LEXAPRO (Brand for ESCITALOPRAM OXALATE)

Escitalopram 5mg, Oral tablet

Alcohol

· Severity: Major

· Notes for Consumers: Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Drinking alcohol while taking this medication can cause serious side effects, such as central nervous system (CNS) depression, and can increase the risk of falling. Call emergency services right away if you experience symptoms of CNS depression: slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake.

· Notes for Professionals: Advise patients to avoid alcohol consumption while taking CNS depressants. Alcohol consumption may result in additive CNS depression.

Escitalopram 5mg, Oral tablet

Grapefruit juice

· Severity: Moderate

· Notes for Consumers: Most foods do not interact with Escitalopram. However, do not significantly alter your intake of grapefruit juice or grapefruit-containing foods while taking Escitalopram, or avoid grapefruit juice if possible. Side effects from Escitalopram may get worse if you drink grapefruit juice.

· Notes for Professionals: Interactions between citalopram and grapefruit juice have been documented. Grapefruit juice is an inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 isozyme 3A4, a metabolic enzyme utilized by escitalopram. Theoretically, elevated levels of escitalopram may occur. Until further information is available, clinicians should warn patients to avoid consumption of grapefruit juice while taking escitalopram.

<b>DISCLAIMER:</b><em> This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.</em>