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Generic Name: escitalopram (EEE sih TAL oh pram)
Brand Names:
Lexapro |
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What is the most important information I should know about
escitalopram? |
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Do not stop taking escitalopram without first talking to your doctor. It may
take several weeks for you to start feeling better. |
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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Escitalopram may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid
these activities. |
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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while
taking escitalopram or affect your condition. |
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Escitalopram is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors. Escitalopram affects chemicals in the brain that may become
unbalanced and cause depression. |
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Escitalopram is used in the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD). |
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Escitalopram may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
escitalopram? |
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Do not take escitalopram if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine
(Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. A dangerous drug interaction can occur if
escitalopram is combined with any of these
medications. |
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Before taking escitalopram, tell your doctor if
you |
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suffer from seizures, or |
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suffer from mania or have suicidal thoughts. |
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You may not be able to take escitalopram, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the
conditions listed above. |
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Escitalopram should not be taken during treatment with citalopram (Celexa).
Also, if you have had an allergic reaction to citalopram (Celexa), you may also
have an allergic reaction to escitalopram. Do not take escitalopram without
first talking to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to either
medication in the past. |
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Escitalopram is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not
known whether escitalopram it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take
escitalopram without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could
become pregnant during treatment. |
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Escitalopram passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not
take escitalopram without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby. |
How should I take escitalopram? |
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Take escitalopram exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain
them to you. |
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Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of
water. |
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To ensure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of escitalopram
with a dose-measuring spoon, cup, or dropper, not with a regular table spoon. If
you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get
one. |
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Escitalopram may be taken with or without food. |
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Escitalopram is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Take the dose at the same time each day. |
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Do not stop taking escitalopram without first talking to your doctor. It may
take several weeks for you to start feeling better. |
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Store escitalopram at room temperature away from moisture and
heat. |
What happens if I miss a dose? |
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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. |
What happens if I overdose? |
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Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is
suspected. |
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Symptoms of a escitalopram overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor,
drowsiness, dizziness, sweating, and a fast heartbeat. |
What should I avoid while taking
escitalopram? |
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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Escitalopram may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid
these activities. |
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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while
taking escitalopram or affect your condition. |
What are the possible side effects of
escitalopram? |
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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
escitalopram and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical
treatment: |
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); |
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an irregular heartbeat or pulse; |
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low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness); |
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high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision);
or |
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If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue
taking escitalopram and talk to your doctor: |
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headache, tremor, nervousness, or anxiety; |
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nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or
weight; |
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sleepiness or insomnia; or |
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decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an
orgasm. |
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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. |
What other drugs will affect escitalopram? |
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Do not take escitalopram if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine
(Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. A dangerous drug interaction can occur when
escitalopram is combined with any of these
medications. |
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Before taking escitalopram, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the
following medicines: |
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another antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac),
fluvoxamine (Luvox), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), trazodone
(Desyrel), or nefazodone (Serzone); |
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a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine
(Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and
others; |
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a seizure medication including carbamazepine (Tegretol) or felbamate
(Felbatol); |
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a stomach medicine such as cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), ranitidine
(Zantac, Zantac 75), or omeprazole (Prilosec); |
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an antibiotic such as erythromycin (Eryc-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S., Erythrocin,
P.C.E., others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin); |
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an antifungal medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole
(Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or |
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a migraine medication such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax),
frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan
(Imitrex), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); |
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the asthma medication zafirlukast (Accolate); or |
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lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate,
Lithotabs). |
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You may not be able to take escitalopram, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the
medicines listed above. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with escitalopram. Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal
products. |
Where can I get more information? |
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Your pharmacist has additional information about escitalopram written for
health professionals that you may
read. | |
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