What is Lexapro (escitalopram)?
escitalopram (Lexapro) is an antidepressant from the group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and is used to treat certain types of depression and anxiety. It is not known how Lexapro works, but it is thought to block the reuptake of serotonin by nerves. This results in an increase in serotonin concentrations in the nerve synapse (the space between two nerves).
Lexapro was FDA-approved on August 14, 2002.
How should I take escitalopram(Lexapro)?
Take Lexapro exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. A child taking Lexapro should be checked for height and weight gain.
Tell your doctor if you have any changes in sexual function, such as loss of interest in sex, trouble having an orgasm, or (in men) problems with erections or ejaculation. Some sexual problems can be treated.
Do not stop using Lexapro suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor’s instructions about tapering your dose.
Store Lexapro at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Pregnancy
Ask your doctor about taking this medicine if you are pregnant. Taking an SSRI antidepressant during late pregnancy may cause serious medical complications in the baby. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Do not start or stop taking Lexapro without your doctor’s advice.
If you are pregnant, there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. You can register by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visiting online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants.
There is a less than 2-fold increased risk for severe bleeding after delivery (postpartum hemorrhage) in mothers exposed to SSRIs, particularly in the month before delivery.
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