What is Lexapro? It is a brand name of escitalopram, is a type of antidepressant drug known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a practical medication for major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Lexapro is available in prescription upon your doctor’s advice. You can take this drug orally and it comes in both tablet and liquid drop forms.
Below is the dosage available for Lexapro:
- Tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
- Liquid: 1 mg/mL
What is Lexapro Used For?
If you experiencing major episodes of depression and anxiety, it could be an effective drug for you. Lexapro can stabilize individuals who have clinical depression and anxiety. Other than these, it also relieves panic attacks.
Lexapro can ease symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), which include:
- Feeling sad, empty, or tearful
- Feeling worthless, guilty, and hopeless
- Loss of interest in everyday activities
- Unhealthy sleeping and eating patterns
- Low energy and trouble focusing
- Psychomotor agitation
- Psychomotor retardation
- Suicidal thoughts
As for patients with generalized anxiety disorder, Lexapro can help you manage the following symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Insomnia
How Does It Work?
It is acts on the part of your brain responsible for controlling serotonin levels. These areas are called reuptake sites.
Lexapro inhibits the recycling of serotonin at these sites. As a result, it removes less serotonin at a time so you can have them more in your brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a chemical in your brain, that plays a crucial role in regulating your mood and emotions. It can help balance the serotonin levels available in the brain and help you relieve and overcome depression symptoms and anxiety episodes.
However, there are some precautions you need to take before taking Lexapro to make it more effective.
- Do not use it together with pimozide or citalopram (Celexa).
- Do not use it 14 days before or 14 days after using an MAO inhibitor (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine).
- Do not give it to anyone under 12 years.
- Do not withdraw from using it without first asking your doctor.
How Long Does It Take For Lexapro to Work?
You will need sufficient patience to feel the benefits. It can often take up to three months to notice changes in your mood while taking Lexapro. During this period, you may experience some side effects, including headache, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, increased sweating, nervousness, restlessness, fatigue, and insomnia.