Uses, Side Effects & Dosage —Talkspace

Lexapro — or the generic model, Escitalopram — is a standard prescription remedy used to deal with anxiousness and melancholy. 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.

While meant to deal with melancholy 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). 

Wondering if you may get Lexapro on-line? The reply is sure. Set up a web-based psychiatry appointment at present with Talkspace. Keep studying as we discover Lexapro makes use of, unwanted effects, dosage info, and extra. We’ll even take a look at the professionals & cons of utilizing the drug.

What is Lexapro?

Lexapro is an oral remedy identified to assist enhance temper and scale back signs related to melancholy or anxiousness.

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 could regulate feelings and profit individuals with melancholy or anxiousness problems.

How does Lexapro make you’re feeling?

The results of taking Lexapro can differ however usually embrace improved moods and decreased anxiousness. In addition, individuals who take this remedy typically report feeling extra energized and higher capable of deal with duties all through the day. 

Some individuals might expertise adverse unwanted effects like nausea, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, weight achieve/loss, and sexual dysfunction. 

Lexapro Uses

Lexapro has been authorized to be used in treating main depressive dysfunction (MDD) and generalized anxiousness dysfunction (GAD) with a constructive total response price. Additionally, the drug has been discovered efficient in treating a number of different situations off-label (that means it’s typically prescribed for makes use of aside from what it was initially meant for). 

“Lexapro is indicated for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It’s also used off-label for panic disorder, symptoms of depression in bipolar disorder, and certain premenstrual symptoms.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir

Lexapro for anxiousness 

Lexapro is usually a profitable therapy choice for anxiousness in many individuals. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) states that GAD manifests as extreme fear and different signs that lasts for greater than six months.

At least 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
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Mind going clean
• Irritability
• Muscle stress
• Sleep disturbances

Multiple research present that Lexapro therapy can successfully enhance signs of GAD, panic dysfunction, OCD, and social anxiousness. Further, managed research specializing in relapse prevention present long-term efficacy.

Lexapro for melancholy

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 Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) as a distinguished and chronic depressed temper lasting almost day-after-day for not less than two weeks. 

At least 5 of the next 9 signs should be current for MDD to be identified:

• Depressed temper
• Change in urge for food
• Loss of curiosity in normal actions
• Significant change in weight 
• Increased fatigue
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Slowed considering or impaired focus
• Psychomotor agitation 
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Suicide try or suicidal ideation

Studies present that Lexapro can enhance signs of melancholy 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 melancholy. For instance, it could be useful in treating:

Finally, 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.

Pros & Cons of Lexapro

Pros of Lexapro	Cons of Lexapro
Studies present is an efficient antidepressant for treating melancholy and anxiousness	A typical facet impact is drowsiness, which could intrude with day by day actions
It works by growing the degrees of serotonin within the mind, serving to to manage temper	Potential for Lexapro withdrawal signs when stopped abruptly
Relatively low danger of unwanted effects in comparison with different antidepressants	Must be tapered off slowly beneath the steerage of a health care provider if discontinuing use
Can be taken recurrently	May trigger weight achieve as a consequence of appetite-stimulating properties; nevertheless, it could normally be managed by weight loss plan and train modifications
Generally well-tolerated and simple to take with few drug interactions	Brand title will be costlier than some generic antidepressants, however the generic model is extensively obtainable (and each are sometimes coated by insurance coverage)

“Lexapro is an SSRI and increases the serotonin levels in the brain that relieve the symptoms of depression and anxiety features. It is a slow build-up medication that takes about 4 to 6 weeks for it to work. The dose flexibility and lack of interaction with other medications makes Lexapro an easier medication to use, especially when combination treatment is required.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir

Side Effects of Lexapro

Common unwanted effects of Lexapro embrace nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, insomnia, elevated sweating, and sexual dysfunction. These signs are normally gentle and sometimes go away after just a few weeks of taking the remedy.

