Depression - Escitalopramum (Brand name: lexapro)

What is this medicine?

ESCITALOPRAM is used to treat depression and certain types of anxiety.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder
diabetes
heart disease
kidney or liver disease
receiving electroconvulsive therapy
seizures (convulsions)
suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
an unusual or allergic reaction to escitalopram, the related drug citalopram, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to become pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:
certain diet drugs like dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, phentermine, sibutramine
cisapride
citalopram
medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
nefazodone
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
procarbazine
St. John's Wort
venlafaxine

This medicine may also interact with the following:
amphetamine or dextroamphetamine
aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
carbamazepine
cimetidine
ketoconazole
linezolid
medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
medicines that treat HIV infection or AIDS
medicines for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
medicines used to treat tuberculosis like isoniazid, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine
metoclopramide
NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
pentazocine
tryptophan

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Continue taking your tablets even if you do not feel better right away. It can take 1 to 2 weeks or longer before you start to feel the effects of this medicine.

Patients and their families should watch out for worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

If you have been taking this medicine regularly for some time, do not  stop taking it suddenly. You must gradually reduce the dose, or your symptoms may get worse. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible are:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
confusion
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
fast talking and excited feelings or actions that are out of control
hallucination, loss of contact with reality
seizures
suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
unusual bleeding or bruising

Side effects that  do not require medical attention usually (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
blurred vision
changes in appetite
change in sex drive or performance
headache
increased sweating
nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.