Generalized anxiety disorder and depression are often treated with Lexapro. This segment of the eMedTV Web site further describes this prescription drug and its other uses, as well as dosing information, side effects, strengths, and more.
Insomnia, nausea, and headache are among the common side effects of Lexapro. This eMedTV page also discusses rare side effects (such as acne, anemia, and hair loss) and serious ones (such as hallucinations and a fast heart rate).
Up to 5 percent of people on Lexapro may experience weight gain. This eMedTV page explains that if you're taking Lexapro and weight gain occurs, you can help it by getting regular physical activity and limiting your alcohol intake, among other things.
As this eMedTV segment explains, weight loss is a rare Lexapro side effect. This article discusses how often this side effect occurs and explains that you should talk to your healthcare provider if you notice weight loss while on the drug.
Impotence and a decreased sex drive are among the potential sexual side effects with Lexapro. This eMedTV page explains why it's difficult to tell if these "Lexapro sexual side effects" are caused by the drug or the condition it's being used to treat.
Occurring in up to 3 percent of men who take Lexapro, impotence is one of the drug's common side effects. This eMedTV Web page defines impotence and explains that if you're taking Lexapro and impotence occurs, you should talk with your doctor.
Some people taking Lexapro may experience side effects, including the loss of hair. This eMedTV resource explains that you should talk with your healthcare provider if hair loss does occur while you're taking Lexapro.
Some people have side effects with Lexapro, and insomnia is among the most common. This eMedTV page discusses how common insomnia is in people taking this drug and lists tips for dealing with insomnia -- such as keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle.
If you are taking Lexapro and dry mouth occurs, you can sip water more often or during meals. This eMedTV page offers other tips on dealing with dry mouth, such as avoiding drinks with caffeine, using a humidifier at night, and chewing sugarless gum.
Side effects may occur with Lexapro, and decreased appetite is one of them. This eMedTV Web page provides more detail on this side effect, which occurs just as often in those taking the drug for depression as it does in those taking it for anxiety.
As this eMedTV page explains, 2 percent of people on Lexapro have burning sensations described as tingling or numbness, skin crawling, or itching. If you're taking Lexapro and burning sensations occur, you should contact your doctor.
This eMedTV page explains that while most Lexapro sexual side effects are undesirable, one sexual side effect, delayed ejaculation, can help men who suffer from premature ejaculation. This page discusses premature ejaculation and Lexapro in depth.
In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe Lexapro to help prevent migraines. This part of the eMedTV library takes an in-depth look at Lexapro and migraine headaches, including information on when a doctor may prescribe Lexapro for this use.
What is Lexapro used for? As this eMedTV resource explains, Lexapro is used mainly for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It is also sometimes used off-label to treat migraines, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder.
NSAIDs and alcohol are among the drugs that can potentially interfere with Lexapro. This eMedTV Web page describes how drug interactions with Lexapro can cause life-threatening side effects or raise your risk of stomach bleeding, among other things.
The suggested dosage of Lexapro for the treatment of depression or anxiety ranges from 10 mg to 20 mg daily. This eMedTV page covers how dosing is determined and lists tips on taking the drug (such as taking your dose at the same time daily).
Bleeding in the stomach or intestines can occur in some people who take Lexapro. This eMedTV page discusses other Lexapro warnings and precautions, such as who shouldn't take the drug and the safety of taking it while pregnant.
This eMedTV page lists symptoms seen in some fetuses exposed to Lexapro during pregnancy (including seizures, tremors, and constant crying) and explains that you should talk with your healthcare provider if you're taking Lexapro and pregnancy occurs.
As this part of the eMedTV archives explains, a doctor may prescribe Lexapro to a woman who is breastfeeding if he or she decides that the benefits outweigh the possible risks. If you have concerns about Lexapro and breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.
Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness are among the possible symptoms of a Lexapro overdose. As this eMedTV page explains, treatment for an overdose may involve pumping the stomach, medications, and supportive care (which can include fluids through an IV).
This eMedTV page explains that if you abruptly stop using Lexapro, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms of withdrawal from Lexapro, which may include irritability, anxiety, and insomnia, usually improve without any need for treatment.
This eMedTV page explains that you should talk to your doctor if you have any possible signs of suicidal behavior (like insomnia or suicide attempts), whether or not you're taking Lexapro. This page also covers previous studies on suicide and Lexapro.
This part of the eMedTV library explains that a generic form of Lexapro is not expected to be available until at least 2012 (when the patent for Lexapro expires) and that you shouldn't buy any generic Lexapro until any approved generic is available.
This eMedTV segment explains that if a person decides to drink alcohol while on Lexapro, he or she should drink moderately -- one drink daily for women and two drinks daily for men. This page provides some general guidelines about alcohol and Lexapro.
This eMedTV page explains that there are numerous Lexapro alternatives for treating both depression and anxiety. This page lists some alternatives to Lexapro for the treatment of depression, which can include therapy and other antidepressant drugs.
