicines are closely related and using both could be dangerous.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using lithium, sumatriptan (Imitrex®), medicine for seizures (such as carbamazepine, Tegretol®), any other medicine for depression, or any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, or sedatives).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, a seizure disorder such as epilepsy, or a history of mania or bipolar disorder.
• You may need to take this medicine for up to 4 weeks before you feel better. Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time. If you feel that the medicine is not working well, do not take more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Tell your doctor if you have had any thoughts about hurting yourself.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Confusion, weakness, muscle twitching
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Painful, prolonged erection of the penis

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea, diarrhea
• Problems with sex
• Sweating
• Tiredness
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.