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Lexapro (escitalopram)
Overall Rating
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6.43
Rating:

6.43

Side Effects
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4.32
Pricing
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4.61
Average Price: $38.88 Thumbs up Recommended By
76% of reviewers (of 46 reviews)
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Lexapro®

Generic Name: Escitalopram ess-sit-AL-oh-pram

Drug Class: Antidepressant, SSRI

 

Contents

 

Description
This medicine is used to treat depression or anxiety. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for other conditions as well.
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General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your healthcare provider. 

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Proper use of this medicine
This medicine should be taken about the same time every day, morning or evening and can be taken with or without food. This medicine may take up to 4 weeks to reach full effect, but you may see symptoms of depression improving in as little as 1-2 weeks.
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Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.
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Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
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Possible Side Effects
    • dry mouth
    • tremor or muscle spasms
    • nervousness
    • trouble sleeping
    • headache, drowsiness
    • nausea
    • drowsiness
    • insomnia
    • headache
    • increased sweating
    • dizziness, lightheadedness
    • changes in sexual function
    • Unreported side effects are possible, talk to your healthcare provider if any other symptoms occur.
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Warnings/Precautions
    • This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
    • Alcoholic beverages can increase the effects of this medicine and should be avoided.
    • Smoking cigarettes can decrease the effectiveness of this medicine.
    • If you are planning to have surgery, let your doctor know.
    • Do NOT take this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)] in the last two weeks.
    • This medicine can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in some children and teens. Parents of children taking antidepressants should watch for signs of worsening depression or unusual changes in behavior.
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Overdose
Seek medical attention immediately. U.S. residents can call the national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
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Drug Interactions
    • If you are taking a tricyclic antidepressant, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
    • St. John’s Wort should be avoided while taking this medicine due to the additive effects of serotonin.
    • Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
      • blood thinners (Coumadin)
      • other antidepressants
      • metoprolol
      • antihistamines
      • carbamazepine (Tegretol)
      • cimetidine (Tagamet)
      • estrogens
      • fluoxetine (Prozac)
      • intraconazole (Sporanox)
      • ketoconazole (Nizoral)
      • levodopa
      • lithium
      • muscle relaxants
      • birth control pills
      • sleeping pills
      • thyroid medications
    • Do not take this medicine with thioridizine, or within 5 weeks of taking this medicine.
    • Caution should be exercised when taking this medicine certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin.
    • If you are taking medications for migraines such as Imitrex, talk to your doctor before starting this medicine.
    • This medicine should not be taken with MAO inhibitors. If you think you are taking an MAO inhibitor talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

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Pregnancy/Nursing
If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss the benefits versus the risks of using this medicine while pregnant. Because this medicine is excreted in the breast milk, nursing mothers should not breastfeed while taking this medicine.
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More Information

Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially children/teenages) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with a doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication, even if the treatment is not for a mental condition. Tell your doctor immediatley if you notice worsening depression, unusual behavior changes, (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes. Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.
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Copyright 2006 PharmClips, Inc. All rights reserved. www.pharmclips.com
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before making any changes in their drug regimen.



Last reviewed:

  On 8 Aug 2006

  By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.





 

lexapro

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Monty_girl
Poohbah


Registered: December 2004
Posts: 1396
Review Date: Thu June 15, 2006 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 8 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Less side effects then other SSRI I've tried
Negative aspects of this (cons): Increased sweating

This has been a wonder drug for me. It's help my depression and also anxiety. Started working quickly for me. I have been able to stay on this medication longer then any others due to less side effects.
LMo
Elder


Registered: January 2003
Posts: 7308
Review Date: Thu June 22, 2006 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: $1.00| Rating: 9 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Was terrific for reducing anxiety and nervous energy
Negative aspects of this (cons): Intense drowsiness; incompatible with pregnancy

I love Lexapro! Made me feel more like the "real me" than I've ever felt. I took it for anxiety, not depression, and it was wonderful. I'm normally very high-energy - speak quickly, think quickly, do things quickly -- and Lexapro really mellowed me out without making me stupid. My husband, who is very mellow to begin with, takes it for depression and it worked in the complete opposite way for him -- he is more alert and sharp than when he was not on meds.

