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Lexapro®

(escitalopram oxalate) Tablets/Oral Solution

Also see:  Celexa  Elavil  Effexor  Fluoxetine  Paxil  Paxil CR  Prozac  Remeron   Zoloft   Cymbalta

Drug Uses
The antidepressant Lexapro is a member of the family of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro offer advantages in the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

How Taken
Lexapro comes as a tablet and a liquid. It is taken orally. It is usually taken once daily and may be taken with or without food. Take Lexapro exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take Lexapro even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Lexapro without talking to your doctor. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Lexapro, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, have kidney disease, suffer from seizures, or suffer from mania or have suicidal thoughts. You may not be able to take Lexapro, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Lexapro should not be taken during treatment with citalopram (Celexa). Also, if you have had an allergic reaction to citalopram (Celexa), you may also have an allergic reaction to Lexapro. Do not take Lexapro without first talking to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to either medication in the past. Lexapro is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Lexapro it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Lexapro without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Lexapro passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take Lexapro without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Lexapro and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

•  an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives)

• an irregular heartbeat or pulse

• low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness)

• high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision)

• chills or fever.

If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking Lexapro and talk to your doctor:

• headache, tremor, nervousness, or anxiety

• nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight

• sleepiness or insomnia

• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Storage
Store Lexapro at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Lexapro overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, drowsiness, dizziness, sweating, and a fast heartbeat.

More Information
Do not take Lexapro if you: You have a known sensitivity or allergy to any component of Lexapro.

Lexapro® (escitalopram oxalate) is an orally administered selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Escitalopram is the pure S-enantiomer (single isomer) of the racemic bicyclic phthalane derivative citalopram. Escitalopram oxalate is designated:

S-(+)-1-[3-(dimethyl-amino)propyl]-1-(p-fluorophenyl)-5-phthalancarbonitrile oxalate.

The molecular formula is C20H21FN2O •C2H2O4 and the molecular weight is 414.40.

Escitalopram oxalate occurs as a fine, white to slightly-yellow powder and is freely soluble in methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), soluble in isotonic saline solution, sparingly soluble in water and ethanol, slightly soluble in ethyl acetate, and insoluble in heptane.

Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) is available as tablets or as an oral solution.

Lexapro tablets are film-coated, round tablets containing escitalopram oxalate in strengths equivalent to 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg escitalopram base. The 10 and 20 mg tablets are scored. The tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: talc, croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose/colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. The film coating contains hypromellose, titanium dioxide, and polyethylene glycol.

Lexapro oral solution contains escitalopram oxalate equivalent to 1 mg/mL escitalopram base. It also contains the following inactive ingredients: sorbitol, purified water, citric acid, sodium citrate, malic acid, glycerin, propylene glycol, methylparaben, propylparaben, and natural peppermint flavor.

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. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Lexapro is not approved for use in pediatric patients. (See WARNINGS: Clinical worsening and suicide risk, PRECAUTIONS: Information for patients and precautions: Pediatric Use)