How Do I Take Lexapro?
For best results, you should take Lexapro once a day, every day,
with or without food. You should also fill your prescriptions ahead
of time to avoid missing a dose.
What About Lexapro's Side Effects?
Lexapro is well tolerated by most people. But, as with all SSRIs,
side effects have been reported during treatment with Lexapro. Most
of the side effects are mild and temporary, and usually do not cause
you to stop treatment. The most frequent side effects with Lexapro
are nausea, insomnia, sexual side effects, drowsiness, increased sweating,
and fatigue. With Lexapro, you won't feel any more edgy or nervous
than before treatment. And, clinical studies have shown that there
were no meaningful weight changes.
You should be sure to talk with your doctor promptly if you have
any side effects while on Lexapro. A simple adjustment in dose may
be all that's necessary.
Does Lexapro affect other medications I'm taking?
Lexapro requires no dosing adjustments when taken together with most
other medications. An exception is another family of antidepressants
called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).* Lexapro and MAOIs should
not be taken together or within 14 days of each other. In addition, Lexapro should not be taken if you are also taking the medication pimozide.
Caution is advised when Lexapro is administered together with any
medication from the tricyclic class of antidepressants. In addition,
as with other SSRI medications, taking Lexapro with NSAIDs, aspirin,
or other drugs that affect blood clotting may increase the risk of
bleeding in some patients.
Before taking Lexapro, be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking
any other medications, including those obtained over the counter,
herbal remedies, diet supplements, etc.
* Certain drugs for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions,
or Parkinson's disease.
<< Previous Section | Next
Section >>