Lexapro (Escitalopram)

It helps to cure such things as depression and feeling of anxiety. It is sometimes can be prescribed for other purposes, but they must be determined by the doctor only.

You should take the drug as prescribed by the doctor.

• Lexapro is followed with a special brochure for patients. You are recommended to read it very attentively and find out about the most suitable dosage and other useful information.
• You are allowed to consume the drug while eating or before or after the meal, it has no difference. In case you begin to suffer from stomachache it is better to take the drug while eating. It will reduce the irritation of the stomach.
• It can take even a moth in order to get positive effect from taking Lexapro.
• But do not give up consuming the drug even in case you start to feel yourself very well.

You are recommended to take the dose as soon as you remember about it. But you are recommended to follow the schedule and try not to forget to consume the drug. If it is high time for the next dosage, just skip the forgotten one.

The best conditions to keep Lexapro are a room where the average temperature is from 15 to 30 degrees C. Keep it away from direct light and especially moist places. You are also recommended to hide it away from children and pets.

Never take the drug in case of the following:

• an allergy to Lexapro and its components can take place
• you also consume citalopram at the same time
• during last two weeks you have consumed a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
• you are prescribed to use a fenfluramine derivative (eg, dexfenfluramine), an H1 antagonist (eg, astemizole, terfenadine), nefazodone, pimozide, or sibutramine

• you are breast-feeding, going to have a baby or planning to become pregnant
• you at the same time consume any kind of medicine, no matter if it is prescribed by the doctor or not
• any of your relatives or family members have ever suffered from bipolar disorder (manic-depression), any mental problems, have tried to commit a suicide, have been addicted to alcohol or any other substances
• if you have ever suffered from such diseases as stomach or bowel bleeding, there were problems with kidney or liver

There is no such treatment which does not cause different side effects. Lexapro is not an exception unfortunately. But always keep in mind that only a small number of people is likely to suffer from them. Here is the list of side effects, caused by Lexapro:

• Constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; increased sweating; lightheadedness when you stand or sit up; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach upset; tiredness; trouble sleeping.
In case you feel as you start to suffer from the following severe side effects you are considered to ask for the urgent medical help immediately:
• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; decreased concentration; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; memory loss; menstrual period changes; new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still; persistent or severe ringing in the ears;persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; vision changes; worsening of depression.

Lexapro is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.