Are you dealing with anxiety and considering taking Lexapro? But do you know when is the best time to take it? Do not worry. We have got you covered. Lexapro is an antidepressant generic drug escitalopram medication used to treat anxiety and major depressive disorder in adults and children 12 years and older.
When it comes to curing stress with medicine, timing is very important. So, in this article, we will talk about what Lexapro is, when is the best time to take it, its side effects, and more.
What Is Lexapro? How Does It Work?
Lexapro is an antidepressant medication belonging to a group called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They are pharmaceutical drugs in the form of tablets and oral solutions.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) increase serotonin levels in the human's central nervous system. Serotonin plays a crucial role in mental balance and mental regulation.
Lexapro is FDA-approved and prescribed by doctors to treat depressive disorder in adults and children of 12 and above years. It is also prescribed for anxiety disorder treatment in adults.
Well, do you know what Lexapro is used for? It is used to treat anxiety and depression. It helps restore the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain. It may improve your energy level and feelings of well-being and reduce nervousness.
Additionally, it is used for panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and eating disorders like bulimia nervosa.
What Is The Normal Lexapro Dose?
Lexapro is available in both forms, tablet and liquid. Its dosage depends on demographics and conditions. The average dose is 10mg, and the maximum is 20 mg daily.
However, in the case of OCD patients, the amount is increased up to 60mg, depending on their tolerance. The doctor starts it with a lower dose and expands it with time.
When Is The Best Time To Take Lexapro?
The best time to take Lexapro can depend on many aspects, such as individual genetics, differences in metabolism, and lifestyle. However, Lexapro generic is usually taken once daily, either in the morning or evening, with or without food.
Make a habit of taking it at the same time every day. Remember to take it as your doctor prescribes and follow their prescription carefully. Do not increase or decrease the medication according to you.
To experience the full effects of Lexapro, take it for 6 to 8 weeks. Some may experience improvement in their mood symptoms and depression after 1 to 2 weeks.
If not, inform your doctor that your symptoms are worsening. Do not stop your escitalopram dose suddenly—this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
What Are The Side Effects Of Lexapro?
Well, Lexapro is usually well-tolerated. The side effects will slowly disappear as your body adapts to the habit of taking the medication.
If you find that side effects are worsening, talk to your doctor. To minimize Lexapro side effects, carefully follow the dosage directions prescribed by a doctor and report any adverse effects.
- Below are some common Lexapro side effects.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.
- Dry mouth, more thirst, more sweating.
- Insomnia.
- Drowsiness, unusual tiredness, dizziness.
- Yawning.
- Increased muscle movements.
- Reduced hunger and weight loss.
- Sneezing, runny nose, flu-like symptoms.
- Decreased sex drive and impotence in men.
If you experience any such side effects, report them to your doctor immediately. Also, seek emergency medical attention if you determine factors like skin rash, itching, swelling, and trouble breathing signs and symptoms.
How To Get The Best Results From Lexapro?
Follow some of the below tips to get most of the results from Lexapro:
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The best time to take Lexapro
Lexapro can be taken in the morning or evening with or without food. In case you have trouble sleeping, consider taking it in the morning.
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Missed Dose
In case you forgot to take the dose, and if it is almost near the time for your next dose, avoid it. Now, take the next dose according to your regular schedule. Remember to avoid double the dose to cover up your missed dose.
So, always remember to take your dose regularly. To get its complete effects, continue the dose for 8 weeks and do not discontinue without consulting your healthcare professional.
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Side Effects
Lexapro can make you unsteady and tired, affecting your activities, thinking, and decisions. You should wait until you find out how it affects you. Remember that alcohol can worsen the tiredness and side effects caused by this medicine.
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Medical Conditions
People suffering from medical conditions may not take Lexapro. So, before taking Lexapro, first discuss your health condition if you have any liver, heart, kidney, high blood pressure, glaucoma, recent stroke, outbreaks, sexual dysfunction, and bleeding disorders.
Consult with your healthcare if you have depression, suicidal thoughts, or drug addiction. Your doctor will screen your condition before prescribing Lexapro.
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Drug Interactions
It is recommended not to take Lexapro if you are on monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which can impact the body's serotonin levels within 14 days before or 14 days after.
Interactions between Lexapro and an MAOI can cause serotonin syndrome. Some of the approved MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Emsam), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
Do not take Lexapro if you take citalopram (Celexa) or pimozide— applicable to SSRIs and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors).
Take medical attention immediately if you have signs of serotonin syndrome, like fever, hallucinations, sweating, shivering, increased heart rate, muscle immobility, sickness, vomiting, or diarrhea.
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Withdrawal Symptoms
Do not stop your Lexapro dosage suddenly. This can show some withdrawal symptoms. First, consult your doctor and slowly lower the dose. As stated above, revealing its full effects takes 6-8 weeks. In case you notice an improvement early, share it with your healthcare.
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Suicidal Thoughts
Adults between 18 and 24 and children under 18 taking antidepressant medications can develop suicidal thinking. Seek a doctor immediately if you go through these kinds of thoughts.
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Serotonin Syndrome
Taking Lexapro may also have a risk of a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. The risk is increased if you are taking other drugs for antidepressant therapy.
Their symptoms include fever, fast heart rate, sweating, confusion, muscle spasms, or immobility. Seek medical care if you suffer from these symptoms.
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Use During Pregnancy
Lexapro can generate problems in newborn infants, especially if taken in the last few months of the pregnancy. So, if you are pregnant consult your doctor before starting this medicine.
FAQs
1. Does Lexapro cause weight gain?
Ans: One of the possible side effects of Lexapro is weight gain. Though the fact is, some gain and some lose weight. A healthy diet with regular exercise can help with weight changes by Lexapro.
2. Can Lexapro be taken before going to bed?
Ans: People can try Lexapro before, but it takes time to elevate serotonin levels. If someone has insomnia, try it during the day, which helps reduce symptoms.
3. What are the side effects of taking Lexapro?
Ans: Some of the most common side effects of Lexapro are :
- Reduced libido.
- Extreme sleepiness.
- Reduced appetite.
- Difficulty orgasming.
- Nausea.
- Constipation and stomach pain.
- Dry mouth and increased sweating.
4. Is Lexapro an SSRI?
Ans: Yes, Lexapro is an antidepressant medication that falls into the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works effectively and is available as a tablet and oral solution.
Conclusion
Discovering the best time to take Lexapro for anxiety is crucial to managing stress effectively. The best time to take Lexapro depends on person to person as it may cause issues like insomnia and sleeping problems if not handled carefully.
So, it is necessary to maintain a consistent dose and follow your healthcare professional instructions for effective treatment.
Maintain open communication with your doctor on Lexapro about everything about your healthy and unhealthy life. Remember that it is essential to listen to your body to choose the best schedule for Lexapro.
