Lexapro is a medicine that helps people who are feeling sad or worried all the time, which generally means it is use to treat depression. It does this by fixing the balance of a natural substance called serotonin in the brain. This is a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It can help you feel less tired and have more energy, feel better, and be less nervous.
How To Use Lexapro
When you get a medicine called Lexapro or Escitalopram, you should read the information that comes with it and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Take the medicine by mouth as directed or pharmacist by your doctor, usually once a day in the morning or evening, with or without food. The amount you take depends on your condition, how you respond to the medicine, will be dependant your age, and other medications you might be taking. If you are using the liquid form of this medicine, you should use a special measuring spoon to measure the right amount.
To avoid getting side effects, your doctor may tell you to start with a small amount and gradually increase it with time. Do not take more than your doctor tells you to or take it more often or for longer than you are suppose to because it may cause side effects. You need to keep taking the medicine even if you feel that your condition is getting better. Do not stop taking the medicine without talking to your doctor or pharmacist because you could get worse or feel strange. It can take up to 4 weeks to feel the full benefit of the medicine on your body. If you have any new or worsening symptoms, you should tell your doctor right away.
Side Effects Of Lexapro
- It’s important to know that even though Lexapro can help you feel better. It may cause some side effects on your body. You may feel sick to your stomach. Have a dry mouth, have trouble sleeping, or feel tired or dizzy after medication. If you have any of these problems or they get worse, you should tell your doctor right away.
- It’s also possible to have some more serious side effects when taking the medicine such as not wanting to have sex. Changes in how you have sex, or bruising or bleeding easily. If you have any of these problems, it is important you should let your doctor know right away. There’s also a rare chance that this medicine could cause some other serious problems. So you should tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have any of the following symptoms: really fast heartbeat, hallucinations, difficulty coordinating your movements, feeling really dizzy, throwing up or having diarrhea a lot. Your muscles twitching, having a fever you can’t explain, or feeling really restless or agitate, etc.
- If you’re a boy, it’s also possible to have a painful erection that lasts for a long time and it may get worse. If this happens. You should stop using the medicine and get medical help right away, or you could have permanent problems in the future. It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to the medicine in your body, which is very rare. If you notice any of these types of symptoms – like a rash, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing – get medical help right away.
- Remember, this isn’t a complete list of all the possible side effects of escitalopram may do on your body. So talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
Precautions To Keep In Mind Before Taking Lexapro
- Before taking escitalopram, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it. Or if you have any other allergies in your body. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other serious problems in your body.
- You should Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Especially if you or anyone in your family has a history of bipolar disorder, seizures, intestinal ulcers, bleeding problems, low sodium in the blood, suicide attempts, liver disease, or glaucoma.
- lexapro can affect your heart rhythm in your body. Which may cause serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Let your doctor or pharmacist know about all the drugs you are taking and any medical conditions you have before using escitalopram on your own.
- lexapro may cause dizziness or drowsiness, and it can be dangerous to drive or operate machinery or vehicle while taking this medication. You should Avoid alcohol and marijuana use while taking escitalopram.
- If you have diabetes, phenylketonuria, or any other medical condition that requires you to limit/avoid sugar, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using the liquid form of this medication.
- Let your doctor or dentist know about all the products and medications you use before having surgery.
- Older adults and children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication (Escitalopram). Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should consult with their doctor or pharmacist before using escitalopram. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor or your condition get worse.
How should I take Lexapro?
When you take Lexapro, you should make sure to follow the instructions that your doctor gave you. Try to Take it at the same time each day, with or without food. If you are taking the liquid form of the medication. Be sure to measure it carefully with a measuring spoon. It may take up to four weeks before you start to feel better and your condition may improve. Your doctor will check on you regularly to see how you are doing and you should make sure that you are growing normally if you are a child.
If you notice any changes in your sexual function, such as not being interest in sex or having trouble with orgasms. Talk to your doctor immediately. Some sexual problems can be treat on time otherwise they may become permanent.
When you are ready to stop taking Lexapro. You should make sure to do it slowly and follow your doctor’s instructions. You should Don’t stop all at once or you might have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Keep Lexapro at room temperature and away from moisture and heat and children.
Dosing Information Of Lexapro
For adults with generalized anxiety disorder. The usual dose is 10mg of the medication taken orally once a day. Which can be increase to 20 mg after at least one week of treatment. The usual maintenance dose is 10-20 mg taken orally once daily. With the maximum amount being 20 mg taken orally once daily. Treatment effectiveness should be assessed regularly; treatment beyond 8 weeks has not been studied systematically.
For adults with depression, the initial dose is also 10 mg taken orally once a day. With the option to increase to 20 mg after at least one week of treatment. The usual maintenance dose and maximum dose are the same as for generalized anxiety disorder. The treatment may be necessary for several months or longer. And patients should be regularly reassess to determine the need for continued treatment.
For geriatric patients with depression. The recommended dose is 10 mg taken orally once a day.
For pediatric patients aged 12 and older with depression, the initial dose is 10 mg take orally once a day. Which can be increase to 20 mg after at least three weeks of treatment. The usual maintenance dose and maximum dose are the same as for adults with depression.
Summary
Lexapro is an antidepressant medication use to treat certain types of depression and anxiety. It belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and works by balancing levels of serotonin in the brain and nerves.
The recommend dosage for Lexapro depends on the condition being treat and the patient’s age, and it should be take exactly as prescribe by a doctor. Lexapro can cause side effects, such as nausea, dry mouth, and dizziness, and should not be use by some people. Including those taking certain medications and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Patients should inform their doctor of all medications and supplements they are taking before starting Lexapro.
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