Lexapro is the brand name of the prescription medicine escitalopram, which is used to treat anxiety in adults and major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents who are at least 12 years old.

This medicine belongs to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by boosting levels of a natural substance in the brain called serotonin.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lexapro in 2002. It’s marketed by Allergan.

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Lexapro (Escitalopram)?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to escitalopram or citalopram (Celexa), or if:

you also take pimozide.

Do not use escitalopram within 14 days before or 14 days after you have used an MAO inhibitor. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Be sure your doctor knows if you also take stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. These medicines may interact with escitalopram and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver or kidney disease;
seizures;
low levels of sodium in your blood;
heart disease, high blood pressure;
a stroke;
bleeding problems;
sexual problems;
bipolar disorder (manic depression); or
drug addiction or suicidal thoughts.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Escitalopram is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

Ask your doctor about taking this medicine if you are pregnant. Taking an SSRI antidepressant during late pregnancy may cause serious medical complications in the baby. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Do not start or stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of escitalopram on the baby.

If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness, agitation, feeding problems, or poor weight gain in the nursing baby.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Lexapro (Escitalopram)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
racing thoughts, unusual risk-taking behavior, feelings of extreme happiness or sadness;
pain or burning when you urinate;
(in a child taking escitalopram) slow growth or weight gain;
low levels of sodium in the body--headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady; or
severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Common side effects may include:

painful urination;
dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, weakness;
feeling anxious or agitated;
increased muscle movements, feeling shaky;
sleep problems (insomnia);
sweating, dry mouth, increased thirst, loss of appetite;
nausea, constipation;
yawning;
nosebleed, heavy menstrual periods; or
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Lexapro (Escitalopram) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Risk cannot be ruled out

Based on FDA pregnancy categories

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of escitalopram on the baby.

If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness, agitation, feeding problems, or poor weight gain in the nursing baby.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Lexapro (Escitalopram)?

Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. Using an NSAID with escitalopram may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Avoid alcohol.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Lexapro (Escitalopram)?

Use Lexapro (Escitalopram) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Tell your doctor if you have any changes in sexual function, such as loss of interest in sex, trouble having an orgasm, or (in men) problems with erections or ejaculation. Some sexual problems can be treated.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. A child taking escitalopram should be checked for height and weight gain.

Do not stop using escitalopram suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Lexapro (Escitalopram)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.