An antidepressant, Lexapro is prescribed for mood changes like anxiety.

Drug use

Lexapro is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRIs). The drug acts by affecting the chemicals, especially the serotinin levels, in the brain.

How taken

You should have to take Lexapro only as per your doctor's advice. Available in both tablet and liquid form, the drug can be taken in empty stomach and also with food. If you are taking Lexapro tablet, take it with a full glass of water.

It is better not to take the drug in large amounts and also for longer periods without your doctor asking for it. Well, the drug should also be not stopped in the middle of a medication as you may come across unpleasant side effects. Normally I may take about four weeks for seeing the drug's effects.

Missed dose

You can take the missed Lexapro dosage once you remember it. However, do not take the medicine if your next regular dosage time is near. It is better to skip the missed one.

Overdose

Nausea, tremor, vomiting, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, coma and seizures are some of the common symptoms that one can experience if an overdose of Lexapro is taken. If you suspect to have taken an overdose, contact your physician at once.

More information

It is always good to consult about all the risks and complication of using Lexapro with your doctor. While discussing with your doctor, you should also tell him about all your medical history, which will help him to make a proper decision on the medications.

Just inform your doctor if you have any allergies to any medicine, substance or food. Tell him if you are having seizures, liver/kidney problems, bipolar disorder and other health issues.

As Lexapro is FDA pregnancy category C, the drug can cause harm to the unborn and the newborn babes. It is better not to get pregnant while taking Lexapro. If you become pregnant, you should no stop the drug all of a sudden as depression may relapse. The drug is also known to pass into breast milk. So better avoid feeding while you are on Lexapro medication.

The drug is also not prescribed for children below 12 years of age.

Warnings/precautions

While taking Lexapro medicine, there is a possibility that you may have thoughts of suicide. So when you are on Lexapro medication, you should never miss your appointments.

It is better to avoid alcohols as mixing it with the drug can also complicate things. You should also inform the doctor about all the medicines that you are using as some of them are known to interact with Lexapro. If you are using a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) like isocarboxazid, phenelzine and rasagiline, it is better not to take Lexapro. You can take MAOIs only after 14 days of stopping Lexapro.

Side effects

Some of the allergic reactions that come with Lexapro include rashes, difficulty breathing and swelling.

Lexapro also comes with many serious side effects like high fever, rigid muscles, sweating, fast heartbeats, overactive reflexes, tremors, vomiting, appetite loss, diarrhoea, memory problems, confusion, weakness and seizure.

Less serious side effects include drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, heartburn, gas, stomach upset and weight changes.