Esipram (other name Lexapro)

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. Follow the directions on the prescription label. 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.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

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

pimozide

procarbazine

St. John's Wort

venlafaxine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

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 provider 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 to take 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 suddenly stop taking it. 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 receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

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 usually do not require medical attention (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

ncreased sweating

nausea

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the 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.