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.

How to use Lexapro :

Use this medicine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Lexapro comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Lexapro refilled.
Take Lexapro by mouth with or without food.
Taking Lexapro at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
Continue to take Lexapro even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
Do not suddenly stop taking Lexapro without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored when you start Lexapro and whenever a change in dose is made.
If you miss a dose of Lexapro , 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.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lexapro .

Important safety information:

Lexapro may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Lexapro with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using Lexapro .
Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Lexapro ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
One to 4 weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose, change your dose, or use Lexapro for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Lexapro may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Lexapro closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
Lexapro and a medicine called citalopram have the same active ingredient. Do not take Lexapro if you are also taking citalopram.
If your doctor tells you to stop taking Lexapro , you will need to wait for several weeks before beginning to take certain other medicines (eg, MAOIs, nefazodone). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking Lexapro .
Lexapro may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.
Serotonin syndrome is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Lexapro . Your risk may be greater if you take Lexapro with certain other medicines (eg, "triptans," MAOIs). Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; hallucinations; coma; fever; fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
Caution is advised when using Lexapro in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood sodium levels.
Caution is advised when using Lexapro in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions.
Lexapro should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
Lexapro may cause weight changes. CHILDREN and teenagers may need regular weight and growth checks while they take Lexapro .
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Lexapro may cause harm to the fetus if it is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Lexapro while you are pregnant. Lexapro is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Lexapro .

Possible side effects of Lexapro :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; increased sweating; lightheadedness when you stand or sit up; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach upset; tiredness; trouble sleeping.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; decreased concentration; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; memory loss; menstrual period changes; new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still; persistent or severe ringing in the ears;persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; vision changes; worsening of depression.