Lexapro

The antidepressant Lexapro is a member of the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor family, which increases serotonin levels in the synapse by blocking serotonin reuptake into brain cells. Lexapro offer advantages in the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

This drug has been tested and certified by government recognized laboratories to be an effective prescription medication for depression. Lexapro enables adults suffering from depression to once again live a happy and enjoyable life. According to three studies presented at the annual meeting of Anxiety Disorder Association of America in 2002, Lexapro is a very effective anxiety disorder medication, providing convincing results to people suffering from anxiety disorders. These studies illustrate that Lexapro is not only capable of reducing symptoms but also improves your condition from various kinds of anxiety disorders.

Lexapro Dosage Information
Lexapro comes as a tablet and a liquid taken by mouth. It is usually taken once daily and may be taken with or without food. Take Lexapro exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take Lexapro even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Lexapro without talking to your doctor.

Lexapro comes in the following doses:

• 5mg
• 10mg
• 20mg

Consult with your physician for the proper dosage.

Keep in mind -- this drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Lexapro and Pregnancy
Lexapro is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Lexapro it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Lexapro without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Lexapro passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take Lexapro without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Generic Alternatives
In the U.S., there is no generic equivalent of Lexapro. However, there are similar drugs on the market that may be considered by you and your physician.

If you can not afford Lexapro, ask your doctor to switch you to generic Celexa, known as Citalopram.  Citalopram is similar but it is less expensive. Another inexpensive alternative to Lexapro is generic Prozac or generic Paxil.  These two products have very similar actions but they are much cheaper because they are generics.

Overdose Information
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Lexapro overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, drowsiness, dizziness, sweating, and a fast heartbeat.

Possible Side-Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Lexapro and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment: -an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); -an irregular heartbeat or pulse; -low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness); -high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or -chills or fever.

Other side effects may include: headache, tremor, nervousness, or anxiety; -nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight; -sleepiness or insomnia; or -decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Do Not Take Lexapro If You:

• Take any form of medication known as "nitrates" (type of medicine used to relieve chest pain that can occur as a result of heart disease).
• Take medicines called "alpha-blockers"(sometimes prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure). Taking Lexapro with alpha-blockers may drop your blood pressure to an unsafe level.
• Your doctor determines that sexual activity poses a health risk for you. You have a known sensitivity or allergy to any component of Lexapro. The use of Lexapro offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Counseling of patients about protective measures necessary to guard against sexually transmitted diseases, including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), should be considered.

Other Notes

• Alcohol Usage: Studies show that Lexapro does not increase the cognitive and motor effects brought on by alcohol. However, alcohol may deepen depression. Therefore, the use of alcohol with patients taking LEXAPRO is not recommended.

Disclaimer This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.