Made me sleeeeeeeppppyy for the first two months I was on it -- almost to the point of interfering with my life. I can't take it now because I'm trying to get pregnant and it's a Class C drug. I'm now on Wellbutrin instead, but it's just not as good as Lexapro.

tita
Member


Registered: May 2006
Posts: 221
Review Date: Tue June 27, 2006 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 8 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): It helps me
Negative aspects of this (cons): no side effects

I been on Lexepro for about 2 months,I like that I don't get any drug reactions
(Take alot of meds for Psyical reasons)also It took less time then other SSRIs to work.) I only had to wait for about a week for the med to work.
alf0156
Member


Registered: August 2006
Posts: 60
Review Date: Sat September 9, 2006 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 1 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): nothing
Negative aspects of this (cons): nothing

didn't do anything for me
wi_fighter
Grand Magnate


Registered: April 2005
Posts: 3396
Review Date: Wed September 13, 2006 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 10 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Decreased anxiety, increased mood
Negative aspects of this (cons): None, except it wasn't the type of AD that my depression requires

I was on this for several months at 20 mg. It worked very well on mood and any accompanying anxiety, but did nothing for my lack of motivation. As I have apathetic depression versus dysthymia, I need an activating AD. Lexapro is a calming AD. If you need a calming SSRI, this could very well be the one for you. Two thumbs up.
eskielover
Magnate


Registered: October 2004
Posts: 2415
Review Date: Thu September 14, 2006 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 6 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros):
Negative aspects of this (cons): added to migraine pain

I was put on lexapro while in the hospital being treated for anorexia after the death of my Mother. My migraine headache treatment has them under control, so when I realized that I was experiencing migraine pain after taking this med, I immediately stopped taking it. I am overly sensitive to migraine pain caused by meds, so not willing to take a chance of having the migraine pain return.
SerenitysWave
Poohbah


Registered: December 2005
Posts: 1434
Review Date: Sun October 22, 2006 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 7 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): worked well to relieve anxiety/panic attacks as well as self injury urges
Negative aspects of this (cons): had to keep upping dosages

Although it didnt fully work out for me, I did get relief for many of my symptoms of depression and anxiety. I would try it again if my current medication fails me. In all fairness to this medication I was also taking Wellbutrin at the same time.
prodigiousgamer
Member


Registered: October 2006
Posts: 51
Review Date: Sun October 22, 2006 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 7 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): mild reduction in depression after 6 weeks; virtually no side effects
Negative aspects of this (cons): not a very potent medication, works best with people with mild depression

the best thing about lexapro is that i experienced almost no side effects. my doctor said that it is one of the safest SSRI's on the market. after 6 weeks on the medication i experienced a mild reduction in the depression. however i would not recommend this treatment to people with moderate to severe depression because Lexapro is not a very strong antidepressant.
Direction
Magnate


Registered: December 2006
Posts: 2172
Review Date: Fri January 12, 2007 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 1 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Didn't help
Negative aspects of this (cons): Took to long to reach effectiveness

I took to long to reach effectiveness which isn't good when you need to rid yourself of unhealthy thoughts.
txstarrrynites
Junior Member

Registered: January 2007
Posts: 19
Review Date: Thu January 18, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: $125.00| Rating: 10 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): found a drug that helps me
Negative aspects of this (cons): n/a

Helped at the time to get out of a slump. Miss taking it for my depression
mommyof5cats
Visitor


Registered: January 2007
Posts: 2
Review Date: Fri January 19, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 8 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): works faster than other SSRI's, increased mood
Negative aspects of this (cons): tough to come off of

I have no real complaints about Lexapro, I think I've finally found something that helps.
Hopefull
Grand Member

Registered: November 2005
Posts: 748
Review Date: Thu January 25, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 7 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Increased energy levels, improved focus, better sleep and lower anxiety levels.
Negative aspects of this (cons): felt like throwing up, some dizzyness

I am taking it for depression. I like the fact that I stopped wasting my time starring at walls almost immediately. I also had a dramatic increase in energy levels in the first month of the drug. It has helped me to sleep better after around two months of the drug. It also makes my time with T more valuable because I can get into a positive frame of mind with less struggle. So my T doesn't have to see what I call "the look." I would sit there and stare at her with a blank look when she would suggest a more positive way to look at something. I couldn't seem to process her more positive thinking.
HeatherS
Visitor


Registered: January 2007
Posts: 2
Review Date: Wed January 31, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: $25.00| Rating: 8 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): worked really well, especially at first
Negative aspects of this (cons): tired a lot, low sex drive

This worked for me really well at first, i could tell right away that it was working... then, i realized i was feeling really tired a lot and i totally lost my sex drive. THEN the depressive symptoms started coming back so the dose was doubled. Again worked well. I have since stopped taking it and the withdrawal depression is HORRIBLE. This is the only one i've been on and so i can't compare it to others.
Thomi
Member


Registered: February 2007
Posts: 21
Review Date: Fri February 16, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 8 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): worked quickily without side effects
Negative aspects of this (cons): none

Worked within the first week and lessened depression. I had no side effects. Best SSRI Ihave been on.
alisonwonderland
Visitor

