Is Lexapro Effective?
Do you suffer from depression or anxiety and haven’t been able to find an effective way to treat it? You may have heard about one particular medication and wondered, “Is Lexapro effective?” Many people who take this prescription drug find that it helps minimize their symptoms and they feel better able to manage their lives. Arbor Wellness provides residential and outpatient treatment for depression and anxiety that includes access to several types of medication. Our experienced clinical staff can discuss with you if the plan they design to treat you should include Lexapro.
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What is Lexapro?
Lexapro is the brand name for a drug called escitaloproam. It is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) only available by prescription and is taken in either tablet or liquid forms. People with depression and anxiety often lack the proper production of a neurotransmitter called serotonin that their brain naturally produces. Taking Lexapro helps by restoring the production of serotonin. As a result, the person feels less depressed and has fewer symptoms of anxiety. Answering the question “Is Lexapro effective?” depends on a few factors, which we explore in this article.
What is Lexapro Used for?
Lexapro is used to treat different types of depression. It is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and other types of anxiety.
Is Lexapro Effective?
Anytime someone begins taking a medication to treat a mental health disorder, they want to know if it will work for them. This includes those who want to know “Is Lexapro effective?” Lexapro has been shown to be highly effective for many people who experience depression or anxiety. Several factors influence how effective this prescription drug is, and a discussion of them should take place with the prescriber. Things to consider that influence the effectiveness of Lexapro include:
- Taking the medication as prescribed on a regular basis.
- When the dosage is taken. For some, taking Lexapro in the morning is more effective than at night, and vice versa.
- If it’s taken in combination with other SSRIs, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotic medications, and more. The person should make sure the prescriber has a full list of other medications they take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- Medical conditions such as heart, liver, or kidney diseases.
As recently as 2019, more than 6 million people in the U.S. took Lexapro, with the majority of them reporting satisfaction in their experiences with this medication.
How Long Does It Take for Lexapro To Work?
When answering the question, “Is Lexapro effective?”, it’s important to take into account a couple of things. The first is that how quickly the drug takes effect depends on if the person takes it as prescribed on a regular basis. As well, a person’s individual brain chemistry can affect how fast they begin to feel the effects. Some people begin to feel results within two weeks, while it can take a month or longer for others to receive the full benefits.
Is Lexapro Addictive?
Lexapro is not classified as a controlled substance in the U.S. and is legally available by prescription. The potential for someone becoming addicted to it is low, which makes it a popular choice for many people who need help minimizing their symptoms of depression and anxiety. There is a risk for developing a physical dependence after long-term usage of the drug for some people. Because of this, no one should stop taking the drug cold turkey. Going off Lexapro should be done gradually and under a doctor’s supervision.
Side Effects of Starting Lexapro
Most drugs contain the possibility of experiencing some side effects. However, Lexapro usually causes minimal or no side effects for those who take it. The most common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Dry mouth
- Muscle and joint aches
- Trouble falling asleep
- Lethargy
- Change in appetite
- Reduced sex drive or ability to orgasm
How Long Do Lexapro Side Effects Last?
In general, the most common side effects that may occur when starting to take Lexapro end after one to two weeks. If they last longer than that, or if more serious side effects occur, the person should contact the prescriber to discuss their situation.
What if I Miss a Dose of Lexapro?
Lexapro is most effective when the person takes it as prescribed without changing the dosage or the number of times they take it. If someone misses a dose of the medication, they should take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for their next dosage, they should not take the missed dose. Two dosages taken close together constitute a double dosage and can be dangerous.
Who Can Prescribe Lexapro?
Lexapro can be prescribed by any healthcare provider who is licensed to prescribe medications. This includes physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists.
Begin Mental Health Treatment in Nashville, TN
Have you lived with depression or anxiety and cannot seem to find your way out of these often debilitating conditions? Arbor Wellness provides multi-disciplinary treatment for several types of depression and anxiety that helps improve your symptoms. We offer both outpatient and residential programs that meet your individual needs and schedule. If you haven’t found the right prescription medication yet, you may have been wondering, “Is Lexapro effective?” We offer access to this medication and are happy to talk to you about if it should be included in the treatment plan we design for you.
For more information about how we treat mental illness, visit our admissions page now. We are happy to answer any questions you have.
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