What Is Escitalopram?

Lexapro Side Effects and Benefits in Mental Health Treatment

Author:

Jemma Strain

B.S. Psychology

Editor:

Emma Loker

B.S

Coming to terms with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can be difficult without professional support and treatment. Especially when the option of medication enters the picture.

Escitalopram, also known by the brand name “Lexapro,” is one of the first line medical treatments for a variety of mental health conditions. It tends to be well-tolerated by many people, but this doesn’t mean it’s the right solution for everyone.

Lexapro side effects and benefits may be at the forefront of your mind at this time, but you don’t have to figure out if it’s a good fit for your needs by yourself. Mental health professionals such as Mission Connection are here to offer guidance.

This oage also works as a helpful tool, covering all you need to know about escitalopram, including:

What escitalopram is and the conditions it’s used to treat
The Lexapro dosage guidelines for adults and minors
How long Lexapro takes to work
Signs Lexapro is working
Potential Lexapro side effects
How to taper off Lexapro safely
Answers to frequently asked questions about escitalopram

What Is Escitalopram and What Is It Used to Treat?

Escitalopram (also known under the brand name “Lexapro”) belongs to a class of antidepressant medications called “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors” or SSRIs.

SSRIs such as escitalopram are often the first choice of medications for mental health conditions. This is because they were designed to treat issues without posing as much of a risk of side effects as older medications, leading to them being called “second-generation” antidepressants.

Escitalopram works to relieve symptoms of mental health conditions by boosting the amount of the “feel good” chemical – serotonin – in the brain. Although serotonin’s role in mental health issues is debated, low levels are often seen in people with anxiety and depression. When serotonin is more available, it works as a messenger in the brain, ferrying signals from cell to cell and helping people feel more alert, focused, and positive.¹

However, escitalopram isn’t suitable for every mental health condition. Let’s take a look at the ones it’s most commonly prescribed for.

Does Lexapro Help With Depression and Anxiety?

Escitalopram is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating major depression in adults and minors (between the ages of 12 and 17).² It has also recently been approved by the FDA for generalized anxiety disorder in adults and children aged seven and up. However, it can also be prescribed “off label” for different conditions when suitable.

The following information breaks down how escitalopram works for treating the three most common conditions it’s prescribed for: depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.

Escitalopram for Depression

Depression is a mental health condition that causes hopelessness, loss of interest, constant tiredness, and physical problems. Due to these symptoms, many people’s quality of life is affected, and they often need to turn to medication to help them reach a state of balance.

Escitalopram has been shown through studies to work well for treating major depression in a variety of people. It not only helps reduce symptoms, but also works well for managing the risk of sliding back into issues during recovery. Further, escitalopram may be more effective than other antidepressants, such as citalopram, in easing depressive symptoms.³ However, this response may vary from person to person.

Escitalopram for Anxiety

Anxiety disorders can cause feelings of dread or worry about things that happened in the past, are happening in the present, or could happen in the future. These worries can be all-consuming, and can affect someone’s ability to function in daily life and relax in social environments.

Escitalopram has been shown to help bring levels of anxiety back to baseline. One study demonstrated that it was considerably more effective at reducing anxiety than a placebo, and even twice as effective as another SSRI called “paroxetine.” Escitalopram also reduced the risk of relapse of anxiety symptoms in the long term.⁴

Lexapro for Panic Attacks

Panic disorder is a condition characterised by recurring emotional and physical symptoms of panic, fear of future panic attacks, and avoidance of situations that could trigger them. So, clearly, a panic disorder can be debilitating for someone’s happiness and life satisfaction.

SSRIs, in general, are often effective in the treatment of panic disorder. However, escitalopram may be one of the most valuable medications for the treatment of this condition. This effect it likely due to the limited risk of Lexapro side effects and its ability to treat conditions that occur alongside panic disorder.⁵

Escitalopram may not be the “cure” for mental health issues, but it can form a meaningful part of a treatment program that includes therapy and lifestyle changes. Mission Connection can discuss the most suitable treatment packages for your or a loved one’s needs.

What Is the Guidance on Lexapro Dosage?

Escitalopram comes in both tablet and liquid form and is taken orally once daily, either in the morning or evening, with or without food. The following are the escitalopram dosage guidelines for varying conditions, but a provider will make a decision based on your specific needs, symptoms, and reactions.

Escitalopram Dosage for Depression:

In adults, the recommended Lexapro dosage is 10mg for major depressive disorder. Providers may consider increasing the dosage to 20mg depending on the person’s reaction to the drug, but the evidence for increased benefits with a higher dose is low.⁶

In minors aged 12 years and older, the recommended Lexapro dosage is also 10mg. Similarly, depending on the teen’s tolerance to the medication and their physical response, a provider may increase the dose to 20mg daily.

Escitalopram Dosage for Anxiety:

As with depression, people with generalized anxiety disorder will likely be started on a daily 10mg escitalopram dosage. Dosage may be increased to 20mg depending on the person’s reaction.

Children aged seven years and up will also be prescribed 10mg if needed, with a potential increase to 20mg after monitoring of tolerance and response.⁶

Escitalopram Dosage for Panic Disorders:

The guidelines for taking escitalopram for panic disorder take the same approach as for anxiety and depression: 10mg daily with the potential of shifting the dose to 20mg.⁵

While Lexapro is FDA approved for use in minors with depression and generalized anxiety disorder, it’s not yet approved for panic disorder in this age group. Yet this doesn’t mean it can’t be used off-label, meaning that a provider will make a decision on prescribing based on a child’s or teen’s symptoms.

How Long Does Lexapro Take to Work?

