Lexapro: get rid of depression

Lexapro is part of the medications class SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) as are Prozac and Fluoxetine. It is an anti-depressant.

Drug Uses

Lexapro is an anti-depressant used in the treatment of clinical depression and anxiety disorders.

How to Take Drug

Lexapro is available in both liquid and tablet form, both for oral administration. Generally taken once a day, the dose should be strictly observed and the treatment continued even if the patient feels better. It may be a few weeks before the drug takes effect completely.

Drug Precautions

Please check with your physician before taking Lexapro if you have any of the following symptoms or illnesses: seizures, liver disease, suicidal thoughts, mania, kidney disease. Do not take Lexapro if you are using Citalopram (Celexa). Speak to your doctor if you are on any other medication before using Lexapro. Lexapro has not been tested exhaustively concerning its effects on pregnant women and the unborn child. Speak to your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are pregnant before taking this drug. Lexapro appears in the mother`s breast milk so breastfeeding while using this drug should be avoided.

Drug Interactions

An allergic reaction to Citalopram (Cilexa) in a patient`s past may indicate a possible allergic reaction to Lexapro. Do not take these drugs during the same period of treatment.

Side Effects

Speak to your doctor if you experience any of these mild side effects; nervousness, tremors, anxiety, sleepiness or insomnia, headaches, diarrhoea, nausea, dry mouth, changes to your appetite or weight, impotence, decreased sex drive. If any of the following occur then stop taking Lexapro and seek urgent medical treatment: chills or fever, irregular heartbeat or pulse, allergic reactions ( including breathing problems, swelling of the lips, hives, rashes, changes to the appearance of the tongue or face), high blood pressure (indicated by severe headaches or blurred vision), or dizziness / weakness indicating low blood pressure.

Other side effects may occur. If you notice any symptoms or changes that are unusual or worrying then speak to your doctor urgently.

Missed Dose

If the dose has been missed by a few hours then it can be taken and normal routine continued. If however, it is closer to the next time of dose then the one forgotten should be skipped and normal routine resumed. Two doses should never be taken together or at short intervals.

Overdose

An overdose of Lexapro should be considered as very dangerous and medical attention should be sought immediately. Symptoms include the following; sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tremors, fast heartbeat and sweating.