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Increase Your Awareness with Basic Facts about Lexapro (Escitalopram)
July 13, 2023
*Picture displayed is a general pill and should not be used as a pill identifier.
The following highlights the facts. More information can be obtained through the sites listed below as well as many other informational sites regarding prescription drugs. Medication facts can change. Make sure you have all up-to-date information.
What YOU Need to Know
Escitalopram, brand name Lexapro, is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Escitalopram (Lexapro) is an antipressant medication
Lexapro dosage forms:
- MI of Oral Solution (5mg/5ml)
- Tablets (5mg, 10mg, 20mg)
Lexapro (Escitalopram) may cause the following side effects:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- constipation
- sexual problems in males; decreased sex drive, inability to get or keep an erection, or delayed or absent ejaculation
- sexual problems in females; decreased sex drive, or delayed orgasm or unable to have an orgasm
- drowsiness
- yawning
- shaking
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- increased sweating
- dizziness
- heartburn
- stomach pain
- excessive tiredness
- dry mouth
- decreased appetite
- weight loss
- flu-like symptoms
- runny nose
- sneezing
Some side effects may be serious:
- unusual excitement
- seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
- rash
- hives or blisters
- itching
- fever
- joint pain
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes
- fever, sweating, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, severe muscle stiffness or twitching, agitation, hallucinations, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- abnormal bleeding or bruising
- nose bleeding
- headache
- unsteadiness
- problems with thinking, concentration, or memory
- seizures
- difficult or painful urination
Side effects can occur when Lexapro (escitalopram) is taken with other medications. One in particular is Lithium.
Lithium
Coadministration of racemic citalopram (40 mg/day for 10 days) and lithium (30 mmol/day for 5 days) had no significant effect on
the pharmacokinetics of citalopram or lithium. Plasma lithium levels should be monitored with appropriate adjustment to the
lithium dose in accordance with standard clinical practice. Because lithium may enhance the serotonergic effects of escitalopram,
caution should be exercised when Lexapro and lithium are coadministered.
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/021323s055,021365s039lbl.pdf#page=29
Medication guide can be obtained from the FDA website:
Important Warning
WARNINGS: SUICIDALITY AND ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS:
Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children,
adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric
disorders. Anyone considering the use of Lexapro or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult
must balance this risk with the clinical need.
For full information visit: https://www.fda.gov/media/135185/download
Sources used:
- Food and Drug Administration, Lexapro (escitalopram), accessed June 12, 2023, https://www.fda.gov
- MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine, accessed June 12, 2023, https://medlineplus.gov.drugsinfo/meds
- GoodRX, Escitaolpram (Lexapro), accessed June 12, 2023, https://www.goodrx.com
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Medical Disclaimer: We share informational resources that are intended to help you with your self-care plan. We are not professionals. We write based on personal experience and personal research.
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