Less frequent however extra extreme unwanted effects embrace:

• Changes in urge for food leading to weight achieve/loss
• Agitation or restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Unusual conduct modifications
• Tremors or shaking
• Confusion
• Fever or chills
• Fast heartbeat and seizures

If you 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 day by day, with or with out meals. 

• For anxiousness: The advisable beginning dose for adults is 10 mg day by day. Some individuals might require increased 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. Long-term use of Lexapro for GAD needs to be monitored by a health care provider. 

• For melancholy in adolescents: It’s advisable that adolescents begin on a ten mg dose of Lexapro day by day for melancholy. After a minimal of three weeks, the dose could also be elevated to as much as 20 mg. 

• For melancholy 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 melancholy, there will be long-term advantages to persevering with the drug, however dosage and therapy needs to be reevaluated periodically by a medical skilled. 

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. 

If you miss a dose, take it as quickly as doable until it’s nearly time on your subsequent scheduled dose — then skip the missed one and proceed taking Lexapro in accordance with schedule. Do not double up doses in case you neglect to take Lexapro.

Additional Considerations

If you’re contemplating taking Lexapro, it’s vital that you just’re conscious of potential interactions with different medicines and any warnings related to the drug.

Interactions

Certain medicine can work together with Lexapro, growing or lowering 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. 

Additionally, combining Lexapro with different medicine that have an effect on serotonin ranges within the physique might result in severe unwanted 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. Do not use Lexapro in case you’re allergic to escitalopram or in case you already take Pimozide. 

Tell your physician in case you take any of the next:

• Linezolid 
• Isocarboxazid 
• Rasagiline
• Tranylcypromine
• Selegiline 
• Phenelzine 
• Stimulants
• Opioids
• Herbal merchandise
• Migraine remedy 
• Medication for Parkinson’s illness  

There are security concerns concerning Lexapro and being pregnant, so make sure to let your physician know in case you’re pregnant or nursing. Talk to your physician if in case you have additionally ever had: 

• Seizures
• Liver/kidney illness
• Heart illness
• High blood stress
• Low sodium
• Bleeding 
• Bipolar dysfunction
• Addiction
• Suicidal ideas 

Lexapro Alternatives

If Lexapro doesn’t sound like the correct remedy for you or you have an interest in options, the next may fit relying on a health care provider’s prescription.

Zoloft

One different to Lexapro for anxiousness and melancholy is Zoloft (Sertraline), one other SSRI remedy. Like Lexapro, Zoloft will increase serotonin ranges within the mind. Some individuals discover that Zoloft has fewer unwanted 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 melancholy is Wellbutrin (Bupropion). This drug doesn’t belong to the identical class as SSRIs and doesn’t deal with anxiousness. It works by boosting dopamine and norepinephrine within the mind. As a outcome, Wellbutrin might relieve depressive signs with out inflicting sexual dysfunction or weight achieve like some antidepressants do. Additionally, Wellbutrin can profit individuals who expertise fatigue or lack motivation as a consequence of their situation.

Cymbalta

A 3rd choice for these searching for a substitute for Lexapro is Cymbalta (Duloxetine). This remedy belongs to a unique class than each SSRIs and Wellbutrin. It’s generally known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Unlike different antidepressants, Cymbalta can even assist relieve ache related to sure medical situations.

Effexor XR

Finally, Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) is one more SNRI that could be prescribed as a substitute of Lexapro to deal with melancholy. It works equally by growing ranges of norepinephrine and serotonin within the mind. Because Effexor might have extra unwanted effects than different medicines, medical doctors normally begin sufferers on decrease doses earlier than regularly growing them over time if crucial.

Online Lexapro Prescription Through Talkspace Psychiatry

Talkspace Psychiatry may also help decide if Lexapro could be proper on your situation. Talkspace presents a safe platform that connects you with licensed psychiatrists to make getting assist easy. You can get began rapidly with out ready weeks or months for an appointment like in additional conventional clinic settings. 

Connecting with certainly one of Talkspace’s psychiatrists is simple and easy. 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 it is best to contemplate.