Lexapro (generic name: escitalopram; brand names include: Citadep / Elpram / Cipralex) is an antidepressant that belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs.

Lexapro has been proven in clinical trials to be an effective and well-tolerated prescription medication that improves the quality of life for adults suffering from depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Lexapro has been prescribed to over 18 million U.S. adults for depression, anxiety, or both.

Lexapro is also used to treat patients who may avoid and/or are fearful of social situations (social anxiety disorder) and to treat irrational fears or obsessional behaviour (obsessive-compulsive disorder).

Lexapro is unique in that it was created based on an advanced technique. Lexapro was developed by isolating the medicinal component of Celexa (citalopram HBr), a molecule known as an isomer.
Lexapro helps to restore the brain's chemical balance by increasing the supply of a chemical messenger in the brain called serotonin. Lexapro appears to relieve the symptoms of depression and anxiety by increasing serotonin with minimal effect on many of the other chemicals in the brain.

Lexapro is not addictive.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Recommendations

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Lexapro exactly as directed. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food.

It may take 1 to 4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of Lexapro. Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

Do not miss any doses. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Lexapro can be given to elderly patients over 65 years of age with a reduced dose.

Use of alcohol while taking this medicine is not recommended.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container away from heat and light.

Precautions

Before taking Lexapro, tell your doctor if:

you have allergies any other medicines;
you have diabetes; or you have heart, kidney, liver disease;
you have bipolar disorder (manic depression);
you have a history of seizures or fits.

Do not give Lexapro to a child or adolescent.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: escitalopram.
Lexapro does not contain lactose, gluten, sucrose, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.