When a mental health condition has a firm grip on your well-being, it’s more than understandable to wonder when a medication such as escitalopram will take effect. It’s difficult to give a black and white answer to this question; everyone has different physical makeups, so may react to the medication at varying speeds.

Escitalopram works by enhancing the availability of serotonin in the brain, but it can take time for this buildup to make a difference. Some people might start to see benefits in as little as a week or two, but others might have to wait for six weeks or more to see signs that escitalopram is working.¹

If you don’t see any noticeable changes in the early days of treatment, it’s important not to become discouraged. If you’re concerned or start to see Lexapro side effects, discuss these issues with your provider, as they may decide to adjust dosage or switch you to a different medication.

Having said as much, the early benefits of escitalopram can be subtle. So we highlight them below to help you build an awareness of any shifts in your emotions or physical sensations.

Signs Lexapro Is Working

Early benefits of escitalopram often include:⁷

Improved sleep
Increased energy
Boost in appetite

Later benefits of escitalopram may involve:⁷

Decreased low mood and feelings of anxiety
Enhanced interest in activities
Greater motivation
Better overall functioning

What Are the Possible Lexapro Side Effects?

While medication can sound like a magic fix to many people struggling to manage their mental health, like all drugs, there is a risk of Lexapro side effects. As an SSRI, this risk is lower than other medications, such as SNRIs or tricyclics, but it’s still something to keep an eye out for.

Lexapro side effects can vary from person to person, and usually go away by themselves in the first few weeks of treatment. However, if they become a roadblock to functioning or don’t go away after the adjustment period, it’s important to speak to your provider. They may discuss the option of amending the dose or trying out a different medication.

Common Lexapro side effects include:⁸

Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea or diarrhoea
Constipation
Headache
Heartburn
Dry mouth
Loss of appetite
Perspiration
Excessive tiredness
Difficulty sleeping
Brain “zaps”
Flu-like symptoms, including sneezing and a runny nose
Sexual dysfunction

As an important note, SSRIs are linked to a risk of increased suicidal thoughts during the adjustment period, especially in people under the age of 24. For this reason, the FDA requires all antidepressants to carry a “black box warning” on their packaging. While this risk is low, it’s still something to be mindful of. If you have any concerns about yourself or someone you care about, contact your provider immediately.

How to Taper Off Lexapro Safely

There are a number of reasons why someone might want to come off escitalopram. Perhaps they’re not seeing any benefits, or the side effects outweigh these. Alternatively, they might just feel emotionally stable enough to stop medication. Either way, stopping Lexapro suddenly is not a good idea. Just as the brain needs time to adjust to increased amounts of serotonin, it also needs time to readjust to lower levels.

Stopping suddenly could lead to discontinuation syndrome, which involves withdrawal symptoms. Lexapro withdrawal symptoms are similar to the drug’s initial side effects, but also include a return of mental health symptoms. Not everyone will get Lexapro withdrawal symptoms, and they aren’t considered life-threatening, but they can be highly unpleasant.⁹

If you’re wondering how to taper off escitalopram, the answer is “gradually.” Stopping any antidepressant is best done under professional guidance and over time to ensure the best chance at a successful transition. Mission Connection can create a tapering plan to suit your symptoms, schedule, and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Escitalopram

While this article aimed to provide as much information about escitalopram as possible, you may still have some burning questions or concerns about Lexapro side effects and how to manage these. For this reason, we’ve included some frequently asked questions about escitalopram to shed some extra light on whether it’s the right approach for you.

Lexapro Weight Gain: Is This a Thing?

Weight gain is often a key reason why many people decide to stop taking antidepressants, so asking this question is understandable. Escitalopram, according to research, is one of the SSRIs linked to the most weight gain.¹⁰ Yet, the weight gain from SSRIs, in general, is modest and manageable, plus, it doesn’t happen for everyone. If Lexapro weight gain is a concern for you, providers like Mission Connection can help you create a healthy nutrition and lifestyle plan.

Can Lexapro Cause Insomnia?

While many people with anxiety and depression may also struggle with sleep disturbances, antidepressants such as Lexapro are not always the solution to the problem. For some, escitalopram could improve quality of sleep, especially after the period of adjustment. However, Lexapro and sleep problems are an issue for a small number of people. Taking the medication earlier in the day could reduce these issues, but if sleep problems persist, talking to your provider could help you find a solution.

Can I Drink Alcohol When Taking Escitalopram?

Lexapro and alcohol interactions can be a problem for some people, as alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness. For this reason, drinking alcohol while taking escitalopram is not medically recommended.

What Is the Best Time to Take Lexapro?

The “best” time to take Lexapro depends on your unique symptoms and reactions to the drug. For instance, if you have trouble sleeping, taking it in the morning could reduce the medication’s impact on sleep quality. On the other hand, some people find that Lexapro causes drowsiness. So, to reduce feelings of sedation during the day and enhance calmness at night, it might be best to take Lexapro in the evening. Sometimes, the answers become clearer through a process of trial and error.

Mission Connection: Guidance on the Right Mental Health Treatment for Your Needs

When it comes to choosing the right medication and mental health treatment package, there are no one-size-fits-all deals. Your needs, symptoms, schedule, and opinion should all factor into the equation – allowing for unique, tailored mental health care.

Mission Connection takes a holistic approach to mental health treatment, one in which you are at the core of every decision made. Whether you need residential, outpatient, or telehealth services, we can meet you where you stand. When medication becomes part of the picture, it’s important to know that your provider is there to monitor and manage both large and small responses. Our team can be your stable base during this time.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward better well–being, or simply have more questions about medication, reach out to us today via phone or fill out our confidential contact form.

References

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