Revealed on: 25 Could 2023
Lexapro — or the generic model, Escitalopram — is a typical prescription medicine used to deal with nervousness 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 stability.
Whereas meant to deal with despair and nervousness, 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 this time 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 medicine identified to assist enhance temper and scale back signs related to despair or nervousness.
How does Lexapro work?
Lexapro works by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin within the mind. This will increase serotonin ranges obtainable to be used by different neurons, so it might regulate feelings and profit folks with despair or nervousness problems.
How does Lexapro make you’re feeling?
The consequences of taking Lexapro can range however usually embody improved moods and decreased anxiousness. As well as, individuals who take this medicine typically report feeling extra energized and higher capable of deal with duties all through the day.
Some folks might expertise destructive uncomfortable side 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 nervousness dysfunction (GAD) with a constructive total response price. Moreover, the drug has been discovered efficient in treating a number of different circumstances off-label (that means it’s typically prescribed for makes use of apart from what it was initially meant for).
“Lexapro is indicated for main depressive dysfunction and generalized nervousness dysfunction. It’s additionally used off-label for panic dysfunction, signs of despair in bipolar dysfunction, and sure premenstrual signs.”
Lexapro for nervousness
Lexapro generally is a profitable therapy choice for nervousness in many individuals. The Diagnostic and Statistical Guide of Psychological Problems (DSM-V) states that GAD manifests as extreme fear and different signs that lasts for greater than six months.
A minimum of 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 rigidity
- Sleep disturbances
A number of research present that Lexapro therapy can successfully enhance signs of GAD, panic dysfunction, OCD, and social nervousness. 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 Guide of Psychological Problems (DSM-V) as a outstanding and protracted depressed temper lasting almost each day for no less than two weeks.
A minimum of 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 regular actions
- Vital 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 cut back signs related to different psychological well being points past nervousness 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 length, doubtlessly as a consequence of 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 nervousness | A typical facet 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 threat of uncomfortable side effects in comparison with different antidepressants | Should be tapered off slowly below the steering of a physician if discontinuing use |
| Could be taken often | Could trigger weight achieve as a consequence of appetite-stimulating properties; nonetheless, it might normally be managed by means of weight loss 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 obtainable (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 nervousness 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 drugs makes Lexapro a better medicine 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 delicate and sometimes go away after a number of weeks of taking the medicine.
Much less frequent however extra extreme uncomfortable side effects embody:
- Modifications in urge for food leading to weight achieve/loss
- Agitation or restlessness
- Problem concentrating
- Ideas of suicide or self-harm
- Uncommon habits modifications
- Tremors or shaking
- Confusion
- Fever or chills
- Quick heartbeat and seizures
If you happen to 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 nervousness: The beneficial 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 no less than a 1-week trial of the minimal dose. Lengthy-term use of Lexapro for GAD must be monitored by a physician.
- For despair in adolescents: It’s beneficial 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 no less than 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 could be long-term advantages to persevering with the drug, however dosage and therapy must be reevaluated periodically by a medical skilled.
How one can 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.
If you happen to miss a dose, take it as quickly as doable until it’s virtually time on your subsequent scheduled dose — then skip the missed one and proceed taking Lexapro in accordance with schedule. Do not double up doses for those who neglect to take Lexapro.
Extra Issues
If you happen to’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, for those who 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 threat of serotonin syndrome.
Warnings
Be certain to inform your physician for those who’ve been on an MAO inhibitor inside 14 days of beginning or stopping Lexapro. Don’t use Lexapro for those who’re allergic to escitalopram or for those who already take Pimozide.
Inform your physician for those who 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 concerning Lexapro and being pregnant, so you should definitely let your physician know for those who’re pregnant or nursing. Discuss to your physician if in case you have 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 medicine for you or you have an interest in options, the next may match relying on a physician’s prescription.
Zoloft
One various to Lexapro for nervousness and despair is Zoloft (Sertraline), one other SSRI medicine. 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 an alternative 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 nervousness. It really works by boosting dopamine and norepinephrine within the mind. In consequence, Wellbutrin might 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 as a consequence of their situation.
Cymbalta
A 3rd choice for these searching for an alternative choice to Lexapro is Cymbalta (Duloxetine). This medicine belongs to a distinct class than each SSRIs and Wellbutrin. It’s referred to as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). In contrast to different antidepressants, Cymbalta can even assist relieve ache related to sure medical circumstances.
Effexor XR
Lastly, Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) is yet one more SNRI that could be prescribed as an alternative 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, docs normally begin sufferers on decrease doses earlier than steadily rising them over time if vital.
On-line Lexapro Prescription By means of Talkspace Psychiatry
Talkspace Psychiatry may also help decide if Lexapro is likely to be proper on your situation. Talkspace provides a safe platform that connects you with licensed psychiatrists to make getting assist easy. You will get began shortly with out ready weeks or months for an appointment like in additional conventional clinic settings.
Connecting with considered one of Talkspace’s psychiatrists is straightforward and easy. 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 it’s best to take into account.
Sources:
- Pelissolo A. Efficacy and tolerability of escitalopram in nervousness problems: a evaluation. 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 crew of medical consultants (therapists and psychiatrists of assorted specialties) to make sure content material is correct and on par with present trade requirements.
Our objective at Talkspace is to offer probably the most up-to-date, invaluable, and goal info on psychological health-related matters in an effort to assist readers make knowledgeable choices.
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