More Common Side Effects
The more common adult side effects for this drug are slightly different from the more common side effects for children.
- more common adult side effects can include:
- nausea
If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If theyre more severe or dont go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Do You Feel Depressed
Depression is also viewed as an inflammatory condition, and some research suggests that SSRIs work because they have anti-inflammatory properties. However, other research suggests that some SSRIs are not effective in people whose blood contains markers or indicators of inflammation. 1,2 These types of conflicting results help medical experts understand why and how some types of antidepressant medications may work for some people but not for others.
For what specific conditions is Lexapro prescribed?
Lexapro is classified as an antidepressant commonly used to treat major depressive disorders and generalized anxiety disorder. At their discretion, physicians may prescribe Lexapro for other conditions, including panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
What is a typical dose of Lexapro?
The standard initial dose of Lexapro is usually 10 mg, once daily, in the morning or evening, with or without food. If Lexapro makes you feel drowsy, it is a good idea to take it in the evening. In some cases, doctors will have a patient graduate to a higher dose. It can take three to six weeks to start feeling the effects of Lexapro, although some people respond sooner.
Can anyone take Lexapro?
What Drug Interactions Does Celexa Have
The following medications can interact with Celexa :
Drugs that affect serotonin
Taking Celexa with other drugs that affect the serotonin in your body, can increase the risk of a condition called serotonin syndrome. These drugs include MAOIs , other antidepressants, and triptans for migraines . Although serotonin syndrome is a rare side effect, its a possible occurrence when Celexa is combined with these medications. And if not treated, it can be fatal. Call 911 or seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Agitation or confusion
Blood thinners
Serotonin plays a role in blood clotting. Because of this, SSRIs may raise your risk for dangerous bleeding, particularly stomach bleeding. This risk is higher if you are already on blood thinners such as warfarin .
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and meloxicam, which are used to treat pain, inflammation, and arthritis. Taking them regularly can put you at higher risk for bleeding. You should discuss with your provider whether its safe to take NSAIDs occasionally for aches, pains, or fever.
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Why Is This Medication Prescribed
Escitalopram is used to treat depression in adults and children and teenagers 12 years of ago or older. Escitalopram is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Escitalopram is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors . It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
How Common Is Lexapro Addiction And Abuse
Lexapro is one of the most commonly prescribed SSRIs in the U.S. and many people end up taking it for decades following a quick diagnosis of depression. Although it is not a controlled substance and the FDA has reported that it is physically non-addictive, you can develop a psychological addiction to Lexapro with regular abuse.
Although Lexapro addiction isnt as common as addiction to other prescription drugs and narcotics, people may take larger doses to try to improve their mood more or to experience the euphoria that is created by a high.
Lexapro can be abused in many ways, such as:
- Taking more Lexapro than was prescribed by your doctor
- Taking someone elses Lexapro that was not prescribed to you
- Continuing to take Lexapro long after symptoms of depression and anxiety have subsided
- Buying Lexapro from friends, family members, or dealers
- Forging prescriptions for Lexapro
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Study Design And Dosing Schedule
This multinational study was a randomised, parallel group, placebo-controlled trial involving 41 centres in eight countries . Patients who met selection criteria entered a 1-week, single-blind, placebo lead-in period before being randomised to 12 weeks of double-blind treatment with escitalopram or matched placebo capsules. Patients were contacted for a safety follow-up 30 days after their last dose. The initial dosage of escitalopram was 10 mg per day. The dosage could be increased to 20 mg per day after 4, 6 or 8 weeks of treatment in case of an unsatisfactory response, judged as a score above 5 on the Clinical Global Impression scale rating for severity or no decrease in CGIS score since baseline. The mean daily dose of escitalopram was 17.6 mg at week 12. Efficacy and tolerability were assessed at baseline and after 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment.
