Lexapro

Lexapro is commonly prescribed to manage the symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and panic disorder. It can help improve mood, reduce feelings of anxiety, and restore a sense of well-being.

Medicine is available in tablet form, and the dosage may range from 5 mg to 20 mg per day, depending on the individual's needs. It is usually taken orally, with or without food, once daily. It may take several weeks for the full therapeutic effect of Lexapro to be realized, so it is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you start feeling better.

How to use

Here are general guidelines for using Lexapro:

1. Dosage: Take medicine exactly as prescribed. The recommended starting dose for most adults is 10 mg once daily.
2. Timing: Lexapro can be taken with or without food. Choose a time of day that works best for you and try to take it around the same time each day to establish a routine.
3. Swallowing: Take the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet, as it is designed to release the medication slowly.
4. Duration of Use: Continue taking Lexapro as prescribed, even if you start feeling better. It may take several weeks for the full therapeutic effect to be realized. Stopping the medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
5. Be Patient: It may take time for Lexapro to reach its full effectiveness. It's important to be patient and allow the medication to work as intended.
6. Compliance: Take Escitalopram consistently and as prescribed. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

Dosage

Here are some general guidelines for Lexapro dosage:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):

• Starting Dose: The usual starting dose is 10 mg once daily.
• Maintenance Dose: Most individuals respond to a dosage range of 10-20 mg per day.
• Maximum Dose: The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg per day.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

• Starting Dose: The usual starting dose is 10 mg once daily.
• Maintenance Dose: Most individuals respond to a dosage range of 10-20 mg per day.
• Maximum Dose: The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg per day.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD):

• Starting Dose: The usual starting dose is 10 mg once daily.
• Maintenance Dose: Most individuals respond to a dosage range of 10-20 mg per day.
• Maximum Dose: The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg per day.

Panic Disorder:

• Starting Dose: The usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily, which may be increased to 10 mg once daily after one week.
• Maintenance Dose: Most individuals respond to a dosage range of 10-20 mg per day.
• Maximum Dose: The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg per day.

Side effects

Lexapro may cause side effects in some individuals. While not everyone experiences these side effects, it's important to be aware of potential reactions. Common side effects include:

1. Nausea: Feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach, which may lead to loss of appetite.
2. Headache: Aching or discomfort in the head.
3. Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
4. Drowsiness: Feeling tired or sleepy during the day.
5. Dizziness: Sensation of lightheadedness or unsteadiness.
6. Sweating: Increased perspiration, often without physical exertion.
7. Dry mouth: Decreased production of saliva, leading to a dry sensation in the mouth.
8. Sexual dysfunction: Changes in sexual desire, arousal, or performance.
9. Constipation: Difficulty in passing stools or infrequent bowel movements.
10. Diarrhea: Loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than usual.
11. Restlessness or agitation: Feeling uneasy or unable to relax.
12. Weight changes: Some individuals may experience weight gain or weight loss while taking Lexapro.

It's important to note that not all individuals will experience these side effects, and some side effects may be more common or severe than others.

In rare cases, Lexapro may cause more serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, suicidal thoughts, serotonin syndrome, or abnormal bleeding. If you experience any severe or concerning symptoms, including difficulty breathing, swelling, thoughts of self-harm, or unusual bleeding, seek immediate medical attention.

Storage

To store Lexapro properly, follow these guidelines:

1. Temperature: Store medicine at room temperature, ideally between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
2. Protect from moisture: Keep the medication in its original tightly closed container to protect it from moisture. Avoid exposing the medication to excessive humidity or damp areas, such as the bathroom.
3. Light exposure: Protect tablets from excessive light. Store it in a place away from direct sunlight and sources of intense light.
4. Keep out of reach of children: Store Lexapro in a secure location out of the reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
5. Do not transfer: Do not transfer the medication to a different container.
6. Check expiration date: Regularly check the expiration date on the Lexapro packaging. Do not use the medication if it has expired. Properly dispose of any expired medication.
7. Disposal: When disposing of Escitalopram, follow local regulations or consult with your pharmacist regarding proper disposal methods. Do not dispose of medication in household waste or pour it down the drain, as it can contaminate the environment.

Overdose

An overdose of Lexapro can be potentially serious and requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect an overdose or have taken more than the prescribed dosage, take the following steps:

• Contact emergency services: Call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Inform them that you have taken an overdose of Lexapro.
• Provide information: When seeking medical help, provide accurate information about the amount of Lexapro you have taken, the time of ingestion, and any other relevant details.
• Medical intervention: Treatment options may include pumping the stomach (gastric lavage) or using activated charcoal to absorb the medication.
• Monitor vital signs: Medical professionals will monitor your vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, to ensure they are stable.
• Supportive care: Supportive care may be provided to address any symptoms or complications resulting from the overdose. This may include the administration of fluids, medications to manage symptoms, and close monitoring of your condition.

It is important to remember that an overdose can be a medical emergency, and prompt medical attention is crucial. Even if you believe the overdose to be unintentional or if you are unsure about the severity, seeking immediate medical help is advised.

Missed Doses

If you miss a dose of Lexapro, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Here are some additional tips for managing missed doses of Lexapro:

1. Follow your prescribed schedule: Stick to the recommended dosing schedule to ensure the medication remains effective.
2. Set reminders: If you have difficulty remembering to take your medication, consider setting reminders or alarms to help you remember.