possible side effects of lexapro

What is the most important information I should know about Lexapro?
• Do not stop taking Lexapro without first talking to your doctor possible side effects of lexapro. It maytake several weeks for you to start feeling better possible side effects of lexapro.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities possible side effects of lexapro. Lexapro may cause dizziness possible side effects of lexapro. If you experience dizziness, avoidthese activities possible side effects of lexapro.
• Use alcohol cautiously possible side effects of lexapro. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizzinesswhile taking Lexapro or affect your condition possible side effects of lexapro.

What is Lexapro?
• Lexapro is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors possible side effects of lexapro. Lexapro affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and causedepression possible side effects of lexapro.
• Lexapro is used to treat depression possible side effects of lexapro.
• Lexapro may also be used for purposes other than those listed in thismedication guide possible side effects of lexapro.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lexapro?
• Do not take Lexapro if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate)during the last 2 weeks possible side effects of lexapro. A dangerous drug interaction can occur if Lexapro iscombined with any of these medications possible side effects of lexapro.
• 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 possible side effects of lexapro.
• You may not be able to take Lexapro, or you may require a dosage adjustmentor special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listedabove possible side effects of lexapro.
• Lexapro should not be taken during treatment with citalopram (Celexa) possible side effects of lexapro. Also, if you have had an allergic reaction to citalopram (Celexa), you may alsohave an allergic reaction to Lexapro possible side effects of lexapro. Do not take Lexapro without first talkingto your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to either medication inthe past possible side effects of lexapro.
• Lexapro is in the FDA pregnancy category C possible side effects of lexapro. This means that it is notknown whether Lexapro it will be harmful to an unborn baby possible side effects of lexapro. Do not take Lexaprowithout first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnantduring treatment possible side effects of lexapro.
• Lexapro passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant possible side effects of lexapro. Do nottake Lexapro without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feedinga baby possible side effects of lexapro.

How should I take Lexapro?
• Take Lexapro exactly as directed by your doctor possible side effects of lexapro. If you do not understandthese instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them toyou possible side effects of lexapro.
• Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water possible side effects of lexapro.
• To ensure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of Lexaprowith a dose-measuring spoon, cup, or dropper, not with a regular table spoon possible side effects of lexapro. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you canget one possible side effects of lexapro.
• Lexapro may be taken with or without food possible side effects of lexapro.
• Lexapro is usually taken once a day possible side effects of lexapro. Follow your doctor's instructions possible side effects of lexapro. Take the dose at the same time each day possible side effects of lexapro.
• Do not stop taking Lexapro without first talking to your doctor possible side effects of lexapro. It maytake several weeks for you to start feeling better possible side effects of lexapro.
• Store Lexapro at room temperature away from moisture and heat possible side effects of lexapro.

What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember possible side effects of lexapro. However, if it is almosttime for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take thenext one as directed possible side effects of lexapro. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwisedirected by your doctor possible side effects of lexapro.

What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention possible side effects of lexapro.
• Symptoms of a Lexapro overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, drowsiness,dizziness, sweating, and a fast heartbeat possible side effects of lexapro.

What should I avoid while taking Lexapro?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities possible side effects of lexapro. Lexapro may cause dizziness possible side effects of lexapro. If you experience dizziness, avoidthese activities possible side effects of lexapro.
• Use alcohol cautiously possible side effects of lexapro. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizzinesswhile taking Lexapro or affect your condition possible side effects of lexapro.

What are the possible side effects of Lexapro?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop takingLexapro 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); or
· chills or fever possible side effects of lexapro.
• If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continuetaking Lexapro and talk to your doctor:
· headache, tremor, nervousness, or anxiety;
· nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight;
· sleepiness or insomnia; or
· decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm possible side effects of lexapro.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur possible side effects of lexapro. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome possible side effects of lexapro.

What other drugs will affect Lexapro?
• Do not take Lexapro if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate)during the last 2 weeks possible side effects of lexapro. A dangerous drug interaction can occur when Lexaprois combined with any of these medications possible side effects of lexapro.
• Before taking Lexapro, tell your doctor if you are taking any of thefollowing medicines:
· another antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac),fluvoxamine (Luvox), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), trazodone (Desyrel),or nefazodone (Serzone);
· a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine(Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
· a seizure medication including carbamazepine (Tegretol) or felbamate(Felbatol);
· a stomach medicine such as cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), ranitidine(Zantac, Zantac 75), or omeprazole (Prilosec);
· an antibiotic such as erythromycin (Eryc-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S., Erythrocin,P.C.E., others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin);
· an antifungal medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole(Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
· a migraine medication such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax),frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan(Imitrex), or zolmitriptan (Zomig);
· the asthma medication zafirlukast (Accolate); or
· lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs) possible side effects of lexapro.
• You may not be able to take Lexapro, or you may require a dosage adjustmentor special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicineslisted above possible side effects of lexapro.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Lexapro possible side effects of lexapro. Talkto your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-countermedicines, including herbal products possible side effects of lexapro.

Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about Lexapro written forhealth professionals that you may read possible side effects of lexapro.

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