When Should I Not Take Lexapro?

Lexapro is beneficial for treatment of patients with major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder, but it can have serious side effects or complications when combined with certain other medications. Inform your doctor of all health-related problems and any medications you are taking or have taken within the previous month, including over-the-counter medications, before taking Lexapro.

Drug Interactions

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) such as Nardil (phenelzine sulfate), Parnate (tranylcypromine sulfate), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Azilect (rasagiline), Eldepryl or Emsam (selegiline) should not be taken with Lexapro. These medications can cause serious and fatal reactions in combination with Lexapro. Wait at least two weeks after stopping these medications before taking Lexapro. Also, do not take Lexapro while on Orap (pimozide), which is used to suppress tics associated with Tourette's syndrome.

  Inform your doctor if you are taking or plan to take any medications that contain diuretics, migraine or headache medications, tryptophan, other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin/noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), aspirin, warfarin or blood thinners. Also, tell your doctor about any other medication that you take for a psychiatric condition. Taking Lexapro in combination with these medicines can cause serious or life-threatening complications.

Health Problems

• If you have drug allergies, discuss these with your doctor before taking Lexapro. Also, discuss any symptoms of liver or kidney disease, seizures, bipolar disorder and history of drug abuse.

  Elderly patients and patients with hepatic impairment may need a reduced dosage of Lexapro. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage for you.

Suicidal Thoughts

• Tell your doctor if you have thoughts of suicide. When first taking an antidepressant such as Lexapro, these thoughts can worsen during the first few weeks of treatment or whenever changing your dosage. Discuss these thoughts with your doctor and caregivers.

New Symptoms

• Patients who experience new symptoms or an increase in existing symptoms of hostility, aggression, impulsive behavior, mood changes, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, irritability, restlessness or hyperactivity should consult their doctor. Call your doctor immediately if you become more depressed or have thoughts of hurting yourself or others.

  If you are planning a pregnancy or become pregnant while on Lexapro, consult your doctor. Do not use Lexapro while breastfeeding without discussing this with your doctor.

Discontinuing Treatment

• When discontinuing Lexapro, gradually reduce the dosage whenever possible to avoid undesirable symptoms. When changing medications from Lexapro to an MAOI, allow at least 14 days before beginning the new treatment.