Lexapro effectiveness 5 mg dose

Psychiatric Disorders - appetite increased, concentration impaired, irritability. Respiratory System Disorders - bronchitis, coughing, nasal congestion, sinus congestion, sinus headache.

Skin and Appendages Disorders - rash. Special Senses - vision blurred, tinnitus. Urinary System Disorders - urinary frequency, urinary tract infection. Post-Marketing Experience Adverse Reactions Reported Subsequent to the Marketing of Escitalopram The following additional adverse reactions have been identified from spontaneous reports of escitalopram received worldwide.

These adverse reactions have been chosen for inclusion because of a combination of seriousness, frequency of reporting, or potential causal connection to escitalopram and have not been listed elsewhere in labeling. However, because these adverse reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Ear and labyrinth disorders: General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Pregnancy, Puerperium and Perinatal Conditions: Renal and Urinary Disorders: Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Drug Interactions [See Dosage and Administration 2.

Serotonergic Drugs [See Dosage and Administration 2. Triptans There have been rare postmarketing reports of serotonin syndrome with use of an SSRI and a triptan. If concomitant treatment of Lexapro with a triptan is clinically warranted, careful observation of the patient is advised, particularly during treatment initiation and dose increases [see Warnings and Precautions 5.

CNS Drugs Given the primary CNS effects of escitalopram, caution should be used when it is taken in combination with other centrally acting drugs. Alcohol Although Lexapro did not potentiate the cognitive and motor effects of alcohol in a clinical trial, as with other psychotropic medications, the use of alcohol by patients taking Lexapro is not recommended. Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis. Epidemiological studies of the case-control and cohort design that have demonstrated an association between use of psychotropic drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and the occurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding have also shown that concurrent use of an NSAID or aspirin may potentiate the risk of bleeding.

Patients receiving warfarin therapy should be carefully monitored when Lexapro is initiated or discontinued. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.

Nevertheless, plasma lithium levels should be monitored with appropriate adjustment to the lithium dose in accordance with standard clinical practice. Because lithium may enhance the serotonergic effects of escitalopram, caution should be exercised when Lexapro and lithium are coadministered. Pimozide and Celexa In a controlled study, a single dose of pimozide 2 mg co-administered with racemic citalopram 40 mg given once daily for 11 days was associated with a mean increase in QTc values of approximately 10 msec compared to pimozide given alone.

Racemic citalopram did not alter the mean AUC or Cmax of pimozide. The mechanism of this pharmacodynamic interaction is not known. Sumatriptan There have been rare postmarketing reports describing patients with weakness, hyperreflexia, and incoordination following the use of an SSRI and sumatriptan. If concomitant treatment with sumatriptan and an SSRI e. The effect of theophylline on the pharmacokinetics of citalopram was not evaluated. Although trough citalopram plasma levels were unaffected, given the enzyme-inducing properties of carbamazepine, the possibility that carbamazepine might increase the clearance of escitalopram should be considered if the two drugs are coadministered.

Ritonavir Combined administration of a single dose of ritonavir mg , both a CYP3A4 substrate and a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, and escitalopram 20 mg did not affect the pharmacokinetics of either ritonavir or escitalopram.

However, coadministration of escitalopram 20 mg and ritonavir mg , a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of escitalopram. Because escitalopram is metabolized by multiple enzyme systems, inhibition of a single enzyme may not appreciably decrease escitalopram clearance. In addition, steady state levels of racemic citalopram were not significantly different in poor metabolizers and extensive CYP2D6 metabolizers after multiple-dose administration of citalopram, suggesting that coadministration, with escitalopram, of a drug that inhibits CYP2D6, is unlikely to have clinically significant effects on escitalopram metabolism.

However, there are limited in vivo data suggesting a modest CYP2D6 inhibitory effect for escitalopram, i. The clinical significance of this finding is unknown. Nevertheless, caution is indicated in the coadministration of escitalopram and drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.

Increased metoprolol plasma levels have been associated with decreased cardioselectivity. Coadministration of Lexapro and metoprolol had no clinically significant effects on blood pressure or heart rate. Slight maternal toxicity clinical signs and decreased body weight gain and food consumption was seen at this dose.

This dose was also associated with maternal toxicity clinical signs, decreased body weight gain. Thus, teratogenic effects of racemic citalopram were observed at a maternally toxic dose in the rat and were not observed in the rabbit. When female rats were treated with racemic citalopram 4. The no-effect dose was A no-effect dose was not determined in that study.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women; therefore, escitalopram should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Pregnancy-Nonteratogenic Effects Neonates exposed to Lexapro and other SSRIs or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors SNRIs , late in the third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery.

