Lexapro is a prescription medication, and its brand name is escitalopram. It is used to treat depression and Generalized anxiety disorder. It belongs to a class of drugs called SSRIs (selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors). It can be taken orally once daily, with or without food, at any time.
- If you feel sleepy or drowsy throughout the day, consider taking Lexapro at night.
- If you feel that taking Lexapro disrupts your sleep, it is better to take it in the morning to manage your day effectively.
Note: Always consult a healthcare provider for customized guidance on medication use. For same-day Lexapro medication, get help from Therapy Fleet today!
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How Does Lexapro Work for Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear, and uneasiness. If these symptoms are constant and affect daily life, it is an anxiety disorder.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 301 million people are affected by anxiety disorder. To treat anxiety, Lexapro (FDA-approved) is prescribed for people aged 7 and older. Lexapro (escitalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It increases serotonin (the chemical responsible for emotions, mood, and digestion). It is an approved FDA drug to treat anxiety disorder and depression.
Doctors may also prescribe off-label for
- Social anxiety disorder
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Insomnia
- Eating disorder
Off-label prescriptions are common among doctors and physicians. According to a 2006 study, approximately 21% of prescriptions were off-label. Nearly 73% of off-label medicines have little scientific support. It is not safe to prescribe the medicines off-label without a solid reason.
How Should Lexapro Be Used for Anxiety?
Lexapro comes in tablet and oral solution. It can be taken once daily at the same time (morning or evening). Lexapro can be started from a low dose. It takes 1 week to 1 month to feel the changes and benefits of this medicine. Don’t suddenly stop Lexapro or take less than prescribed; otherwise, it can cause withdrawal symptoms like:
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Nervousness
- Headache
- Numbness
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
If you’re taking a lower dose or experiencing any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor first. They will provide more information.
Benefits of Taking Lexapro for Anxiety
- Help to reduce worrying
- Helps to improve mood
- Help to manage panic attacks
- Enhances emotional balance
Best Time to Take Lexapro for Anxiety – Doctor Recommended
Lexapro is the generic name for escitalopram (FDA-approved). It is usually used to treat Generalized anxiety disorder and Depression. Lexapro belongs to a class of drug SSRIs, which help to regulate mood and anxiety. Studies have found that SSRIs stabilize the serotonin level in the brain.
Studies have shown the benefits of Lexapro in managing several types of anxiety disorders.
Lexapro dosage is 10mg for treating anxiety and is to be taken daily. The maximum dose of Lexapro is 20mg per day. You can take it with or without food. Overdosing can increase the likelihood of developing serotonin syndrome.
There is no specific time for taking this drug. You can use this medication at your convenience. The best time to take Lexapro for anxiety depends on various factors, such as:
- Lifestyle
- Energy level
- Side effects
- Consistency
- Medical condition
- Individual response
It is recommended to use this medicine at the same time each day. It is important to be consistent. Choosing the right time for Lexapro depends on how a person’s body reacts to the medicine.
1. Benefits of Taking Lexapro in the Morning
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- Taking this medicine in the morning has the advantage that if someone stays awake after taking Lexapro, they won’t feel sleepy. A person can be active throughout the day.
- Boost their mood early in the day.
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2. Benefits of Taking Lexapro at Night
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- If you feel drowsy or sleepy after taking Lexapro, take it at night to sleep better.
- It is also easy to remember if you take other medications at night
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Always follow your doctor’s advice before making any changes.
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Common Side Effects of Using Lexapro
Lexapro comes with some side effects, and nausea ranked among the most common side effects. Studies suggest that approximately 18% of individuals experience nausea after taking Lexapro for anxiety. Other side effects are:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Weight gain
- Sexual dysfunction
Seek medical help if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.
Some severe side effects of using Lexapro are:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Allergic reactions
- Seizures
- Heart issues
- Manic episodes
- Visual problems
- Low sodium level (hyponatremia)
- Serotonin syndrome
Suicidal thoughts are more common in teens and young adults. Serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening if not treated.
Lexapro is not suitable for all. It is important to consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Need help managing side effects? Visit Therpy Fleet for expert guidance. Healthcare professionals will advise you which time works best for you.
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How to Minimize the Side Effects of Taking Lexapro
- Always start from the low dose
- Be consistent
- Take Lexapro at the same time daily
- Avoid alcohol
- Inform your doctor if you are taking other medications
- Stay hydrated
If you experience any unusual changes, especially in the first few weeks, seek medical help immediately.
Conclusion
Choosing the right time to take Lexapro for anxiety plays an important role. Choosing the best time depends on its effectiveness and management of anxiety symptoms. There is no best time to take Lexapro for anxiety. It depends on the individual’s lifestyle or personal response to Lexapro.
Morning doses may be ideal because Lexapro boosts mood. Night doses may help if the person feels sleepy after taking it. Your body response can help you to determine what time is best for you. Always ask your doctor to make any changes to your medication routine.
Visit the Therapy fleet to discover the right time to take Lexapro. Don’t let your anxiety control you. Get a personalized treatment plan for Lexapro for anxiety and its management.
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Medical Disclaimer:
At Therapy Fleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to Therapy Fleet’s qualified staff.
A mental struggle is not a failure but a battleground where we redefine our limits.
FAQs
1. How long does it take for Lexapro to work for anxiety?
Antidepressants don’t show immediate effects. It may take several weeks to respond. Usually, it takes 4 to 6 weeks, but it may vary from person to person.
2. Does Lexapro work for anxiety?
Yes, Lexapro is effective for treating anxiety disorders, including
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Lexapro is considered to be effective for treating Generalized anxiety disorder.
3. Can I take Lexapro at different times each day for anxiety?
No, Lexapro can be taken at the same time daily.
Sources
- https://www.fda.gov/media/135185/download
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16682577/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18922243/
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/serotonin
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3865832/
- https://www.fda.gov/media/135185/download
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders?
