What is Lexapro?

Lexapro also known as Cipralex internationally and the generic alternative Escitalopram is used to treat depression and anxiety. It may improve your energy level and feelings of well-being and decrease nervousness. Lexapro is used to treat anxiety in adults. Lexapro is also used to treat major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents who are at least 12 years old. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.

How Does Lexapro work?

Lexapro works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance. Escitalopram belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning or evening.
• Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
• Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
• It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. It may take 1 to 4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of Escitalopram.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your personal or family history of bipolar or manic-depressive disorder, history of suicide attempts, liver disease, seizures, intestinal ulcers or bleeding, bleeding problems, low sodium in the blood, personal or family history of glaucoma.
• If you have ever had liver or kidney disease, seizures, low levels of sodium in your blood, heart disease, high blood pressure, a stroke, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, bipolar, disorder manic depression or drug addiction or suicidal thoughts.
• If you are taking marijuana.
• If you are pregnant, planning on pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Also be aware that:

• 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. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs such as diuretics or "water pills" or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea or vomiting.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, such as QT prolongation, loss of coordination or bleeding.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Nausea, dry mouth or constipation.
• Trouble sleeping, tiredness or drowsiness.
• Dizziness or increased sweating.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Decreased interest in sex or changes in sexual ability.
• Easy bruising or bleeding.
• Bloody, black or tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
• Fainting, seizures, fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Eye pain, swelling or redness of the eye, widened pupils, vision changes such as seeing rainbows around lights at night and blurred vision.
• Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as rashes, itching, swelling especially of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.

Q: What is the generic alternative to Lexapro?

A: The generic alternative to Lexapro is known as Escitalopram. You can save up to 90% on both medications by buying from us and Escitalopram may offer even better savings.

Q: What is the strength of Lexapro?

A: Both Lexapro and Escitalopram are available in 10mg and 20mg strength.

Q: How long does it take Lexapro to work?

A: It usually takes Escitalopram 4 to 6 weeks to work but should be taken regularly for the best effects.