Is Lexapro For Anxiety Or Depression

What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Lexapro

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to escitalopram or citalopram , or if:

• you also take pimozide or citalopram.

Do not use escitalopram within 14 days before or 14 days after you have used an MAO inhibitor. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Be sure your doctor knows if you also take stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. These medicines may interact with escitalopram and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver or kidney disease
• low levels of sodium in your blood
• heart disease, high blood pressure
• a stroke
• bipolar disorder or
• drug addiction or suicidal thoughts.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Escitalopram is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of escitalopram on the baby.

If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness, agitation, feeding problems, or poor weight gain in the nursing baby.

Escitalopram May Cause Side Effects Tell Your Doctor If Any Of These Symptoms Are Severe Or Do Not Go Away:

• nausea
• changes in sex drive or ability
• drowsiness

• problems with thinking, concentration, or memory
• seizures

Escitalopram may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .

Is Lexapro Vs Xanax More Effective

Lexapro and Xanax are both effective for treating anxiety. Although benzodiazepines are not commonly used first for anxiety, some studies show that they may be more effective than SSRIs. However, benzodiazepines are usually only recommended for short-term purposes.

Sometimes SSRI drugs and benzodiazepines are prescribed for anxiety and depression. Because SSRIs may take some time to feel its full effects, a benzodiazepine may help when starting therapy with an SSRI like Lexapro. In a literature review, it was found that benzodiazepines improved control of anxiety and helped with initial anxiety when starting an SSRI.

Other case reports have found that when taken together, benzodiazepines may boost the efficacy of SSRIs. In one report, a patient taking a benzodiazepine and SSRI together experienced mania, or an excitable mood often characterized by increased energy and irrational decision making.

Treatment with Lexapro and/or Xanax is personalized to an individuals condition and symptoms. Its important to consult a doctor or mental healthcare professional to explore the different treatment options available.

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What Are Lexapro And Xanax

Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Other SSRIs include citalopram , fluoxetine , paroxetine , and sertraline . SSRIs affect neurotransmitters in the brain, the chemical messengers that nerves use to communicate with one another. An imbalance of neurotransmitters is believed to cause depression. Lexapro prevents the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which results in more serotonin in the brain to attach to receptors.

Xanax is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety. Other benzodiazepines include diazepam , clonazepam , lorazepam , and flurazepam . Xanax acts by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain. It is believed that excessive activity in the brain may cause anxiety or other psychiatric disorders.

What Other Medications Interact With Lexapro

Certain medications can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when used with Lexapro:

• MAOIs: This is another class of antidepressants. Your healthcare provider may switch your MAOIs to other antidepressants and wait a minimum of 14 days before starting you on Lexapro.
• Duragesic : Fentanyl is a strong pain medication that can increase serotonin levels in the body.
• Ultram : Tramadol is a pain medication that, when used in combination with Lexapro, may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome or irregular heart rhythms.
• Trazodone: Trazodone is an antidepressant that can affect the amount of serotonin in the body. Combined with another antidepressant, Lexapro and this medication could cause serotonin syndrome or dangerous levels of serotonin in the body.
• Seroquel :Seroquel is a medication used to treat psychotic disorders. When combined with Lexapro, it may affect heart function. This side effect is rare but can be potentially life-threatening.
• Wellbutrin : Wellbutrin is also an antidepressant medication. Although rare, it may increase the risk of seizures when used in combination with Lexapro.
• Triptans : Triptans are drugs used to treat migraines by stimulating serotonin receptors in the brain.

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Lexapro And Insomnia: What You Need To Know

Medically reviewed by Kristin Hall, FNP

Escitalopram, sold under the brand name Lexapro®, is a common antidepressant thats used to treat depression and certain anxiety disorders.

First approved for use by the FDA in 2002, Lexapro is a popular antidepressant. Its used by millions of people of different ages and backgrounds to make dealing with depression and anxiety an easier experience.

