What is Lexapro?

Lexapro (escitalopram) is an antidepressant medication which is prescribed to treat anxiety in adults and to treat major depressive disorder in adults and children over 12 years old. Escitalopram may improve your energy level and your feelings of well being as well as decreasing nervousness.

How does Lexapro work?

The medication escitalopram works by increasing the amount of the natural substance serotonin within the brain of people with depression or anxiety which may be unbalanced. You can buy escitalopram 20mg and 10mg with Canada Drugs and save up to 90% on the cost of your medications.  

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

• Lexapro should be taken orally and can be take either with or without food. It is typically prescribed to be taken once a day, either in the morning or the evening.
• Your Lexapro dosage is based on factors including your age, medical condition, response to treatment and which other medications you may be taking. Do not increase or change your Lexapro dosage unless advised by a doctor. Your condition will not improve faster but the risk of side effects may increase.
• Lexapro should be taken regularly in order to be most effective. Try to take it at the same time each day and you should continue taking this medication even when you feel well. It may take up to two weeks to feel the benefit of this drug and up to four weeks to feel the full benefits.
• Do not stop taking Lexapro without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is stopped suddenly. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce your dose.

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 medical history, especially of heart problems, liver disease, seizures, intestinal ulcers or bleeding, bleeding problems or hyponatremia.
• Your personal and family medical history of bipolar, manic depressive disorder, suicide attempts or glaucoma.
• If you are using marijuana.
• If you are breast feeding.

Also be aware that:

• Lexapro may cause QT prolongation and this risk may be increased if you take other medications which can cause QT prolongation.
• This medication may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, operate machinery or do any other activity requiring alertness until it can be done safely.
• You should avoid alcohol while taking Lexapro.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication.
• Lexapro may harm an unborn baby and should only be used when clearly needed during pregnancy.

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

• Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness
• Sweating, feeling shaky or anxious.
• Sleep problems or yawning.
• Dry mouth or loss of appetite.
• Nausea or constipation.
• Weight changes.
• Decreased sex drive, impotence of difficulty having an orgasm.

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

• Vision changes such as blurred vision, tunnel vision, seeing halos around lights or eye pain.
• Racing thoughts, unusual risk taking or feelings of extreme happiness or sadness.
• Signs of low levels of body sodium such as headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination or feeling unsteady.
• Signs of a severe nervous system reaction such as stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeats, tremors of feeling as if you might pass out.
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Q: How long does it take Lexapro to work?

A: It may take up to two weeks to feel the benefit of Lexapro and up to four weeks to feel the full benefits of this antidepressant.

Q: What is the Lexapro generic alternative?

A: Generic Lexapro is known as Escitalopram and is available in 10mg and 20mg strengths. Buying generic Lexapro may help you to make even greater savings on the cost of your medication.

Q: What should I avoid while taking Lexapro?

A: Ask your doctor before you take any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) for pain, fever, arthritis or swelling. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen such as advil, naproxen, celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. 

Lexapro and alcohol can increase the chance of side effects therefore you should also avoid alcohol.

Q: What else is Lexapro called?

A: Lexapro is also known as Cipralex internationally. Cipralex is still the brand name Lexapro and is not a generic alternative. The generic alternative to Lexapro is known as Escitalopram.