There are many precautions involved when taking Lexapro. You can reduce potential risks by being aware of who should not take this medication, potential medication interactions, and the black box warning. Lexapro is not safe for everyone. Certain people should not take Lexapro or take with caution, including:. According to a black box warning the strictest warning for prescription drugs issued by the FDA , taking Lexapro can result in an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Close monitoring by your psychiatrist or doctor is important particularly if you are an adolescent or young adult taking Lexapro. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call Lexapro is an allosteric serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which differentiates it from other SSRIs.
It is generally well-tolerated and effective. Lexapro tablets are available in 5 milligram mg , 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths. The 10 and 20 mg tablets are scored and can be cut in half. The oral solution comes in a strength of 1 mg per milliliter mL. The usual recommended daily dosage of Lexapro is 10 mg, but you may begin at a lower dose and increased slowly if needed. The manufacturer recommended doses of Lexapro are:. If you are experiencing the first episode of depression or anxiety, you may take Lexapro for a defined period such as between six months and one year.
However, for individuals experiencing a chronic mental health condition, it may be necessary to take Lexapro for an extended period over many years. All listed dosages are according to the drug manufacturer. Check your prescription and talk to your doctor to make sure you are taking the right dose for you. While there are not specific modified dose recommendations for Lexapro, the medication should be take with caution if you are older or have a major medical illness that affects your metabolism, such as kidney or liver disease.
If this is the case, your health care provider may adjust your dose as necessary to reduce any related side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions for taking Lexapro.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medication. It's important to recognize that you will not experience immediate relief from taking Lexapro. It can take anywhere from one to four weeks to feel better once you start taking Lexapro, and you may not experience the full benefits of the medication until you've been following a recommended treatment plan for a couple of months.
As your body adjusts to taking the medication, the side effects should gradually go away. If you notice that they are getting worse or are interfering with your quality of life, talk to your doctor about your concerns.
Side effects can be minimized by carefully following the dosage directions given by your doctor and reporting any negative effects. The most common side effects are:. Seek immediate help if you experience any of the following unusual side effects of Lexapro:. Caution should be used when taking Lexapro along with other medications. To help avoid any possible drug interactions, let your doctor know about any other prescription and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking.
When taking Lexapro, the following serotonergic medications should not be used or only be used with significant caution and close monitoring due to the increased risk of serotonin syndrome:. Avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking Lexapro, as it can reduce the effectiveness of the medication and also may increase its toxicity.
If Lexapro is not effective for you, your doctor will work to find another medication that may help, such as another SSRI or a different class of antidepressant medication. You may also find psychotherapy helpful if that has not already been implemented. You should only discontinue taking Lexapro under the guidance of your doctor at an appropriate time such as when symptoms have been stable for a certain period.
Your doctor will help you to taper off the medication, so as to minimize any withdrawal effects. If you stop taking it suddenly, you may notice withdrawal symptoms, including:. This overview of the use of Lexapro for mental health conditions does not cover every possible outcome of taking this medication.
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Taking Lexapro without another drug for bipolar disorder may trigger an episode. Lexapro may dilate your pupils. If you have certain health conditions, you likely should not take Lexapro. In some cases, your doctor may lower your dosage or watch you more closely during your treatment with it. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following health conditions before taking Lexapro.
Certain medications can interact with Lexapro. Be sure to tell your doctor about all over-the-counter and prescription drugs, supplements, and herbs you take. Lexapro may interact with the following drugs:.
Lexapro is a powerful drug used to treat depression and anxiety. While it can be very effective, it may also cause side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor about other health conditions you have and medications you take before starting Lexapro. This information can help your doctor reduce your chance of side effects. Also tell your doctor if you do have any side effects.
Keep in mind that Lexapro and other drugs in its class cause many of the same side effects. Some antidepressants can have an effect on your appetite. Both Lexapro and alcohol affect brain chemistry. So is it safe to take the two together? Learn the effects of mixing the drug with alcohol. Lexapro and Zoloft are two of the many drugs available for depression, anxiety, and other conditions.
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