Lexapro

Lexapro is used for:

Treating depression or generalized anxiety disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve certain mood problems.

Do NOT use Lexapro if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Lexapro
• you are taking citalopram
• you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days
• you are taking a fenfluramine derivative (eg, dexfenfluramine), an H₁ antagonist (eg, astemizole, terfenadine), nefazodone, pimozide, or sibutramine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Lexapro :

Some medical conditions may interact with Lexapro . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse
• if you have a history of seizures, liver problems, severe kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, or metabolism problems
• if you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol
• if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Lexapro . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Fenfluramine derivatives (eg, dexfenfluramine), linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), metoclopramide, nefazodone, selegiline, serotonin 5-HT₁ receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, St. John's wort, or trazodone because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased
• Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased
• Tramadol because the risk of seizures may be increased
• H₁ antagonists (eg, astemizole, terfenadine) or phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine) because severe heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, may occur
• Carbamazepine or cyproheptadine because they may decrease Lexapro 's effectiveness
• Clozapine, pimozide, risperidone, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Lexapro

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lexapro may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.