This usually begins within 1 to 10 days after you stop taking Lexapro. By reducing the dosage in small increments, your serotonergic system can gradually take over it's own natural serotonin producing activity and slowly adapt to living without the drug. This process may take up to a year or longer. It is best to taper off the medication under the supervision of a physician in order to monitor your symptoms and side effects and prevent any serious complications such as seizures when coming off this medication.

I take Lexepro and I gained a lot of weight. Does Lexapro keep me from losing weight? I have a very hard time losing weight. Weight gain can be a common side effect of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs , the class of drugs that includes Lexapro escitalopram.

However, patients may react differently to different medications within these classes. If side effects, like weight gain, become bothersome, it sometimes helps to switch medications. Consult your health care provider to see if switching medications is appropriate for you. I have the go-ahead from my doctor to start weaning off Lexapro. I take 40 mg a day 2 pills How long until I can be off it all together? He said start by cutting back to 1. It is good to hear that someone is actually working with a physician to wean off an antidepressant.

Most people try to do this on their own and end up with bad side effects. Every physician is different as to how long it will take to come off the medication completely. It can be anywhere from three months to a year. Keep in mind that the slower you come off the medication, the better it will be for your health. Going slowly will give your body a chance to start producing serotonin on its own again and this will decrease any chances of side effects.

You should ask your physician what his or her plan is for how long it will take. That way you can have a date to look forward to. I want a antidepressant that isn't costly. I cannot afford the one that I have now, Lexapro. I need a generic one. I am happy to inform you that Lexapro is now available in the United States as the generic escitalopram, which should cost a lot less than the brand name Lexapro. You should call your pharmacy and insist that they switch your prescription to the generic product, even if they have to contact your doctor to do so.

Is there any adverse reaction to drinking one glass of chardonnay or cabernet if my doctor just prescribed Lexapro 10 mg every morning? You should avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Lexapro escitalopram. I am on Lexapro daily, and I've gained 20 lbs. What can I do to avoid continuous weight gain? Lexapro escitalopram belongs to the SSRI class of drugs and affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression or anxiety.

Lexapro is used to treat anxiety in adults and major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents who are at least 12 years old. These two classes of drugs have become so widely prescribed because their side effects are limited compared to some of the older antidepressants.

However, they still do have some side effects. And weight gain can be a common side effect of both of these classes of drugs. Keep in mind that patients may react differently to different medications within these classes. Consult your health care provider for specific recommendations. Do not stop any medication or change the dose without first talking to your provider. Suddenly stopping Lexapro can cause withdrawal symptoms that may be severe.

Your health care provider is best able to guide your choice of treatment based on your specific circumstances. I am down to 5 mg of Lexapro and I want to get off but I have body aches and fatigue when I go off. Can I stop and take SAMe-or any other suggestions? Lexapro excitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Lexapro does have a risk of withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication, especially if Lexapro is stopped suddenly. Tapering down the dose of Lexapro slowly before completely stopping can help minimize withdrawal symptoms.

Some possible withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, drowsiness, vivid dreams, irritability, nausea, tingling sensations, and headache. Everyone responds to medication differently. The packaging information recommends gradually tapering the dose of Lexapro, if intolerable symptoms occur following a decrease in dose or discontinuing medication then resume previous dose and use a more gradual taper.

Lexapro tablets may be split to allow for lower doses. Tablet cutters, which can be purchased at a local pharmacy, can help with splitting tablets. Lexapro should not be taken with SAMe or other similar herbals due to a drug-drug interaction which may result in a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome. It is important to speak with your doctor before you stop any medications. Your doctor may be able to give you suggestions on how to cope with withdrawal symptoms and how to taper your dose to help prevent withdrawal.

For more specific information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. Laura Cable, PharmD Q: Does Lexapro mess up your menstruation? Lexapro escitalopram belongs to the group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs.

Lexapro is used to treat depression and anxiety. The most common side effects of Lexapro are drowsiness, dizziness, sleep problems, upset stomach or nausea, increased sweating, dry mouth, and decreased sex drive. Changes in women's periods or menstrual disorders have been reported in patients taking Lexapro. Tell your health-care provider about any negative side effects from prescription drugs. You can also report them to the U. Food and Drug Administration by visiting www. What are its side effects?

