MedicineNet.com
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Health and Living Health news and views MedTerms medical dictionary
Font Size
A
A
A
Disclaimer



GENERIC NAME: ESCITALOPRAM - ORAL (es-sye-TAL-oh-pram)

BRAND NAME(S): Lexapro

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually once daily with or without food; or as directed by your doctor. You should take your dosage at the same time each day, either in the morning or in the evening. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It is important to continue taking this medication as prescribed even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. It may take up to several weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, fatigue, increased sweating, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: changes in sexual ability/interest, unusual or severe mental/mood changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: black stools, "coffee ground" vomit, easy bruising/bleeding. Males - If you experience a painful and prolonged erection, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • citalopram, Celexa - Defines the medication citalopram (Celexa) an antidepressant drug that affects neurotransmitters. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
  • Depression - Read about depression causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and types, including manic depression (bipolar disorder), postpartum depression and clinical depression.
  • Antidepressants - Read about the differnent types of antidepressants (used to treat depression) their side effects, drug interactions, and warnings and precautions.

Latest Medical News


Back to Medications Index

copyright


Emotional Wellness

Get tips on therapy and treatment.




Symptoms & Signs A-Z List Pinpoint Your Symptoms - Start Now Symptoms & Signs A-Z List Symptoms & Signs by Female Body Region Symptoms & Signs by Male Body Region

Topics Related to escitalopram, Lexapro



Antidepressant Side EffectsAntidepressant Side Effects
A new study says over half of all people treated with antidepressants stop taking them because of side effects. See more WebMD Videos »







For a Better Understanding
ESCITALOPRAM-ORAL Related Articles







Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Health & Living | News & Views | Medical Dictionary

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Cancer | Diabetes | Digestion | Healthy Kids | Heart | Men's Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | More...

Publications:

ePublications (PDFs) | XML News via RSS | Audio Podcasts | Email Newsletters

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Privacy Policy | Search Help | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2009 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.