Printed on: 25 Might 2023
Lexapro — or the generic model, Escitalopram — is a typical prescription remedy used to deal with anxiousness and despair. Lexapro is within the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of medicine, which works by rising ranges of serotonin within the mind, which is a neurotransmitter that helps keep psychological steadiness.
Whereas meant to deal with despair and anxiousness, Lexapro can also be used off-label to deal with circumstances like obsessive-compulsive dysfunction (OCD), post-traumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric dysfunction (PMDD).
Questioning if you will get Lexapro on-line? The reply is sure. Arrange a web based psychiatry appointment at present with Talkspace. Hold studying as we discover Lexapro makes use of, uncomfortable side effects, dosage info, and extra. We’ll even have a look at the professionals & cons of utilizing the drug.
What’s Lexapro?
Lexapro is an oral remedy 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 will probably regulate feelings and profit folks with despair or anxiousness issues.
How does Lexapro make you’re feeling?
The consequences of taking Lexapro can fluctuate however usually embody improved moods and lowered anxiousness. As well as, individuals who take this remedy usually report feeling extra energized and higher in a position to give attention to duties all through the day.
Some folks might expertise damaging uncomfortable side effects like nausea, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, weight acquire/loss, and sexual dysfunction.
Lexapro Makes use of
Lexapro has been authorised to be used in treating main depressive dysfunction (MDD) and generalized anxiousness dysfunction (GAD) with a optimistic general response fee. Moreover, the drug has been discovered efficient in treating a number of different circumstances off-label (which means it’s usually prescribed for makes use of aside from what it was initially meant 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 could be a profitable therapy choice 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.
Not less than 3 or extra of the next signs are required for a GAD analysis to be made:
- Restlessness or feeling “keyed up” or on edge
- Being simply fatigued
- Issue 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 serious depressive episode is characterised by the Diagnostic and Statistical Handbook of Psychological Issues (DSM-V) as a outstanding and protracted depressed temper lasting almost day by day for at the least two weeks.
Not less than 5 of the next 9 signs have to be current for MDD to be recognized:
- Depressed temper
- Change in urge for food
- Lack of curiosity in traditional actions
- Important change in weight
- Elevated fatigue
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Slowed pondering 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 could be helpful in treating:
Lastly, some research recommend that taking Lexapro can enhance sleep high quality and period, doubtlessly as a result of elevated melatonin ranges, which helps regulate our sleep cycles.
Psychiatry and Prescriptions On-line
Obtain an analysis and prescription for psychological well being remedy (if wanted) from a psychiatry-trained medical supplier.
Professionals & Cons of Lexapro
| Professionals of Lexapro | Cons of Lexapro |
| Research present is an efficient antidepressant for treating despair and anxiousness | A standard aspect impact is drowsiness, which could intervene with every day actions |
| It really works by rising the degrees of serotonin within the mind, serving to to manage temper | Potential for Lexapro withdrawal signs when stopped abruptly |
| Comparatively low danger of uncomfortable side effects in comparison with different antidepressants | Should be tapered off slowly beneath the steering of a health care provider if discontinuing use |
| Might be taken usually | Might trigger weight acquire as a result of appetite-stimulating properties; nevertheless, it will probably normally be managed by means of food plan and train modifications |
| Typically well-tolerated and straightforward to take with few drug interactions | Model identify may be costlier than some generic antidepressants, however the generic model is extensively accessible (and each are sometimes lined 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 sluggish build-up remedy that takes about 4 to six weeks for it to work. The dose flexibility and lack of interplay with different drugs makes Lexapro a better remedy to make use of, particularly when mixture therapy is required.”
Facet Results of Lexapro
Frequent uncomfortable side effects of Lexapro embody nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, insomnia, elevated sweating, and sexual dysfunction. These signs are normally gentle and infrequently go away after a number of weeks of taking the remedy.
Much less frequent however extra extreme uncomfortable side effects embody:
- Adjustments in urge for food leading to weight acquire/loss
- Agitation or restlessness
- Issue concentrating
- Ideas of suicide or self-harm
- Uncommon conduct modifications
- 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 commonest type of Lexapro is an oral pill taken as soon as every day, with or with out meals.
