Escitalopram
Brand: Lexapro
Key warning
Boxed warning: suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Drowsiness or insomnia
- Headache
- Sexual dysfunction
- Dry mouth
Key interactions & cautions
- Avoid MAO inhibitors (serotonin syndrome)
- Adds serotonin risk with triptans and tramadol
- NSAIDs and blood thinners raise bleeding risk
- Alcohol worsens drowsiness
Counseling points
- May take a few weeks to work
- Take at the same time each day
- Do not stop abruptly to avoid withdrawal
- Report worsening mood or suicidal thoughts
- Report agitation, fever, or shivering
High-yield study aid for exam prep — not a substitute for the package insert or a pharmacist’s dispensing reference.