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Lexapro (Escitalopram) increases the amount of neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain by blocking the resorption of serotonin from the synapse, having little effect of other receptors, which is why it is called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Lexapro (Escitalopram) is directly derived from antidepressant citalopram (Celexa), by removing the therapeutically inactive R-citalopram component. R-citalopram is an enantiomer, which is one of a pair of chemical compounds, prefixed by either S- or R-, whose molecular structures have a mirror-image relationship to each other, also referred as stereoisomers. This structure is a product of chemical synthesis and also characterizes other SSRI drugs like fluoxetine (Prozac).
Lexapro (Escitalopram) seems to be more effective at lower dosages than citalopram (e.g. 10mg of escitalopram is effective as 40mg of citalopram). Some studies indicate that Lexapro (Escitalopram) is also quicker and causes fewer side effects and drug interactions problems. Other studies find Lexapro (Escitalopram) to be very similar to Celexa (citalopram) in terms of side effects. The recommended dose of Lexapro (Escitalopram) is 10mg/day. If the dose is increased to 20mg/day, this should occur after a minimum of one week. Lexapro (Escitalopram) should be administered once daily, in the morning or evening, with or without food. Lexapro (Escitalopram) Side effects: Subside quickly: Headaches, nausea, insomnia, vivid dreams, dry mouth. May not subside until discontinuation: Sexual side effects (e.g. ejaculation problems, libido decreased). Others: Somnolence, sweating increased, fatigue, tremor (shaking). To help you remember to take Lexapro (Escitalopram)take it around the same time every day, in the morning or in the evening. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Lexapro (Escitalopram) exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Lexapro (Escitalopram) or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of Lexapro (Escitalopram) and increase your dose after 1 week. It may take 1-4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of Lexapro (Escitalopram). Continue to take Lexapro (Escitalopram) even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Lexapro (Escitalopram) without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor will probably decrease your Lexapro (Escitalopram) dose gradually. Before taking Lexapro (Escitalopram), • tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to Lexapro (escitalopram), citalopram (Celexa), or any other medications. • do not take Cipralex or Lexapro(Escitalopram) if you are taking an MAO inhibitor such as phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate) or have stopped taking them in the last 2 weeks. • you should know that Cipralex and Lexapro (Escitalopram) are very similar to another SSRI, citalopram (Celexa). You should not take these medications together. • tell your doctor or pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antihistamines; carbamazepine (Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet); ketoconazole (Sporanox); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithotabs); medications for anxiety, mental illness, or seizures; metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL); other antidepressants such as desipramine (Norpramin); sedatives; sleeping pills; sumatriptan (Imitrex); and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. • tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack and if you have or have ever had bipolar disorder; seizures; or liver, kidney, thyroid, or heart disease. • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Lexapro (Escitalopram), call your doctor. • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Lexapro (Escitalopram). • you should know that Lexapro (Escitalopram) may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. • remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Lexapro (Escitalopram) Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of Lexapro (Escitalopram) to make up for a missed one. |
A Brief Description Of Lexapro (Escitalopram) Generic Name: Escitalopram Lexapro (Escitalopram) is an antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety which works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) in the brain. Lexapro (Escitalopram) may also improve your feelings of well-being, your energy levels, and decrease nervousness. What Are The Most Common Uses For Lexapro (Escitalopram)? Lexapro (Escitalopram) is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, and is used in the treatment of major depressive disorder as well as generalized anxiety disorder. Other uses of Lexapro (Escitalopram) also fall under social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. How Does Lexapro (Escitalopram) Work? Lexapro (Escitalopram) works by increasing intrasynaptic levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. It does this by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitter into the neuron. Is A Prescription Required To Purchase Lexapro (Escitalopram)? A prescription is required to purchase Lexapro (Escitalopram). Please consult with your doctor or local pharmacist for more information. What Are The Standard Dosages For Lexapro (Escitalopram)? Lexapro (Escitalopram) is taken orally, either with or without food and usually once daily, or as otherwise directed by your doctor. As the required dosage will always be different for different people, please make sure to always check with your doctor and follow their directions. If you have any questions or for more information, consult with your doctor or local pharmacist. For How Long Should Lexapro (Escitalopram) Be Taken? Since the required dosages of Lexapro (Escitalopram), as well as the length of time that the treatment lasts, will always differ for different people, please make sure to always check with your doctor and follow their directions. Are There Any Side Effects With Using Lexapro (Escitalopram)? Some side effects associated with using Lexapro (Escitalopram) may include:
…however, should any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Also, tell your doctor immediately should any of these unlikely but potentially serious side effects occur:
Lexapro (Escitalopram) may rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome, the risk of which is increased when Lexapro (Escitalopram) is used with certain other drugs (such as ‘triptans’), which are used to treat migraine headaches (such as: sumatriptan, eletriptan), certain antidepressants including other SSRIs (such as: fluoxetine, citalopram), and SNRIs (such as: venlafaxine), lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, or a certain drug to treat obesity (sibutramine). Seek immediate emergency medical attention should you develop any of the following symptoms:
Lastly, it should be noted for males that, in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and seek immediate emergency medical attention, or permanent problems could occur. A serious allergic reaction to Lexapro (Escitalopram) is highly unlikely however, should one occur seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:
This may not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information, or should you experience any other effects not listed here. When Should Lexapro (Escitalopram) Not Be Used? Lexapro (Escitalopram) should not by used by anyone who:
If you have any questions or for more information, consult with your doctor or local pharmacist. How Should Lexapro (Escitalopram) Be Stored? Lexapro (Escitalopram) should be stored at room temperature (around 77 degrees F or 25 degrees C), away from light and moisture, and should not be stored in the bathroom. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Where Can You Buy Lexapro (Escitalopram)? You can purchase Lexapro (Escitalopram) right here from OnlineCanadaRX.com. Why Buy Lexapro (Escitalopram) From Canada? In the same way that different drug companies charge different prices for the same exact same product of Lexapro (Escitalopram) in different countries, Lexapro (Escitalopram) is cheaper in Canada then it is in the US. In addition, due to the current exchange rate of the Canadian dollar, you can save even more money by purchasing Lexapro (Escitalopram) from us. |