If you have already been prescribed Lexapro®LEXAPRO
is a member of the SSRI class of antidepressant medicines. Lexapro
was approved by the FDA in August 2002, and is a medicine that effectively treats depression and anxiety symptoms
associated with depression. Lexapro is the isomer of CELEXA
(escitalopram oxalate), you have taken an important first step toward
relieving your depressionA
disease that affects millions of Americans each year, believed to
be caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain, called
neurotransmitters.. Now, you may be wondering what to expect
from treatment with Lexapro and what you can do to get the best results.
Getting the Most Out of Treatment
Here are some additional steps you can take to feel better
as you move forward with your treatment:
- Avoid alcohol while taking Lexapro.
- Also, to avoid a serious or potentially life-threatening condition, tell your healthcare provider if you are taking, or planning to take, any prescription or over-the-counter medications, including:
- Other SSRIs, serotonin/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), certain migraine or headache medications (triptans or tramadol), or tryptophan
- Any other medication prescribed for a psychiatric or neurological condition
- NSAID pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or naproxen), aspirin, warfarin, or blood thinners
- Diuretics
- Try to exercise. Even mild exercise like walking 30 minutes a
day may have a positive effect on depression.1 If you miss a day,
don't get down on yourself. Simply do it the next day.
- Try to get out of the house and be around people, even if you're
not feeling up to it. Your illness makes you feel withdrawn, but
don't let it govern your behavior. Go to a movie, go to the mall,
or call a friend. It won't be long before you feel ready to reengage
in your life.
- Follow through on your treatment. You will not benefit by taking
Lexapro or attending therapy if you do either on a hit-or-miss basis.
Continue to take Lexapro as prescribed by your healthcare professional,
and do not stop taking Lexapro until you have consulted your healthcare
professional.
- Make and keep follow-up appointments with your healthcare professional.
He or she needs to know how your treatment is going, if you're feeling
better, and if you're experiencing any side effects. Keep a journal
and take it with you to your appointment.
- Take advantage of resources available in your community and online—support
groups, chat rooms, and educational materials. View
a list of suggested resources.
If you have any questions about therapy with Lexapro, take a look
at the Lexapro FAQs.
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Reference: 1. Tkachuk GA, Martin GL. Exercise Therapy for patients with psychiatric disorders: research and clinical implications. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. 1999; Vol. 30, No. 3:275-282