Escitalopram


DNX1202.HTM

Escitalopram (By mouth)
Escitalopram (es-sye-TAL-oh-pram)

Treats severe depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Brand Name(s):Lexapro
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to escitalopram or citalopram (Celexa®), or if you are using pimozide (Orap®). You should not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®) within the past 14 days. Do not use an MAO inhibitor for at least 14 days after you stop using escitalopram.

How to Use This Medicine:
Liquid, Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • You may take this medicine with or without food.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Do not use citalopram (Celexa®) while you are using escitalopram. These two medicines are closely related and using both could be dangerous.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using linezolid (Zyvox®), lithium, tryptophan, St. John's Wort, pain or migraine medicines (such as aspirin, tramadol, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, rizatriptan, Ultram®, Imitrex®, Zomig®, or Maxalt®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®). Tell your doctor if you are also using cimetidine (Tagamet®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), metoprolol (Lopressor®), or other medicines for depression (such as amitriptyline, imipramine, Norpramin®, or Tofranil®).
  • Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have bleeding problems, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood), or a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.
  • For some children, teenagers, and young adults, this medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor or your child's doctor right away if you or your child start to feel more depressed and have thoughts about hurting yourselves. Report any unusual thoughts or behaviors that trouble you or your child, especially if they are new or are getting worse quickly. Make sure the doctor knows if you or your child have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless. Also tell the doctor if you or your child have sudden or strong feelings, such as feeling nervous, angry, restless, violent, or scared. Let the doctor know if you, your child, or anyone in your family has bipolar disorder (manic-depressive) or has tried to commit suicide.
  • You may need to take this medicine for up to 4 weeks before you feel better. Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time. If you feel that the medicine is not working well, do not take more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, or painful urination.
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath.
  • Confusion, weakness, or muscle twitching.
  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
  • Painful, prolonged erection of the penis.
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
  • Unusual behavior or thoughts of hurting yourself or others.
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Dry mouth.
  • Headache, dizziness, or drowsiness.
  • Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or upset stomach.
  • Problems with sex.
  • Runny or stuffy nose.
  • Sweating.
  • Tiredness.
  • Trouble sleeping.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.