Lexapro (Generic)

Lexapro (Escitalopram) is prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Lexapro (Escitalopram) should be taken according to your doctor's instructions and directions on the prescription label. Do not change the dosage or period of use without prior medical consult.

The medication is administered orally with a glass of water. Taking Lexapro (Escitalopram) with food is optional; however, food may reduce the risk of upset stomach.

Take Lexapro (Escitalopram) at regular intervals.

Common side effects of taking Lexapro (Escitalopram) include: restlessness, agitation, sight problems, sleepiness, insomnia, dry mouth, high temperature, frequent urination, digesting problems, headache, nausea, changes in the appetite, increased perspiration, decreased sexual desire or ability, changes in taste, tremors, changes in weight. Contact your doctor if they persist of become bothersome.

Contact a medical specialist immediately if you experience any of the following: dizziness, felling light-headed, confusion, skin rash, itching, abnormal excitement, fast speech, lack of control over actions, vomiting and suicidal thoughts.

Have your doctor examine the condition of your health on the regular basis while taking the medication. Do not stop taking the medication even if the symptoms have subsided - it might take up to 2 weeks of the medication to deliver its full effect. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly but rather reduce the dosage gradually.

Taking Lexapro (Escitalopram) may lead to sleepiness or dizziness. Avoid taking the medication before activities that require mental alertness.

Patients, especially older patients, should avoid rapid stand-up movements, as it increases the risks of dizziness and fainting.

Do not combine Lexapro (Escitalopram) with alcohol as it may interfere with the effect of the medication. Do not take any medications for cold or allergies without prior medical consult, as their ingredients may increase the probability of side effects.

If you experience mouth dryness while taking the medication, chew a sugarless gum, have a hard candy or drink plenty of water.

Notify your doctor of taking Lexapro (Escitalopram) if you are going to have a surgery.

Do not combine Lexapro (Escitalopram) with any of the following medications: cisapride; citalopram; MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), alosetron; selegiline (Eldepryl), amphetamine; alprazolam; buspirone; carbamazepine; dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, phentermine, sibutramine and other diet drugs; cimetidine; clarithromycin; dexamethasone; cyproheptadine; dextroamphetamine; dextromethorphan; diltiazem; diazepam;; ethosuximide; erythromycin; furazolidone itraconazole; kava kava; linezolid; ketoconazole; lithium; antidepressants; HIV and AIDS meds; almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan and other migraine medicines; drugs for psychotic conditions; methadone; modafinil; nefazodone; phenobarbital; phenytoin; primidone; prescription pain relievers (codeine, hydrocodone, meperidine, morphine, tramadol, oxycodone); procarbazine; rifabutin; quinine; rifampin; troglitazone; valerian; tryptophan; voriconazole, verapamil.

Notify your doctor of all medications you are using, including nutrition supplements and herbal products.

Tell your doctor if you are a heavy alcohol or caffeine user, if you smoke or use any illegal drugs, as they might interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.

If you have missed your dose of Generic Lexapro, make sure to take it as soon as possible. However, two doses should never be taken at the same time, so if the time for the next dose has almost come, DO NOT take the dose you have missed.

Lexapro should be stored at room temperatures between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C). Do not use the medication after the expiration of its term of use.