Revealed on: 25 Might 2023
Lexapro — or the generic model, Escitalopram — is a typical prescription medicine used to deal with anxiousness and despair. Lexapro is within the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of medication, which works by growing ranges of serotonin within the mind, which is a neurotransmitter that helps preserve psychological stability.
Whereas supposed to deal with despair and anxiousness, Lexapro can also be used off-label to deal with situations like obsessive-compulsive dysfunction (OCD), post-traumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric dysfunction (PMDD).
Questioning if you may get Lexapro on-line? The reply is sure. Arrange a web-based psychiatry appointment at present with Talkspace. Maintain studying as we discover Lexapro makes use of, unintended effects, dosage data, and extra. We’ll even have a look at the professionals & cons of utilizing the drug.
What’s Lexapro?
Lexapro is an oral medicine recognized to assist enhance temper and cut back signs related to despair or anxiousness.
How does Lexapro work?
Lexapro works by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin within the mind. This will increase serotonin ranges accessible to be used by different neurons, so it might regulate feelings and profit individuals with despair or anxiousness problems.
How does Lexapro make you’re feeling?
The results of taking Lexapro can fluctuate however typically embrace improved moods and decreased anxiousness. As well as, individuals who take this medicine usually report feeling extra energized and higher capable of give attention to duties all through the day.
Some individuals could expertise unfavorable unintended effects like nausea, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, weight achieve/loss, and sexual dysfunction.
Lexapro Makes use of
Lexapro has been accredited to be used in treating main depressive dysfunction (MDD) and generalized anxiousness dysfunction (GAD) with a optimistic general response price. Moreover, the drug has been discovered efficient in treating a number of different situations off-label (that means it’s usually prescribed for makes use of apart from what it was initially supposed for).
“Lexapro is indicated for main depressive dysfunction and generalized anxiousness dysfunction. It’s additionally used off-label for panic dysfunction, signs of despair in bipolar dysfunction, and sure premenstrual signs.”
Lexapro for anxiousness
Lexapro is usually a profitable therapy possibility for anxiousness in many individuals. The Diagnostic and Statistical Handbook of Psychological Issues (DSM-V) states that GAD manifests as extreme fear and different signs that lasts for greater than six months.
No less than 3 or extra of the next signs are required for a GAD prognosis to be made:
- Restlessness or feeling “keyed up” or on edge
- Being simply fatigued
- Problem concentrating
- Thoughts going clean
- Irritability
- Muscle stress
- Sleep disturbances
A number of research present that Lexapro therapy can successfully enhance signs of GAD, panic dysfunction, OCD, and social anxiousness. Additional, managed research specializing in relapse prevention present long-term efficacy.
Lexapro for despair
Adults and adolescents (ages 12 to 17) can use Lexapro as a therapy for main depressive dysfunction.
A significant depressive episode is characterised by the Diagnostic and Statistical Handbook of Psychological Issues (DSM-V) as a outstanding and chronic depressed temper lasting practically on daily basis for not less than two weeks.
No less than 5 of the next 9 signs should be current for MDD to be recognized:
- Depressed temper
- Change in urge for food
- Lack of curiosity in ordinary actions
- Vital change in weight
- Elevated fatigue
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Slowed considering or impaired focus
- Psychomotor agitation
- Emotions of guilt or worthlessness
- Suicide try or suicidal ideation
Research present that Lexapro can enhance signs of despair in adolescents. In adults, it resulted in symptom enchancment and successfully elevated the time between relapses.
Off-label makes use of
Lexapro is used off-label to scale back signs related to different psychological well being points past anxiousness and despair. For instance, it is likely to be useful in treating:
Lastly, some research recommend that taking Lexapro can enhance sleep high quality and period, doubtlessly attributable to elevated melatonin ranges, which helps regulate our sleep cycles.
Psychiatry and Prescriptions On-line
Obtain an analysis and prescription for psychological well being medicine (if wanted) from a psychiatry-trained medical supplier.
