Escitalopram is one of the common drugs prescribed for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorder under the trade name Lexapro. The drug is classified from the group of SSRI antidepressants, and it has been demonstrated effective in the treatment of multiple mental disorders. However, it is essential for first-time users of Lexapro or those who intend to make particular adjustments to the Lexapro dosage to learn how best to make the medication work for them at the same time eliminating bad side effects. This article will determine the best time to take lexapro for anxiety and all the pros and cons.
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). It can also be prescribed off-label for other purposes, such as panic disorder, OCD and social phobia. As with any other SSRI, it acts by regulating the amount of serotonin in the brain which improves mood, decreases anxiety, and stabilizes mood.
Best Time to Take Lexapro for Anxiety
The great thing that denotes the use of Lexapro, is that this medicine does not really matter when it is taken, it can either be in the morning, afternoon or evening, consistency should be the game, because you should take it at a certain time during your day. As for when is the best time to take pexapro for anxiety. It can be morning, during lunch or in the evening because the best time is when one will be most likely to remember.
However, some patients may have to take Lexapro at a specific time due to impact that may be produced. For example, if it makes you drowsy then maybe you should take it before sleep and so on. If it results in insomnia then probably one might take it in the morning. This will allow a client to find what hour of the day their body would be best in with regards to dealing with the side effects and to let medication work.
Lexapro Can Be Taken with or without Food
Another advantage over Lexapro is the lack of problems with its compatibility with the food. It can be chewed well with or without a food profile based on an individual’s desire and inclination. This means that when using Lexapro there will not be much of an issue taking it with either the early morning breakfast or late evening tea or snack. However, some of the users who use Lexapro complain of nausea especially in the initial stages of the drug’s use. In the event that this makes you have the feeling of nausea, you should consider taking the medication with some food.
Aware of possible drug interaction
It also means that people on Lexapro, among other SSRIs, have to be quite careful about the drugs used. For example, interactions with blood thinners involving warfarin, as well as other medications within the Lexapro group or any drug that causes sleepiness, should be addressed. Your doctor should always know if you are subject to any other medication due to the risk of causing a drug interaction.
The following are some of the most common drugs that would interact with Lexapro.
- Other antidepressants: When the combination of lexapro occurs with other SSRI or MAOIs or some other medication increasing the amount of serotonin, it develops a dangerous situation called serotonin syndrome.
- Alcohol: Among the side effects of Lexapro, the drug can cause drowsiness, more of which is produced by the combination of Lexapro and alcohol, as alcohol is known to create a magnifying glass of sorts when it comes to side effects.
Always declare all the drugs, including common painkillers, and herbal products to your healthcare team because they may potentially interact with your medication.
What to Do if you Missed Doses
Real life happens, and this might lead you to forget or miss taking a dose of Lexapro. If you forget your medication, you should take it when you remember it, but it is preferred to take it with the next scheduled regular dose. However, if the next dose is near, just skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Never take extra Lexapro to make up for a missed dose, as this could increase the risk of side effects or lead to an accidental overdose. The best strategy is to stay on track with your daily routine, and set a reminder to help you remember your medication.
Possible Side Effects
As with all drugs, Lexapro can cause side effects. Many of these side effects are mild and temporary, but some may be more serious. The most common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Drowsiness or insomnia
- Sexual dysfunction
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
If you experience bothersome or persistent side effects, talk to your doctor. They may adjust your dosage or consider alternative treatments.
More serious but less common side effects to watch out for include:
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Serotonin syndrome (overactivated serotonin states)
- Withdrawal symptoms if this medication is stopped abruptly
- Bleeding
- Seizures
If you experience any severe side effects, consult a doctor immediately.
Tapering Off is Important
When you decide to stop taking Lexapro, it’s essential to do this gradually. Stopping the medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. These symptoms may include dizziness, headache, nausea, and anxiety. To reduce these effects, your healthcare professional may also recommend tapering your dose over time. Never try to stop Lexapro without consulting a healthcare professional first.
Saving Money on Lexapro
Lexapro can be expensive, especially without insurance coverage. The good news is that there are ways to save on medication. For example, GoodRx enables customers to find discounts and compare prices at certain pharmacies, which can save you as much as 8% on your prescription. You can also consider the generic version of Lexapro, which is known as escitalopram, to save on costs as well.
Disclaimer: The information we shared with you thiryugh the article here is completely basic on our knowledge. But our recommdation is to take such medicines according to the doctors advice. We are not responsible if this medicine gives any bad effect to your body.
Conclusion
In conclusion of “Best Time to Take Lexapro for Anxiety” main thing is that “Consistency”. Consistency would be the most important thing about taking Lexapro. Choose a time of day that suits excellently with your time table, and stick to it. Pay interest to how the medication affects you, and you may need to adjust your routine if vital. Be aware of ability drug interactions and side effects, and constantly seek advice from your healthcare company when you have concerns.
FAQs Best Time to Take Lexapro for Anxiety
Ans. Lexapro can be taken at any time of day, as long as you take it consistently at the same time each day. The best time depends on your schedule and how the medication affects you.
Ans. Yes, you can take Lexapro with or without food. If it causes nausea, you can try taking it with food to reduce discomfort.
Ans. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Ans. Common side effects include nausea, headache, insomnia, drowsiness, and sexual problems. Contact your healthcare provider if these side effects persist or are bothersome.
Ans. No, you should not suddenly stop taking Lexapro as it can cause withdrawal symptoms. Always consult your healthcare provider to taper off the medication gradually.
