Common use

Lexapro is the brand name for escitalopram, a widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant used to treat a range of mood and anxiety disorders. As an SSRI, escitalopram works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood, emotional balance, and overall mental well-being. This mental health medication is primarily indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Many patients buy Lexapro online as a trusted and effective depression treatment that has been clinically proven in numerous studies. Escitalopram is also applied in the management of body dysmorphic disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Lexapro generic versions containing the same active ingredient are equally effective, making it possible to buy escitalopram at a more affordable price without compromising therapeutic quality.



Dosage and direction

Take Lexapro by mouth with a full glass of water, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole — avoid cutting, crushing, or chewing this medicine, as doing so may alter the way the active ingredient is released and absorbed by your body.

Do not take this antidepressant more often than prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not discontinue taking escitalopram except on the advice of your doctor, as abruptly stopping an SSRI can cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, irritability, and flu-like sensations.

It may take several weeks for this anxiety medication to reach its full therapeutic effect. During the initial period of treatment, continue taking your doses consistently even if you do not feel immediate improvement. Many patients notice gradual benefits in mood and anxiety levels within two to four weeks.

Consult your doctor concerning the proper dose for your individual condition. The typical starting dose for adults is 10 mg once daily, which may be increased to a maximum of 20 mg per day depending on clinical response and tolerability. Elderly patients and those with liver impairment may require lower doses.



Precautions

Before taking escitalopram, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to citalopram, or if you have any other allergies. Provide a complete list of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you currently use to avoid potential interactions.

Inform your doctor if you have a history of bipolar disorder, seizures, bleeding disorders, low sodium levels, glaucoma or other eye conditions, or liver or kidney problems, as these conditions may require dose adjustments or additional monitoring while using this SSRI antidepressant.

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to side effects of this depression treatment, particularly the risk of falls due to dizziness and the possibility of developing low sodium levels (hyponatremia). Close monitoring is recommended for older adults starting this mental health medication.

During pregnancy, this anxiety medication should be used only when clearly necessary and when the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus. Babies born to mothers who used escitalopram during the last trimester may experience withdrawal symptoms or breathing difficulties.

As this medicament can be absorbed through the skin, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling crushed or broken tablets. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Lexapro, as escitalopram passes into breast milk.

Alcohol consumption should be avoided or minimized while taking this SSRI, as it may increase drowsiness and impair judgment. Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you.



Contraindications

Lexapro should not be used by pregnant or nursing women unless specifically directed by a physician. This antidepressant is not approved for use in children under 12 years of age for depression treatment. Patients who have demonstrated a reaction of hypersensitivity to escitalopram or any of its inactive ingredients must not take this medication.

Do not use Lexapro if you are currently taking or have recently taken (within the past 14 days) a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), as the combination can lead to a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome. Similarly, do not start an MAOI within 14 days of stopping escitalopram.

This SSRI antidepressant is contraindicated in patients taking pimozide or those with known QT prolongation, as escitalopram may affect heart rhythm. Patients with a personal or family history of long QT syndrome should inform their doctor before considering this generalized anxiety disorder treatment.



Possible side effect

The most common side effects of this SSRI include nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, insomnia, increased sweating, tremor, diarrhea, and sexual dysfunction. These effects are typically mild and tend to diminish as your body adjusts to escitalopram over the first few weeks of treatment.

Less common but more notable side effects may include rapid or irregular heartbeat, unusual anxiety or agitation, blurred vision, vomiting, fever, unexplained bruising or bleeding, and significant changes in weight or appetite.

A very serious allergic reaction to this antidepressant rarely occurs. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling of the face or throat, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Many people using this mental health medication do not experience serious side effects when taken as directed.

Young adults under 25 may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts when first starting an antidepressant or when doses are changed. Report any worsening mood, unusual behavior, or suicidal ideation to your doctor immediately.

Turn to your doctor or pharmacist for more details about potential side effects. If you notice any effects not listed here, contact your healthcare provider promptly.



Drug interaction

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription, nonprescription, and herbal products you may use before starting this anxiety medication. Drug interactions can alter how escitalopram works or increase the risk of serious side effects.

Lexapro can interact with:

* MAO inhibitors: Furazolidone, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine, etc. Concurrent use with this SSRI is strictly prohibited due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.

* Antiarrhythmic drugs: Propafenone, Quinidine, Amiodarone, etc. These medications combined with escitalopram may increase the risk of heart rhythm abnormalities.

* Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Milnacipran, Venlafaxine. Using another serotonergic antidepressant alongside Lexapro raises the risk of serotonin syndrome.

* Other serotonergic agents: Triptans (sumatriptan, etc.), tramadol, tryptophan, St. John's Wort, and other SSRIs should be used with extreme caution alongside this depression treatment.

* Antipsychotics (also called neuroleptics): Fluphenazine, Haloperidol, Risperidone, etc. Dose adjustments may be necessary.

* Blood thinners and NSAIDs: Warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen. Combining these with escitalopram may increase bleeding risk.

* H2-receptor antagonists: Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine, etc.

Turn to your doctor or pharmacist for a complete review of all potential interactions before you buy Lexapro online or start treatment.



Missed dose

If you have missed your dose of this antidepressant, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one, as this increases the risk of side effects. Maintaining a consistent daily routine helps ensure the effectiveness of this SSRI anxiety medication.



Overdose

If you suspect you have taken too much escitalopram, seek emergency medical attention right away. Symptoms of an overdose of this antidepressant may include chest pain, nausea, vomiting, irregular or rapid heartbeat, dizziness, tremors, seizures, and feeling light-headed or fainting. In severe cases, an overdose of this SSRI can lead to serotonin syndrome, characterized by high fever, muscle rigidity, and confusion. Prompt medical intervention is critical.



Storage

Store your Lexapro tablets at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) in a dry place away from direct light and moisture. Do not store this mental health medication in the bathroom or other humid areas, as excess moisture can degrade the active ingredient. Keep all medications, including escitalopram, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not use this depression treatment after the expiration date printed on the packaging.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.