Registered: February 2007
Posts: 2
Review Date: Sun February 25, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 9 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): helped me a lot with depression
Negative aspects of this (cons): did nothing for anxiety, increased severity of headaches

this is working pretty well,
except for making my headaches worse.
Stacy3601
Member


Registered: February 2007
Posts: 66
Review Date: Wed February 28, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 9 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): helped with my deperession
Negative aspects of this (cons): didnt last

it is a little on the expensive side, but it did help with my depression for a few years. but i got used to it and it stopped working for me after after a year or two
Jkeyz
Member

Registered: February 2007
Posts: 52
Review Date: Wed February 28, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 7 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Worked fast
Negative aspects of this (cons): Didn't last

I loved Lexapro when I first started taking it for my depression. It lifted me up, but it made me manic. It has since leveled out. It continues to help with my depression, but not enough. I have gone back down again. Need motivation to do anything. I no longer have tension migraine headaches since taking Lexapro.
Juliana
Grand Member


Registered: March 2007
Posts: 933
Review Date: Sat March 3, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 10 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): alleviated my depression, calmed anxiety, fewer and less severe panic attacks
Negative aspects of this (cons): headaches

I have been taking Lexapro for about 6 weeks. I started taking just 1/4 tablet and slowly worked my way up to 10mg per day. During the first 10 days I had acid reflux, increased nausea and upset stomach. Those side effects went away though.

I had severe agoraphobia from 2000-2004. Celexa, Clonazepam and CBT helped me overcome it. I stopped taking Celexa a year ago and was doing fine without it (still having the occasional panic attack, but I was handling it), but then I started to get very depressed in the summer and it worsened throughout the fall and winter.

So, I started taking Lexapro for depression. My depression has now lifted completely. I had also been experiencing daily panic attacks and a high level of general anxiety before I started taking it. Those are almost completely gone now. I am now rarely taking the Clonazepam that I used to take for anxiety and panic attacks.

I started a new high-stress, very busy job 2 weeks ago. My job requires me to be in front of tv cameras, talking to reporters and going to lots of meetings and being very social. Lexapro has made these things easy for me. I'm so glad I started taking it. I don't think I would have handled all the new pressure and responsibility very well without it.

I find it doesn't cause the inertia and lethargy I experienced while on Celexa. I'm also hoping it won't cause the weight gain I experienced with Celexa. So far, it has worked extremely well for me. I tend to get headaches in the evening and I'm normally not prone to headaches. That's a small price to pay for the positive effects I have gotten from Lexapro, though. Lexapro has given me very vivid dreams too, but they're good dreams so I'm not complaining. ;-)

loupopeye22
Visitor

Registered: March 2007
Posts: 10
Review Date: Wed March 28, 2007 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 2 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): increased energy
Negative aspects of this (cons): suicidal ideations

Had them for few months but stopped due to severe suicidal attempts and suicidal ideations therefore ending up in a locked up unit to receive a better treatment and plenty of rests too. I feel they are better for some and some not. Just be careful, especially with suicidal ideations which I must ask you to talk to your pdoc straight away before too late.
DoubtingThomasina
Junior Member


Registered: April 2007
Posts: 19
Review Date: Wed April 11, 2007 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 1 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): None
Negative aspects of this (cons): Sent me into severe mania

I was place on Lexapro for depression. It sent me into severe mania, I blacked out for four days, waking up in strange places, having sex with strangers, binge drinking, running around on streets. It was scary. When my mania ran its course, I sank into the most scary Major depressive episode. I sat on a toilet one night and held a bottle of muscle relaxers. Till today, I don't know why I did not kill myself. I guess God was watching over me.
Lexi232
Member


Registered: April 2007
Posts: 147
Review Date: Fri April 27, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 8 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Helps with depression and some anxiety
Negative aspects of this (cons): Can become immune to it; stops working.

I was first put on it when I was 15yr, I stayed on it for 6 months, soon they had it upped to 90 mg, which is almost 5 times the highest dose. Then I became immuned to it, and quit taking it... About 7 months ago i was put on it again but at 10 mg (now 20 years old, was 19yr when they put me back on it) today they upped it to 20mg, because i've became immuned to it again... I'll probably just continue this cycle.
cherryblossom
Member


Registered: April 2007
Posts: 24
Review Date: Sat May 12, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: $85.00| Rating: 10 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): helps me stay calm
Negative aspects of this (cons): hurts me sexually

I like the treatment my Doctor has choice for me.
jimmyjetta
Visitor

Registered: May 2007
Posts: 8
Review Date: Sun May 13, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 6 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): it works
Negative aspects of this (cons): sexual side effects

Antidepressant properties are solid. It works well.