- For anxiousness: The really helpful beginning dose for adults is 10 mg every day. Some folks might require larger doses of as much as 20 mg per day. Dosage ought to solely be elevated after at the least a 1-week trial of the minimal dose. Lengthy-term use of Lexapro for GAD must be monitored by a health care provider.
- For despair in adolescents: It’s really helpful 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 at the least 1 week earlier than doubtlessly rising to not more than 20 mg per day. For adults the place Lexapro has been efficient in treating despair, there may be long-term advantages to persevering with the drug, however dosage and therapy must be reevaluated periodically by a medical skilled.
Find out how to take Lexapro
Take Lexapro precisely as prescribed by your physician. Swallow the pill complete 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 doable until it’s nearly time in your subsequent scheduled dose — then skip the missed one and proceed taking Lexapro in response to schedule. Do not double up doses in case you overlook to take Lexapro.
Extra Concerns
For those who’re contemplating taking Lexapro, it’s important that you just’re conscious of potential interactions with different drugs and any warnings related to the drug.
Interactions
Sure medication can work together with Lexapro, rising or reducing its effectiveness. For instance, in case 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 medication that have an effect on serotonin ranges within the physique might result in severe uncomfortable side effects, together with an elevated danger of serotonin syndrome.
Warnings
Make certain to inform your physician in case you’ve been on an MAO inhibitor inside 14 days of beginning or stopping Lexapro. Don’t use Lexapro in case you’re allergic to escitalopram or in case you already take Pimozide.
Inform your physician in case you take any of the next:
- Linezolid
- Isocarboxazid
- Rasagiline
- Tranylcypromine
- Selegiline
- Phenelzine
- Stimulants
- Opioids
- Natural merchandise
- Migraine remedy
- Treatment for Parkinson’s illness
There are security issues relating to Lexapro and being pregnant, so make sure you let your physician know in case you’re pregnant or nursing. Speak to your physician when you’ve got additionally ever had:
- Seizures
- Liver/kidney illness
- Coronary heart illness
- Hypertension
- Low sodium
- Bleeding
- Bipolar dysfunction
- Habit
- Suicidal ideas
Lexapro Options
If Lexapro doesn’t sound like the suitable remedy for you or you have an interest in alternate options, the next may go relying on a health care provider’s prescription.
Zoloft
One various to Lexapro for anxiousness and despair is Zoloft (Sertraline), one other SSRI remedy. Like Lexapro, Zoloft will increase serotonin ranges within the mind. Some folks discover that Zoloft has fewer uncomfortable side effects than Lexapro or that they’ve higher outcomes when taking it as a substitute of Lexapro. For extra detailed info, try our article on the variations of Lexapro vs. Zoloft.
Wellbutrin
Another 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. Consequently, Wellbutrin might relieve depressive signs with out inflicting sexual dysfunction or weight acquire like some antidepressants do. Moreover, Wellbutrin can profit individuals who expertise fatigue or lack motivation as a result of their situation.
Cymbalta
A 3rd choice for these searching for a substitute for Lexapro is Cymbalta (Duloxetine). This remedy belongs to a special class than each SSRIs and Wellbutrin. It’s referred to as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). In contrast to different antidepressants, Cymbalta may also assist relieve ache related to sure medical circumstances.
Effexor XR
Lastly, Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) is one more SNRI that could be prescribed as a substitute of Lexapro to deal with despair. It really works equally by rising ranges of norepinephrine and serotonin within the mind. As a result of Effexor might have extra uncomfortable side effects than different drugs, medical doctors normally begin sufferers on decrease doses earlier than progressively rising them over time if essential.
On-line Lexapro Prescription By means of Talkspace Psychiatry
Talkspace Psychiatry will help decide if Lexapro could be proper in your situation. Talkspace affords a safe platform that connects you with licensed psychiatrists to make getting assist easy. You may get began rapidly 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 simple and simple. After finishing a quick 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 contemplate.
Sources:
- Pelissolo A. Efficacy and tolerability of escitalopram in anxiousness issues: a overview. 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 resolution. 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 girls 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 scientific 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 supply probably the most up-to-date, precious, and goal info on psychological health-related matters in an effort to assist readers make knowledgeable choices.
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