Although some antidepressants are associated with sleep difficulties, the data on Lexapro and insomnia is mixed. While some Lexapro users report insomnia, theres also research showing that Lexapro may actually make it easier to fall asleep.

Below, weve explained what Lexapro is and how it works. Weve also looked at the major links between Lexapro and sleep difficulties such as insomnia. Finally, weve provided several tips to help make falling and staying asleep easier if youre prescribed an antidepressant.

What Drugs Interact With Lexapro

Do not take Lexapro if you:

• are allergic to escitalopram oxalate or citalopram hydrobromide or any of the ingredients in Lexapro. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in Lexapro.
• take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor . Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including the antibioticlinezolid.
• take the antipsychotic medicine pimozide because taking this drug with Lexapro can cause serious heart problems.

Do not take an MAOI within 2 weeks of stopping Lexapro unless directed to do so by your physician.

Do not start Lexapro if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 2 weeks unless directed to do so by your physician.

People who take Lexapro close in time to an MAOI may have serious or even life-threatening side effects. Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms:

• high fever

• have or had bleeding problems
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can tell you if it is safe to take Lexapro with your other medicines. Do not start or stop any medicine while taking Lexapro without talking to your healthcare provider first.

If you take Lexapro, you should not take any other medicines that contain escitalopram oxalate or citalopram hydrobromide including: Zoloft.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:

Ask your healthcare provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure.

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Interactions Between Lexapro And Other Medications

Lexapro may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Lexapro . Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Bepridil

I had no libido and an excessive weight gain of over 10 kg on Lexapro , but I no longer suffer from anxiety and major depression. I’d rather be a bit chubby and happy than depressed and constantly anxious. Started on 10 mg then up to 20 mg after 6 months, once university exams began. Made me very sweaty! And gave me crazy dreams.

Can Escitalopram Cause Problems

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the more common ones associated with escitalopram. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer’s information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to escitalopram, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

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How Long Does It Take For Lexapro To Work

As with most SSRIs, you may notice that your sleep, energy, and/or appetite begins to improve within the first two weeks of starting Lexapro. However, it may take up to 6 to 8 weeks before the improvement of symptoms such as depressed mood or decreased interest in activities become noticeable.

• Weakness
• Yawning

Some Lexapro side effects may improve over the first week or two as you continue to take the medication. However, sexual side effects may not decrease over time.

Talk to your doctor or Minded provider if you experience any of these or other side effects.

Rare or serious side effects of Lexapro include:

• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Low sodium levels in your blood
• Seizures
• Serotonin Syndrome . Serotonin Syndrome is a very serious condition and can be fatal if not recognized and treated.
• Teeth grinding

SSRI antidepressant medicationsâlike Lexaproâmay also put you at an increased risk for potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially when they are taken with medications such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories , and warfarin , or other anticoagulants. Lexapro taken with any single or combination of these medications could cause your gums, nose, stomach, or intestines to bleed more easily.

Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of these serious side effects.

Lexapro Vs Zoloft: Weight Gain

Weight gain is a common concern about antidepressant medications. While some of these medications may have a higher rate of weight gain compared to others, in some cases, weight gain is not directly caused by the medication itself.

For example, sometimes people lose weight when they are depressed before they have started treatment. When their appetite returns as their depression is treated effectively, they may begin to gain back the weight they lost. But this is not necessarily caused by the medication itself. Instead, it is actually a result of an improvement in depression symptoms.

That being said, a 2015 study published in General Hospital Psychiatry found that both Lexapro and Zoloftâas well as other antidepressant medicationsâcould lead to weight gain.

While head-to-head comparisons for Zoloft vs Lexapro are not available, studies suggest that both can cause weight gain when taken long-term.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2016, for example, found that people taking Zoloft over a two-year period gained an average of 10.5 pounds.

