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Lexapro Usage
Lexapro is an anti-depressant from the family of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Lexapro helps to restore the brain's chemical balance by increasing the supply of a substance in the brain called serotonin. Lexapro appears to relieve depression by increasing serotonin without affecting many of the other chemicals in the brain that influence mood.
How To Take Lexapro
Take Lexapro once every day. Most patients start with 10 mg/day. It may be taken with or without food, in the morning or evening. Also remember to fill prescriptions ahead of time to avoid missing a dose. To get the best results, it is important to follow all of your healthcare provider's instructions about how and when you should take Lexapro.
Lexapro Side Effects
Lexapro is well tolerated by most people. The most commonly reported side effects are nausea, insomnia, problems with ejaculation, drowsiness, increased sweating, and fatigue. Most of the side effects experienced by patients taking Lexapro are mild, go away with continued treatment, and usually do not cause patients to stop taking Lexapro.
Precautions for Lexapro
Lexapro can be taken with most other medications except another family of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Lexapro and MAO Is should not be taken together or within 14 days of each other. Before you begin taking Lexapro, make sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, diet supplements, etc.
Lexapro Interactions
Do not take Lexapro if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after treatment with Lexapro. Do not take Lexapro if you are taking citalopram, or weight loss drugs (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine). Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking another SSRI antidepressant (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), nefazodone, trazodone, tramadol, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, z olmitriptan), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline), carbamazepine, cimetidine, lithium, metoprolol, any herbal/natural products (e.g., melatonin, St. John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines that cause drowsiness such as medicines for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), anti-seizure medicines (e.g., phenytoin), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine).
Notes
The information contained on this website is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of Lexapro is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using Lexapro.
Lexapro Missed Dosage
If you miss a dose, use Lexapro as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Lexapro Storage
Store Lexapro at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
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