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medication information
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 this medication
Simple 10 mg/day starting dose for all patients. LEXAPRO should be taken once every 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.
side effects
LEXAPRO is well tolerated by most people. The most commonly reported side effects of LEXAPRO are nausea, insomnia, problems with ejaculation, drowsiness, increased sweating, and fatigue. Most of the side effects experienced by patients taking LEXAPRO are mild and go away with continued treatment, and usually do not cause patients to stop taking LEXAPRO.
precautions
LEXAPRO can be taken with most other medications except another family of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). LEXAPRO and MAOIs 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.
overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
missed dosage
If you do miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
storage
Keep out of the reach of children. Store away from heat and direct light. Do not store the capsule or tablet form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
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