While a 2011 study in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology found that people taking Lexapro over a 12-week period gained an average of less than a pound, a 2007 study in Current Medical Research and Opinion found that people taking Lexapro over an 8-month period gained an average of 4 pounds.

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Can Lexapro Cause Hallucination

No, there are cases of hallucination when Lexapro is taken in the normal limit, however, if there is excess serotonin in the brain, it results in a hallucination.

Side Note: I have tried and tested various products and services to help with my anxiety and depression. See my top recommendations here, as well as a full list of all products and services our team has tested for various mental health conditions and general wellness.

Lexapro Benefits For Depression

Depression and anxiety can be devastating, preventing many patients from working totally in life and leaving an influence on their families. This medication is not an illegal drug, fairly affordable and will not cause reliance issues. Many patients have alleviated symptoms within two to 4 weeks.

The medication enhances state of mind, sleep, energy and cravings, in addition to reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety assisting patients gain back a satisfying life. Nevertheless, this medication is not planned for pediatric patients under the age of 12.

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Lexapro Anxiety Drug Dosage

Escitalopram dosages vary depending on your condition, which is why it is crucial to go along with your physicians prescription.

Your doctor can prescribe escitalopram oxalate as an oral solution, or 5 to 20 mg pills depending on your condition, usually prescribed as once-daily doses.

It is crucial for future reference to note that the FDA does not approve doses higher than 20 mg.

A health professional should also define the period you should take Lexapro to treat your anxiety, and it is essential to continue your dosage even if you are feeling better.

If you forget to take your medication, make sure you take the dosage immediately you remember, which should too close to your next dosage to avoid overdosing.

Important Information About All Medicines

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Lexapro Vs Zoloft: Which Works Faster

Both Lexapro and Zoloft can take several weeks for improvement in your depression or anxiety symptoms to become noticeable. Because neither medication has a lead over the other in this area, it usually is not a factor in decision-making when choosing between these two medications.

In general, you might notice your sleep, energy, and appetite get better within the first two weeks of starting Lexapro or Zoloft. It can take 6 to 8 weeks for other symptomsâsuch as depressed mood or lack of interest in day-to-day activitiesâto improve as well.

Lexapro And Zoloft Drug Interactions

Since Lexapro and Zoloft are antidepressants and belong in the same SSRIs category, they have drug interactions with similar medications.

Drug categories that can cause drug interaction with the antidepressants are:

• SerotoninNorepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

They are antidepressant drugs that increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. The medications may cause problems for patients with SSRIs in their systems.

• Tricyclic Antidepressants

Most doctors dont prescribe TCAs as they have more side effects than SSRIs. Since they regulate the brains serotonin cycle, they may result in serotonin overflow if you combine them with other medications like SSRIs.

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

MAOIs target monoamine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down serotonin. Since MAOIs reduce the amount of the enzyme in the body, they cause the brain to receive more serotonin than normal.

MAOIs are not commonly prescribed as some like selegiline increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a fatal medical emergency that occurs from serotonin buildup. Therefore, you should not use MAOIs within 14 days of using Lexapro or Zoloft.

Additionally, you should not use triptans such as Imitrex and antidepressants like Elavil or Cymbalta when using Lexapro or Zoloft. Doing so puts you at risk of serotonin syndrome.

• Parnate

• Pepperoni
• Salami

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Lexapro Dosage And Administration

The FDA recommends the daily administration of Lexapro. The medication is available in the form of tablets and solutions, and you can take them with or without food.

Below is Lexapros recommended dosage depending on illness:

• Major Depressive Disorder

The recommended dose for adolescents and adults is 10 mg daily. Your doctor may increase your dosage to 20 mg if necessary. However, doctors can only increase the dosage after 3 weeks when treating adolescents and one week when treating adults.

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The recommended initial dose for adults with GAD is 10 mg. Your doctor may increase your dosage to 20 mg after a week if necessary.

Having difficulty recognizing the symptoms of GAD? Click below to get them diagnosed and treated by a mental health professional.