Escitalopram (escitalopram)
My medication guide
Fairview Pharmacy. Call 601-544-4871.
My prescribed doseYour pharmacist or doctor fills this in.
Important warning
- Contact your prescriber promptly for worsening depression or thoughts of self-harm, particularly after starting or changing the dose. Antidepressants carry a warning about suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents and young adults. Immediate danger requires emergency help. Lexapro boxed warning
What does escitalopram treat?
- It is an SSRI used for depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
Morning or evening?
- It can be taken once daily in the morning or evening, with or without food. Choose the schedule agreed with your prescriber and keep it consistent.
When will I notice a benefit?
- Full benefit can take several weeks. Keep follow-up appointments rather than changing the dose on your own.
What if I forget a dose?
- Take it when remembered unless the next dose is almost due; then skip it. Do not double up. If you have stopped for several days, ask your pharmacist or prescriber how to restart. MedlinePlus
Can I stop when I feel better?
- Speak with your prescriber first. Stopping suddenly can cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, anxiety or unusual sensations. Your prescriber may lower the dose gradually. MedlinePlus
Which symptoms need attention?
- Nausea, sleep changes and sexual side effects can occur. Report troublesome effects. Fever with confusion, agitation, muscle stiffness or a fast heartbeat needs urgent medical help because serotonin syndrome is possible. New confusion, marked weakness or unsteadiness also needs prompt assessment; low sodium can occur, especially in older adults or people taking water pills. Lexapro label, sections 5 and 6
What should I check before adding another medicine?
- Ask about other antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, tramadol, St. John's wort, NSAIDs and blood thinners. Discuss bipolar history, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Escitalopram and citalopram are different prescriptions; do not swap them yourself. Lexapro label
Ask a Fairview pharmacist
- Ask a Fairview pharmacist about your medication list. Use urgent medical services for urgent symptoms. Prescription care is arranged with the pharmacy, not the OTC online shop. This is general education.