I generally only get one side effect from antidepressants: no matter which one it is, if it demonstrates even the smallest possibility of causing sexual side effects then I'm going to be the person who has problems with it.

Catch 22.

adele96
Member

Registered: May 2007
Posts: 41
Review Date: Fri May 18, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 9 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): alleviates my depression and stabilises my moods and anxiety.
Negative aspects of this (cons): decreases libido and needs dosages to be increased after some time.

i started on citalopram with a couple mild side effects at first. it worked, but the dry mouth became so severe i couldn't even sleep for needing to drink all night. so i asked doctor for something similar that wouldn't dry my mouth and he put me on lexapro. works the same, but now i don't have a dry mouth. i've been on it for nearly a year and was doing great. i felt like myself. it has reduced my libido, but since my libido was out of control before it has been a relief and i can still get revved easy enough.
but a recent emotional upheaval has meant i have had to double my dosage to 20mg two days ago. it is only just starting to work on the anxiety attacks and deepening depression but i can feel it trying to work. just need a little more time and i'm sure things will be better. i couldn't live without it.
John_James
Junior Member


Registered: June 2007
Posts: 6
Review Date: Sun June 3, 2007 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 9 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Some relief of depression
Negative aspects of this (cons): This medicine destroys your sex drive.

This drug will shut your sex drive off. The price of this drug dosen't apply to me because my medical insurance covers most of the cost.
Noncomposmentis8
Member


Registered: May 2007
Posts: 108
Review Date: Mon July 16, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 8 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): It made me calmer less angry
Negative aspects of this (cons): None.

I took it for anger, and After a month and a half I felt happy and less angry.
lhanson
Visitor


Registered: August 2007
Posts: 12
Review Date: Mon August 20, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 6 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Helped with depression and mania
Negative aspects of this (cons): anorgasm, tiredness

This drug was nice in that it didn't have a lot of side effects, but the ones it did have caused me to get off of it. The sleepiness was way to strong for me. It helped with depression, but not long term.
xp1155
Member

Registered: August 2007
Posts: 42
Review Date: Sun August 26, 2007 Would you recommend this? No | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 2 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): none for me
Negative aspects of this (cons): gave me symptoms of ADD

If you don't tolerate Celexa well, then this is not the drug for you. This stuff is industrial strength Celexa. My therapist was shocked at how much this drug changed my personality and he took me off of it immediately. It gave me symptoms of ADD and I couldn't concentrate on anything! It's a good drug for some people, but wouldn't be my first choice to try.
mrwagner66
Visitor


Registered: September 2006
Posts: 5
Review Date: Wed August 29, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: $1.00| Rating: 9 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Great anti-depressant!
Negative aspects of this (cons): Makes me a little sleepy, nothing major. Mild headaches at first.. went away after about a week.

This and Trileptal pulled me out of the worst depression I had ever experienced in July 2007.. I had to be pulled out of bed to eat! There was no crying or feelings of suicide, just this blanket of numb lifelessness.. I wasn't sure why I was still breathing.

My friends dragged me to a therapist and I was put on the above two meds (for the second time after quitting them in Dec 2006) and they helped reorganize my scattered thoughts and get me back on track.

Prada
Member

Registered: August 2007
Posts: 33
Review Date: Fri September 14, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 4 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): Felt a bit more social
Negative aspects of this (cons): Caused me more depression

I have seen many people have success, but when I was 15 I got VERY depressed while on it. The study canada did that caused the following warning message came about 2 months after my hospitalization...
"However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially children/teenages) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts."

Wish I knew that BEFORE I took it Smile

LeeCh
New Member


Registered: October 2007
Posts: 5
Review Date: Sat October 6, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: $72.00| Rating: 3 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): increased my mood
Negative aspects of this (cons): increased my mood too much, akithesia

This drug did not work for me. It made me manic. It made me have this feeling that I wanted to crawl out of my skin. I didn't feel it did much for my anxiety. I thought I was going psychotic on this drug. I do have a bipolar label though and I think the doctor totally mismedicated me. Antidepressant monotherapy does not work for bipolars and can make them manic. I've heard it does wonders if you are severely depressed.
reggie7777
Visitor


Registered: May 2007
Posts: 2
Review Date: Mon October 29, 2007 Would you recommend this? Yes | Total Spent: Not Indicated| Rating: 7 

 
Positive aspects of this (pros): works well with little or no side effects.
Negative aspects of this (cons): but i think i need something new. i' ve been it on it for a few years now and it may not be working as good for me. does someone know of a newer drug?

i also take zyprexa 5 mg every 3 days. really don't like it's saide effects but can't seem to get of it.
TammyGrl0528
Visitor


Registered: November 2007
Posts: 4