Execs & Cons of Lexapro
| Execs of Lexapro | Cons of Lexapro |
| Research present is an efficient antidepressant for treating despair and anxiousness | A standard facet impact is drowsiness, which could intrude with every day actions |
| It really works by growing the degrees of serotonin within the mind, serving to to manage temper | Potential for Lexapro withdrawal signs when stopped abruptly |
| Comparatively low danger of unintended effects in comparison with different antidepressants | Have to be tapered off slowly underneath the steering of a health care provider if discontinuing use |
| May be taken commonly | Might trigger weight achieve attributable to appetite-stimulating properties; nevertheless, it might often be managed by weight-reduction plan and train modifications |
| Usually well-tolerated and simple to take with few drug interactions | Model title could be dearer than some generic antidepressants, however the generic model is extensively accessible (and each are sometimes coated by insurance coverage) |
“Lexapro is an SSRI and will increase the serotonin ranges within the mind that relieve the signs of despair and anxiousness options. It’s a gradual build-up medicine that takes about 4 to six weeks for it to work. The dose flexibility and lack of interplay with different medicines makes Lexapro a better medicine to make use of, particularly when mixture therapy is required.”
Facet Results of Lexapro
Widespread unintended effects of Lexapro embrace nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, insomnia, elevated sweating, and sexual dysfunction. These signs are often gentle and sometimes go away after a couple of weeks of taking the medicine.
Much less widespread however extra extreme unintended effects embrace:
- Modifications in urge for food leading to weight achieve/loss
- Agitation or restlessness
- Problem concentrating
- Ideas of suicide or self-harm
- Uncommon habits adjustments
- Tremors or shaking
- Confusion
- Fever or chills
- Quick heartbeat and seizures
For those who expertise these signs whereas taking Lexapro, contact your physician or healthcare supplier instantly for additional analysis and to debate therapy choices.
Lexapro Dosage
The most typical type of Lexapro is an oral pill taken as soon as every day, with or with out meals.
- For anxiousness: The really useful beginning dose for adults is 10 mg every day. Some individuals could require larger doses of as much as 20 mg per day. Dosage ought to solely be elevated after not less than a 1-week trial of the minimal dose. Lengthy-term use of Lexapro for GAD ought to be monitored by a health care provider.
- For despair in adolescents: It’s really useful that adolescents begin on a ten mg dose of Lexapro every day for despair. After a minimal of three weeks, the dose could also be elevated to as much as 20 mg.
- For despair in adults: Adults ought to take 10 mg of Lexapro every day for not less than 1 week earlier than doubtlessly growing to not more than 20 mg per day. For adults the place Lexapro has been efficient in treating despair, there could be long-term advantages to persevering with the drug, however dosage and therapy ought to be reevaluated periodically by a medical skilled.
The way to take Lexapro
Take Lexapro precisely as prescribed by your physician. Swallow the pill entire with water — don’t crush, chew, or break it aside earlier than swallowing it.
For those who miss a dose, take it as quickly as potential until it’s nearly time on your subsequent scheduled dose — then skip the missed one and proceed taking Lexapro based on schedule. Do not double up doses when you neglect to take Lexapro.
Further Issues
For those who’re contemplating taking Lexapro, it’s crucial that you simply’re conscious of potential interactions with different medicines and any warnings related to the drug.
Interactions
Sure medicine can work together with Lexapro, growing or lowering its effectiveness. For instance, when you take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) like phenelzine or tranylcypromine, don’t take Lexapro with out consulting your physician first and getting correct medical recommendation.
Moreover, combining Lexapro with different medicine that have an effect on serotonin ranges within the physique could result in critical unintended effects, together with an elevated danger of serotonin syndrome.
Warnings
Ensure that to inform your physician when you’ve been on an MAO inhibitor inside 14 days of beginning or stopping Lexapro. Don’t use Lexapro when you’re allergic to escitalopram or when you already take Pimozide.
