Generic name: escitalopram [ EE-sye-TAL-o-pram ]
Brand name: Lexapro
Drug class:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
What is escitalopram?
Escitalopram is an antidepressant belonging to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression or anxiety.
Escitalopram is used to treat major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents at least 12 years old.
Escitalopram is also used to treat anxiety in adults.
Warnings
You should not use escitalopram you also take pimozide or citalopram (Celexa).
Do not use escitalopram within 14 days before or 14 days after you have used an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as:agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, ...
