Generic Name: ESCITALOPRAM - ORAL
Pronounced: (es-sye-TAL-oh-pram)

Lexapro Oral Precautions

Before taking escitalopram, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to citalopram; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• personal or family history of psychiatric disorders (such as bipolar/manic-depressive disorder)
• personal or family history of suicide attempts
• bleeding problems
• liver disease
• seizures
• kidney disease
• stomach bleeding (such as ulcers)
• severe loss of body water (dehydration)
• low sodium in the blood (hyponatremia)

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. They may be more likely to lose too much salt (hyponatremia), especially if they are also taking "water pills" (diuretics) with this medication.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Also, babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, tell the doctor promptly.

Since untreated depression can be a serious condition, do not stop using this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Lexapro Oral Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Nausea, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, constipation, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, or increased sweating may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• unusual or severe mental/mood changes (such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, nervousness, unusual high energy/excitement, rare thoughts of suicide)
• decreased interest in sex
• changes in sexual ability

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur:

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