PHARMACY PRESCRIPTION LEXAPRO OVERNIGHT
Lexapro is prescribed for
major depression--a persistently low mood that interferes
with daily functioning. To be considered major, depression
must occur nearly every day for at least two weeks, and must
include at least five of the following symptoms: low mood,
loss of interest in usual activities, significant change in
weight or appetite, change in sleep patterns, agitation or
lethargy, fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness,
slowed thinking or lack of concentration, and thoughts of
suicide.
Lexapro works by boosting
levels of serotonin, one of the chief chemical messengers in
the brain. The drug is a close chemical cousin of the
antidepressant medication Celexa. Other antidepressants that
work by raising serotonin levels include Paxil, Prozac, and
Zoloft.
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LEXAPRO DRUG
INFO:
LEXAPRO (escitalopram
oxalate) is available as tablets or as an oral solution. LEXAPRO
tablets are film coated, round tablets containing escitalopram
oxalate in strengths equivalent to 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg
escitalopram base. The 10 and 20 mg tablets are scored. The
tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: talc,
croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose/colloidal
silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate. The film coating
contains hypromellose, titanium dioxide, and polyethylene
glycol.
The
antidepressant LEXAPRO is a member of the family of medications
known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
LEXAPRO was developed by isolating the medicinal component of
Celexa (citalopram HBr), molecules known as isomers. As a
result, LEXAPRO appears to offer advantages in the treatment of
depression and generalized anxiety disorder
HOW TO USE
LEXAPRO:
Take Lexapro exactly as prescribed; usually once per day even
after you begin to feel better. Although improvement usually
begins within 1 to 4 weeks, treatment typically continues for
several months. Lexapro can be taken with or without food.
LEXAPRO
SIDE EFFECTS:
This medication may cause Constipation, decreased appetite,
decreased sex drive, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, ejaculation
disorder, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, impotence, indigestion,
insomnia, nausea, runny nose, sinusitis, sleepiness, sweating.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor
promptly.
LEXAPRO
PRECAUTIONS :
Lexapro makes some people sleepy. Until you know how the drug
affects you, use caution when driving a car or operating other
hazardous machinery. In rare cases, Lexapro can trigger mania
(unreasonably high spirits and excess energy). If you've ever
had this problem, be sure to let the doctor know. Also make sure
that the doctor knows if you have liver problems or severe
kidney disease. Your dosage may need adjustment. If you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. Lexapro should be taken during pregnancy only if
its benefits outweigh potential risk. Lexapro appears in breast
milk and can affect a nursing infant. If you decide to
breastfeed, Lexapro is not recommended.
LEXAPRO DRUG
INTERACTIONS: Do not use
Lexapro if you are taking the related drug Celexa. Be sure to
avoid MAO inhibitors when taking Lexapro. Although Lexapro does
not interact with alcohol, the manufacturer recommends avoiding
alcoholic beverages. If Lexapro is taken with certain other
drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or
altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor
before combining Lexapro with the following: Carbamazepine (Tegretol);
Cimetidine (Tagamet); Desipramine (Norpramin); Drugs that act on
the brain, including antidepressants, painkillers, sedatives,
and tranquilizers; Ketoconazole (Nizoral); Lithium (Eskalith);
Metoprolol (Lopressor); Narcotic painkillers and Sumatriptan
(Imitrex).
Escitalopram oxalate occurs as a fine white to
slightly yellow powder and is freely soluble in methanol and
dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), soluble in isotonic saline solution,
sparingly soluble in water and ethanol, slightly soluble in
ethyl acetate, and insoluble in heptane.
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