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Information about Generic Lexapro
Generic Lexapro is used fort treating depression or generalized anxiety disorder. Generic Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve certain mood problems. This medications may also be used for other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.
How to use Generic Lexapro:
Use this medicine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Generic Lexapro comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Generic Lexapro refilled.
- Take Generic Lexapro by mouth with or without food.
- Taking Generic Lexapro at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
- Continue to take Generic Lexapro even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Generic Lexapro without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored when you start Generic Lexapro and whenever a change in dose is made.
- If you miss a dose of Generic Lexapro , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Do not use Generic Lexaproo if you are:
- allergic to any ingredient in Generic Lexapro
- taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days
- you are taking a citalopram, fenfluramine derivative (eg, dexfenfluramine), an H1 antagonist (eg, astemizole, terfenadine), nefazodone, pimozide, or sibutramine
Before taking Generic Lexapro:
Some medical conditions may interact with Generic Lexapro. Tell your pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are breast-feeding, planning to become pregnant, or are pregnant
- if you are taking any herbal preparation, dietary supplement, prescription or nonprescription medicines
- if you have allergies to medicines, or foods
- if you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol
- if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy
- if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse
- if you have a history of seizures, liver problems, severe kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, or metabolism problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Generic Lexapro. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased
- Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased
- Tramadol because the risk of seizures may be increased
- Carbamazepine or cyproheptadine because they may decrease Generic Lexapro's effectiveness
- Clozapine, pimozide, risperidone, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Generic Lexapro
- H1 antagonists (eg, astemizole, terfenadine) or phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine) because severe heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, may occur
- Fenfluramine derivatives (eg, dexfenfluramine), linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), metoclopramide, nefazodone, selegiline, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, St. John's wort, or trazodone because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your pharmacist if Generic Lexapro may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Important safety information:
- Generic Lexapro may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Generic Lexapro with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not drink alcohol while you are using Generic Lexapro.
- Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Generic Lexapro; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
- One to 4 weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose, change your dose, or use Generic Lexapro for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
- Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Generic Lexapro may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Generic Lexapro closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
- Generic Lexapro and a medicine called citalopram have the same active ingredient. Do not take this medicine if you are also taking citalopram.
- If your doctor tells you to stop taking Generic Lexapro, you will need to wait for several weeks before beginning to take certain other medicines (eg, MAOIs, nefazodone). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking Generic Lexapro.
- Generic Lexapro may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.
- Serotonin syndrome is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Generic Lexapro. Your risk may be greater if you take Generic Lexapro with certain other medicines (eg, "triptans," MAOIs). Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; hallucinations; coma; fever; fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
- Caution is advised when using Generic Lexapropro in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood sodium levels.
- Caution is advised when using Generic Lexapro in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions.
- Generic Lexapro should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- Generic Lexapro may cause weight changes. CHILDREN and teenagers may need regular weight and growth checks while they take Generic Lexapro.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Generic Lexapro may cause harm to the fetus if it is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Generic Lexapro while you are pregnant. This medicine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Generic Lexapro.
Possible side effects of Generic Lexapro:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
- Constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; increased sweating; lightheadedness when you stand or sit up; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach upset; tiredness; trouble sleeping.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
- Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; hives; itching; rash; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; tightness in the chest;); bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; decreased concentration; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; memory loss; menstrual period changes; new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still; persistent or severe ringing in the ears;persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; vision changes; worsening of depression.
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