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Lexapro is an SSRI antidepressant that’s used to manage anxiety disorders and depression. During the first week of treatment, people often experience side effects like nausea, drowsiness, and insomnia. It may take several weeks for the beneficial effects of the medication to kick in.
This guide highlights what to expect when taking antidepressants like Lexapro and how to connect with [1] compassionate and effective mental health treatment.
Lexapro, also known as escitalopram [2], is a medication that helps people who have depression and anxiety. Lexapro is part of a class of drugs known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)[3]. These medications work by increasing the amount of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood, sleep, and other important functions. By boosting serotonin levels, Lexapro can help improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety.
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Lexapro is approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration [4]) for treating major depressive disorder both short-term and long-term. This means it can treat people who have been feeling sad or hopeless for a long time. It is also approved for the short-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, which involves excessive worry and tension.
This medication is effective because it increases the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is involved in many body functions, including memory, sleep, and controlling body temperature. It also plays a big role in how we feel emotionally, affecting our mood and sense of well-being.
In addition to its main uses, doctors sometimes prescribe Lexapro for other conditions not officially approved by the FDA. These off-label uses include treating OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) and panic disorder. This shows how versatile Lexapro can be in managing various mental health issues.
Understanding how Lexapro works and its uses can help you feel more informed and confident about your treatment. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and talk to them if you have any questions or concerns about taking Lexapro.
Lexapro and other antidepressants usually take some time before you notice any big changes.
You might see improvements in sleep, energy, and appetite within the first two weeks. However, it usually takes about six to eight weeks to feel the full effects of Lexapro.
It’s important to keep taking Lexapro even if you start to feel better. Never stop taking your medication on your own, even if you think it’s not working. Always talk to your healthcare provider first before making any changes.
Stopping Lexapro suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as:
Always talk to your healthcare provider before deciding to stop your medication. If Lexapro isn’t working for you, your provider can help you find other options. Sometimes, it takes a while to find the treatment that works best for you.
It’s common for people to have questions like “when does Lexapro start working” or “how long does it take for Lexapro to kick in”. Regrettably, Lexapro does not work immediately – it takes some time for the medication to build up in your system. You might start to notice small improvements in sleep, energy, and appetite within the first two weeks. However, it usually takes at least six weeks to feel the full benefits.
When you first start taking Lexapro, you might not feel much different. This can be frustrating, but it’s important to be patient and keep taking your medication as prescribed. Your body needs time to adjust to the new medication, and your brain needs time to balance the levels of serotonin, a chemical that affects mood.
For treating anxiety [5], Lexapro can start showing some improvements in the first two weeks. You might feel less anxious and more relaxed. However, the full effect usually takes about six to eight weeks.
During the first few weeks, you might notice that your anxiety symptoms are gradually getting better. You might feel calmer and less worried. Keep in mind, though, that everyone is different, and some people might take longer to feel the full effects.
When treating depression, Lexapro might help improve your mood [6], sleep, and appetite within the first couple of weeks. Just like with anxiety, it takes about six to eight weeks to feel the full effects.
In the beginning, you may notice small changes, like feeling a bit more hopeful or having a bit more energy. These small changes can be signs that the medication is starting to work. Over time, you could find that your overall mood improves, and you start enjoying things more.
Taking Lexapro can help improve your mood and overall well-being. Here are five signs that your Lexapro is working:
One of the first signs that Lexapro is working is an improved mood. You might begin to feel happier and more hopeful. Activities that used to feel overwhelming might start to seem easier and more enjoyable.
Another sign that Lexapro is working is better sleep. You may find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Good sleep can make a big difference in how you feel during the day.
Feeling more energetic is a good sign that Lexapro is helping. You might notice that you have more energy to do things you enjoy or that you can get through your daily tasks without feeling as tired.
If you were feeling very anxious before, you might notice that your anxiety is decreasing. You may feel calmer and less worried about things that used to bother you.
Another sign that Lexapro is working is an improved appetite. You might start to feel hungry at regular times and enjoy your food more. Eating well can help boost your energy and mood.
If you notice these positive changes, keep taking your medication as prescribed. Lexapro takes time to work fully, so even if you feel better, continue your treatment. Always talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication.
If you don’t notice any improvements after a few weeks, or if you experience any side effects, contact your doctor. They can help you decide if Lexapro is the right medication for you or if a different treatment might be better. Your healthcare provider is there to help you find the best way to feel better.
Lexapro is a medication that helps with depression and anxiety by balancing chemicals in the brain. But what happens when you stop taking it? Understanding how long the effects last can help you manage your treatment.
When you take Lexapro, it stays in your system for a while even after you stop. Usually, the effects of Lexapro start to wear off after a few days. However, it can take a few weeks for the medication to be completely gone from your body. This is because Lexapro has a long half-life [7], which means it leaves your body slowly.
During this time, you might notice some changes. Some people feel a return of their depression or anxiety symptoms. Others might experience withdrawal symptoms, like flu-like feelings, nausea, or trouble sleeping. This is why it’s essential to talk to your doctor before stopping Lexapro. They can help you reduce the dose slowly to avoid these withdrawal effects.
Insurance can be tough to deal with, but our team makes it easy. We’ll help you verify your coverage and work with your provider to get you the help you need.
While Lexapro can be very helpful, there are some risks to be aware of. Knowing these risks can help you use the medication safely.
One serious risk is an increase in suicidal thoughts, especially in children, teens, and young adults. This risk is usually higher in the first few weeks of treatment or when the dose is changed. If you notice sudden mood changes or thoughts of self-harm, tell your doctor right away.
Another risk is serotonin syndrome [8]. This happens when there is too much serotonin in the body. It can cause symptoms like confusion, restlessness, sweating, shaking, and muscle stiffness. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening. This usually happens if you take Lexapro with other medications that also increase serotonin.
Signs of serotonin syndrome can include:
If you suddenly experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Lexapro can also increase the risk of bleeding and bruising, especially if you are taking blood thinners like Jantoven (warfarin) or NSAIDs like Advil (ibuprofen), Motrin (ibuprofen), or Aleve (naproxen sodium).
Lexapro can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you are taking blood thinners or NSAIDs like Advil or Motrin. This can lead to easy bruising or more serious bleeding problems.
Some people might have an allergic reaction to Lexapro. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, rash, and swelling of the face, tongue, eyes, or mouth. If you experience these symptoms, get medical help immediately.
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Lexapro can interact with other substances, which can cause problems. It’s useful to know about these interactions to stay safe.
Drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro can increase side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Alcohol can also worsen depression and anxiety [9], making the medication less effective. It’s best to avoid or limit alcohol while taking Lexapro.
Lexapro can interact with many other medications. Some common interactions include:
Always tell your doctor about all your medications and supplements to avoid dangerous interactions.
Lexapro is not considered addictive in the way that drugs like [10] opioids or benzodiazepines [11] are. However, your body can become dependent on it over time. This means that if you stop taking it suddenly, you might experience withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms can include:
To avoid these symptoms, follow your doctor’s instructions for stopping the medication. They will usually suggest gradually reducing the dose to give your body time to adjust.
While Lexapro dependence is possible, it’s important to remember that this medication can be very effective for managing depression and anxiety. The benefits often outweigh the risks, especially when used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
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[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4395546/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557734/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/
[4] https://www.fda.gov/media/135185/download
[5] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
[6] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
[7] https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/going-off-antidepressants
[8] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007272.htm
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6876499/
[10] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470159/
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