Lexapro

Lexapro is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant medication. Patients with major depressive disorder or other anxiety disorders are commonly prescribed Lexapro. Generic Lexapro is available under the name Escitalopram.

Minor Lexapro side effects include headache, decrease in libido (sex drive), and headache. Some patients also report they have gained weight while on Lexapro. These are generally not bad enough to cause the patient to have to stop taking Lexapro, but should be reported to your doctor. Major side effects of Lexapro include, but are not limited to, tremors, agitation, or even seizure. Allergic reactions and major side effects require immediate medical care. Alcohol and Lexapro should not be combined. Lexapro is a class "C" drug, so women who are nursing or pregnant should not take it. Notify your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Lexapro, as birth defects of the lung may result. Your doctor should be told about all medical conditions you have, especially kidney or liver disease, manic depression, or seizure causing disorders like epilepsy. Some medications, such as blood thinners, other antidepressants, or drugs that cause drowsiness, should not be taken with Lexapro. You should talk to your doctor about all other medications you are currently taking, before he or she prescribes Lexapro for you.

Lexapro should be taken exactly as prescribed, to avoid possible overdose. Overdose symptoms include rapid heartbeat, seizures, or even coma, and should not be ignored. Overdose must be treated right away, as it can be fatal. Do not decrease your Lexapro dosage, or suddenly stop taking it altogether, without consulting your doctor. He or she will gradually remove you from the drug, in order to avoid Lexapro withdrawal symptoms. Another reason that you should not stop taking Lexapro without your doctor's approval is that you may need to take it for weeks in order to get the full benefits of the medication. You must give Lexapro ample time to control your symptoms before giving up.

Patients who have just begun taking Lexapro may be more prone to suicidal thoughts or behavior. This is especially true of patients under the age of 18. You should talk to your doctor as soon as possible, if you have having an increase in such thoughts or feel you might act upon them. Make your family aware of this potential danger, too, as they may notice signs that your depression is worsening, even if you do not feel more depressed yourself.