Lexapro escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder GAD. The most common side effects with Lexapro treatment in adults are nausea, insomnia, ejaculation disorder, fatigue and drowsiness, increased sweating, decreased libido, and anorgasmia difficulty achieving orgasm.

For more specific information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist based on your specific condition and current medications. I've been on Lexapro for two weeks and am more depressed than when I started. Some patients experience worsening symptoms or thoughts of hurting themselves in the first weeks of treatment.

I started Lexapro about 5 days ago and I have had very bad headaches. When will this go away and is there something I can take for the headaches? Thank you for submitting your question to Everyday Health.

Lexapro escitalopram is an antidepressant in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs. SSRIs affect chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression or anxiety.

Lexapro is used to treat anxiety and major depressive disorder. Common side effects of Lexapro include drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, mild nausea, gas, heartburn, upset stomach, constipation, weight changes, decreased sex drive, dry mouth, yawning, and ringing in the ears. Headaches may improve or go away as the body gets used to the medication. This may take several weeks. If headaches continue, become bothersome, or are severe, consult your doctor for specific recommendations.

This is not a complete list of side effects that can occur with Lexapro. Do not stop or change the amount of medication you take without talking to your doctor first. Suddenly stopping Lexapro can result in withdrawal side effects, some of which may be severe. When I started on it, I was now I'm Lexapro is in a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs.

There are neurotransmitters in the brain that sometimes can become unbalanced. When a neurotransmitter becomes unbalanced, depression and anxiety can emerge. Lexapro affects the neurotransmitter called serotonin that becomes unbalanced in the brain causing depression. It is important to take Lexapro exactly as it is prescribed. It may take weeks before Lexapro works fully and improvement is seen. Lexapro should never be stopped abruptly due to unwanted side effects.

Common side effects associated with Lexapro include constipation, decreased or increased appetite, nausea, dry mouth and dizziness. This is not a complete list of side effects associated with Lexapro consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action.

Drugs can cause weight gain in several different ways. Some can increase appetite or make you crave certain types of foods like those high in carbohydrates or fat. Other medications may slow down metabolism or cause fluid retention. However, the effect of prescription drugs on body weight is complex. Some drugs have no effect on weight, while others cause weight gain or weight loss.

Also, the same medications can cause weight gain in certain individuals and weight loss in others. There are also drugs that initially cause weight loss and then lead to weight gain with long-term use. Most prescription medications associated with changes in body weight affect the central nervous system. Mood stabilizers lithium, valproic acid , antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants have also been linked with weight gain.

Other drugs that have been reported to cause weight gain include diabetes medications insulin, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones , antihypertensive drugs, certain hormonal contraceptives, corticosteroids, antihistamines, some chemotherapy regimens, and antiretroviral protease inhibitors.

If you think a drug you are taking is causing weight gain, tell your health care provider. Lexapro escitalopram is in a drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs. Lexapro is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder GAD. Lexapro works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a natural chemical that assists in maintaining mental balance.

Weight gain and weight loss have been reported with Lexapro. Two months ago I stopped taking Lexapro due to money and insurance problems, but I still feel a little panic at times. Is there a drug company that could help a low-income senior? The price of medications, including Lexapro escitalopram , can vary depending on the wholesaler and pharmacy from which the medication is acquired. Pharmacies sell medication to consumers at a price that includes the cost for acquiring the drug from the wholesaler, plus a retail markup.

If a third-party payer for example, a health insurance company or Medicare is providing coverage for Lexapro, they determine the final cost of the product. Costs will vary from one plan to another, and the payer may cover or reimburse part or all of the cost. Many manufacturers offer patient assistance programs to help offset the cost of prescription medications.

Your doctor's office and local pharmacist are your best resources for finding these plans and helping to determine if you qualify. Your doctor may also be able to provide drug samples if available. Another option would be to talk to your doctor about a medication option that allow the use of a less expensive generic product. Other medications in the same class as Lexapro are available in a generic form.

Your doctor is best able to determine if another medication is an appropriate option for you. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or local pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications.

I have been on 5 mg of Lexapro for about a week now and I am still having some nausea. Will that subside at all? Talk to your doctor if the nausea symptoms continue or become too bothersome. When your doctor prescribes a new medication, be sure to discuss all your medications and over-the-counter drugs, including dietary supplements, vitamins, botanicals, minerals and herbals, as well as the foods you eat.

Also keep a current list of the drugs and supplements you take and review it with your healthcare provider and your pharmacist. If possible, use one pharmacy for all your prescription medications and over-the-counter products. This allows your pharmacist to keep a complete record of all your prescription drugs and to advise you about drug interactions and side effects.

