General Info:

What is Lexapro?

Lexapro is in a class of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Lexapro tablets and oral solution are used to treat:

• Depression
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Who Should Not Take Lexapro?

Never take Lexapro if you are taking another drug used to treat depression, called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), or if you have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days. Taking Lexapro close in time to an MAOI can result in serious, sometimes fatal, reactions, including:

• High body temperature
• Coma
• Seizures (convulsions)

MAOI drugs include Nardil (phenelzine sulfate), Parnate (tranylcypromine sulfate), Marplan (isocarboxazid), and other brands.

Stopping Lexapro:

Do not stop taking Lexapro suddenly because you could get side effects. Your healthcare professional will slowly decrease your dose.

Bleeding problems:

Lexapro may cause bleeding problems, especially if taken with aspirin, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen), or other drugs that affect bleeding.

Mania:

You may become unusually hyperactive, excitable or elated.

Seizures:

You may experience a seizure (convulsion), even if you are not taking Lexapro close in time with an MAOI.

Other side effects include:

• difficulty sleeping,
• nausea,
• increased sweating,
• fatigue,
• sleepiness.

How Do I Take Lexapro?

Lexapro is taken by mouth, with or without food, exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.