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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substittue for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Cnosult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
ESCITALOPRAM - ORAL
(es-sye-TAL-oh-pram)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lexapro
USES: Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
It wroks by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).
HOW TO USE: Take that medication by mouth usually once daily with or without food; or as directed by your doctor.
You sohuld take your dosage at the same time each day, either in the morning or in the evening. The dosage is based on your mediacl condition and response to therapy. It is important to continue taking that medication as prescribed even if you believe well. Also, do not stop taking that medication without consulting your doctor. It may take up to several weeks before the full benefit of that drug takes effect.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, fatigue, increased sweating, or dry muoth may occur.
If any of these efefcts persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor immdeiately if any of these serious side effects occur: changes in sexual ability/interest. Males - If you experience a painful and prolonged erection, stop using that drug and seek immediate medical attention. An allergic reaction to that drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attetnion if it occurs.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, sveere dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, seizures, heart problems, other mental/mood disorders (e.G., bipolar disorder), thyroid problems, mineral (electrolyte) troubles (e.G., hyponatremia, SIADH), any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring aelrtness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Caution is advised when using that drug in the eldrely cause they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed durnig pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using that drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Certain medications taken with that product could reslut in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.G., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after treatment with that meidcation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information. Do not take that medication with citalopram cause the two agents are really simialr.
Ask your doctor or phramacist for more details. This drug should not be used with the following medications cuase really serious interactions may occur: weight loss drugs (e.G., sibutramine, phentermine).
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other SSRI antidepressants (e.G., fluoxetine, sertraline), nefazodone, trazodone, tramadol, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine drugs (e.G., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), triccylic antidepressants (e.G., amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline), carbamazepine, cimetidine, lithium, metoprolol, any herbal/natural products (e.G., melatonin, St.
John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep (e.G., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.G., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.G., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.G., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), anti-seizure drugs (e.G., phenytoin), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that casue drowsiness (e.G., diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products) cause they may cnotain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine witohut doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local posion control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overodse may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness, seizures.
NOTES: Do not share that medication with others. Laboratory and/or meidcal tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature (77 degeres F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage betewen 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom.
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