Inform your physician when you take any of the next:
- Linezolid
- Isocarboxazid
- Rasagiline
- Tranylcypromine
- Selegiline
- Phenelzine
- Stimulants
- Opioids
- Natural merchandise
- Migraine medicine
- Medicine for Parkinson’s illness
There are security concerns relating to Lexapro and being pregnant, so make sure you let your physician know when you’re pregnant or nursing. Speak to your physician if in case you have additionally ever had:
- Seizures
- Liver/kidney illness
- Coronary heart illness
- Hypertension
- Low sodium
- Bleeding
- Bipolar dysfunction
- Dependancy
- Suicidal ideas
Lexapro Options
If Lexapro doesn’t sound like the suitable medicine for you or you have an interest in alternate options, the next may match relying on a health care provider’s prescription.
Zoloft
One various to Lexapro for anxiousness and despair is Zoloft (Sertraline), one other SSRI medicine. Like Lexapro, Zoloft will increase serotonin ranges within the mind. Some individuals discover that Zoloft has fewer unintended effects than Lexapro or that they’ve higher outcomes when taking it as a substitute of Lexapro. For extra detailed data, try our article on the variations of Lexapro vs. Zoloft.
Wellbutrin
An alternative choice for treating despair is Wellbutrin (Bupropion). This drug doesn’t belong to the identical class as SSRIs and doesn’t deal with anxiousness. It really works by boosting dopamine and norepinephrine within the mind. Because of this, Wellbutrin could relieve depressive signs with out inflicting sexual dysfunction or weight achieve like some antidepressants do. Moreover, Wellbutrin can profit individuals who expertise fatigue or lack motivation attributable to their situation.
Cymbalta
A 3rd possibility for these in search of an alternative choice to Lexapro is Cymbalta (Duloxetine). This medicine belongs to a special class than each SSRIs and Wellbutrin. It’s generally known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). In contrast to different antidepressants, Cymbalta also can assist relieve ache related to sure medical situations.
Effexor XR
Lastly, Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) is yet one more SNRI that could be prescribed as a substitute of Lexapro to deal with despair. It really works equally by growing ranges of norepinephrine and serotonin within the mind. As a result of Effexor could have extra unintended effects than different medicines, medical doctors often begin sufferers on decrease doses earlier than progressively growing them over time if obligatory.
On-line Lexapro Prescription By way of Talkspace Psychiatry
Talkspace Psychiatry can assist decide if Lexapro is likely to be proper on your situation. Talkspace gives a safe platform that connects you with licensed psychiatrists to make getting assist easy. You may get began shortly with out ready weeks or months for an appointment like in additional conventional clinic settings.
Connecting with one in every of Talkspace’s psychiatrists is straightforward and simple. After finishing a short evaluation, we’ll match you with a talented psychiatrist so you can begin your therapeutic journey and discover out if Lexapro is one thing you must think about.
Sources:
- Pelissolo A. Efficacy and tolerability of escitalopram in anxiousness problems: a assessment. L’Encéphale. 2008;34(4):400-408. doi:10.1016/j.encep.2008.04.004. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18922243/. Accessed February 6, 2023.
- DailyMed – LEXAPRO- escitalopram pill, movie coated LEXAPRO- escitalopram answer. U.S. Nationwide Library of Drugs. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=13bb8267-1cab-43e5-acae-55a4d957630a. Accessed February 6, 2023.
- Ensrud KE, Joffe H, Guthrie KA, et al. Impact of escitalopram on insomnia signs and subjective sleep high quality in wholesome perimenopausal and postmenopausal ladies with sizzling flashes. Menopause. 2012;19(8):848-855. doi:10.1097/gme.0b013e3182476099. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3382013/. Accessed February 6, 2023.
Talkspace articles are written by skilled psychological health-wellness contributors; they’re grounded in scientific analysis and evidence-based practices. Articles are extensively reviewed by our staff of medical consultants (therapists and psychiatrists of assorted specialties) to make sure content material is correct and on par with present trade requirements.
Our purpose at Talkspace is to offer essentially the most up-to-date, precious, and goal data on psychological health-related matters so as to assist readers make knowledgeable selections.
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