After a low period in my life including a short stay in an alcohol treatment center I was put on Lexapro. That was 2 plus years ago and I'm doing very well. I see no reason to quit taking the pill but would like information on long -term use of the drug. Lexapro escitalopram is an antidepressant in a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs. Lexapro corrects an unbalance of serotonin in the brain that can cause depression or anxiety.

As is the case with any medication, there are many risks and side effects with Lexapro. But, according to the medical literature, there are no reports of problems with Lexapro due to long term use of the drug. Thousands of people have taken SSRIs for several years and so far there is no link to long-term use of these drugs and detrimental effects on the body.

The most common side effects of Lexapro are: Do not stop taking Lexapro abruptly, severe withdrawal symptoms may occur. This is not a complete list of the side effects associated with Lexapro.

For more specific information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist. When your doctor prescribes a new medication, be sure to discuss all your prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including dietary supplements, vitamins, botanicals, minerals, and herbals, as well as the foods you eat. Always keep a current list of the drugs and supplements you take and review it with your health care providers and your pharmacist.

For more information visit the Everyday Health depression center: Lexapro escitalopram is an antidepressant in the SSRI class of drugs. Consult your healthcare provider for specific recommendations. Your healthcare provider is best able to guide your choice of treatment based on your specific circumstances.

I have been taking 10mg of Lexapro daily for 2 years. I want to stop taking it. What is the safest time frame for weaning off of the medication? Lexapro escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression and other conditions as determined by your doctor. Tablet cutters which can be purchased at a local pharmacy can help with splitting tablets.

Does Lexapro cause bloating, gas, and itchy skin? Lexapro escitalopram is an SSRI selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression, and it can effect the GI gastrointestinal tract. Bloating and gas are not specifically listed as side effects, but it can cause heartburn, nausea, constipation, stomach pain, increased appetite, and diarrhea.

It does not list itchy skin. If there is a redness and rash with the itchiness, there may be an allergy to the medication. You should contact your doctor. This is not a complete list of the side effects associated with Lexapro escitalopram. Patti Brown, PharmD Q: Could Lexapro make me always want to sleep? Escitalopram Lexapro belongs to the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs.

These drugs work by affecting chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Escitalopram is used for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. The most common side effects of escitalopram are insomnia difficulty sleeping , nausea, fatigue, and ejaculation problems in men. This is not a complete list of the side effects associated with escitalopram. Can Lexapro cause dry eyes? Lexapro escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

The most common side effects with Lexapro are headache, drowsiness, insomnia, and nausea. Lexapro may also cause blurred vision. A search of the prescribing information for Lexapro did not specifically list dry eyes as a side effect. Tell your health care provider about any negative side effects from prescription drugs. Lexapro escitalopram is a medication in the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs.

Serotonin is a natural chemical that assists in maintaining mental balance and mood. Weight gain and weight loss have both been reported with Lexapro.

There are many factors that can lead to weight gain. Kristen Dore, PharmD Q: I have been taking Lexapro 20 mg for 5 years.

My doctor increased it to 40 mg a day. It really helped but it is expensive. Is there another drug I can take without withdrawal from Lexapro that has a generic? I am also in pain management and take Oxycontin 80 mg every 12 hours and oxycodone 30 mg four times a day. There is a drug that is very similar to Lexapro, and is available in a generic form. It is called Celexa citalopram. Megan Uehara, PharmD Q: Lexapro, like other medications in the category of antidepressants, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs , do have the potential to cause people to gain weight.

If this side effect has become bothersome, you may want to speak with your prescriber to discuss other possible treatment options that do not cause this unwanted side effect.

Is there a withdrawal period if you just stop taking Lexapro? Lexapro escitalopram is an antidepressant that needs to be tapered down when discontinuation of the medication is desired. It is best to taper off the medication under the supervision of a physician in order to monitor your symptoms and side effects and prevent any serious complications, such as seizures, when coming off this medication.

I take Lexapro and I have gained a lot of weight. Does Lexapro dry out your hair? Lexapro escitalopram is a medication that is used to treat depression or anxiety. It works by balancing out the chemical serotonin in the brain that is causing your symptoms. Dry hair is not listed as a side effect of Lexapro. The most common side effects are diarrhea, dry mouth, insomnia, stomach upset, constipation, weight changes, and decreased sex drive. Escitalopram may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm QT prolongation.

The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using escitalopram, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation.

Talk to your doctor about using escitalopram safely. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.

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