What Are Some Alternatives To Celexa And What Are Their Common Side Effects
If you and your provider decide that Celexa is not right for you, there are several other medications available to treat anxiety, including:
Other SSRIs
These medications work similarly to Celexa and include escitalopram and paroxetine . If you didnt get the benefit you were hoping for while taking Celexa, you might want to try switching to another SSRI. Lexapros side effects are similar to that of Celexa, with the exception of erectile dysfunction :
- Headache
- Headache
Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine , an antihistamine, can be helpful for immediate relief of anxiety symptoms. You might also benefit from taking hydroxyzine at the same time as other anxiety medications, like Celexa. Common side effects of hydroxyzine include:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines include medications such as alprazolam , lorazepam , and clonazepam . Like hydroxyzine, benzodiazepines can be helpful for immediate relief of anxiety symptoms. You may even benefit from combining benzodiazepines with other medications like Celexa. Keep in mind that these are habit-forming, so they may not be the right option for everyone. The most common side effects of benzodiazepines on the whole include:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Feeling faint
Before starting any medication be it Celexa or another anti-anxiety drug make sure to speak to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
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Warnings For Other Groups
For pregnant women: Escitalopram is a category C pregnancy drug. That means two things:
Talk to your doctor if youre pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
For women who are breastfeeding: Escitalopram may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.
For seniors: Seniors are more likely to have lowered sodium levels. Because this drug can decrease sodium levels, seniors may be at even higher risk for low sodium levels.
For children: Children who take drugs like escitalopram may have a decreased appetite and weight loss.
What Drugs Interact With Lexapro And Xanax
Lexapro
- All SSRIs, including Lexapro, should not be combined with drugs in the monoamine oxidase inhibitor class of antidepressants such as isocarboxazid , phenelzine , tranylcypromine , selegiline and procarbazine or other drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue. Such combinations may lead to confusion, high blood pressure, high fevers, tremor or muscle rigidity, and increased activity. At least 14 days should elapse after discontinuing Lexapro before starting an MAO inhibitor. Conversely, at least 14 days should elapse after discontinuing an MAO inhibitor before starting Lexapro.
- Similar reactions occur when SSRIs are combined with other drugs that increase serotonin in the brain, for example tryptophan, St. John’s wort, meperidine , lithium , triptans , and tramadol
- Use of selective serotonin inhibitors may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients taking warfarin , aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , and other drugs that cause bleeding.
Xanax
- Ketoconazole , itraconazole , nefazodone , cimetidine , and fluvoxamine increase concentrations in the blood of alprazolam and therefore may increase the side effects of alprazolam.
- Alprazolam interacts with alcohol and medications that suppress activity in the brain by suppressing activity more and causing sedation.
- Carbamazepine and rifampin reduce the effect of alprazolam by increasing metabolism and elimination of alprazolam in the liver.
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When You Should Not Take Lexapro
The use of Lexapro to treat anxiety is not suitable for everyone, which is why you should discuss its use with your doctor.
Alerting your doctor of any allergic reactions to Lexapro is essential to assist them in giving you advice on its usage. Note that no factual findings highlight the benefits of using Lexapro in children between 12 and 18 years, and its suitable for children under 12 years.
If you have confirmed or suspect you are pregnant, ensure you discuss it with your physician to understand any inherent risks of using escitalopram.
Lexapro also increases the chances of spasms for epileptic patients, which is why you should use it as advised. Remember to brief your physician of other preexisting conditions such as diabetes or heart issues to avoid occurrences such as elevated blood sugar levels or cardiac arrest.
What If I Forget To Take It
Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten doses.
If you do forget to take a dose and remember before you go to bed, take it straight away. Carry on as usual the next day.
If you only remember during the night or the next day, leave out the missed dose and carry on as usual.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you.
You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
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Tips For Good Medication And Treatment Reviews
- Post reviews only for medications or treatments you have used or prescribed.
- In your description, mention whether you’re reviewing the medication or treatment for a child or for an adult , and as a patient or as a medical professional.
- Mention what medical condition you were using the medication or treatment to address.
- Mention the brand, dose, and period of time that you used the medication or treatment.
- Please share your positive and negative experiences with the medication or treatment in detail. Note effectiveness, ease of use, side effects and compare it with other treatments you have used.
- Do not include any personal information or links in your review.
Suicidal Thoughts And Behavior
- Risk factors: Age 24 or younger
Lexapro can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Watch for new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment or when the dose changes. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you notice any unusual changes in mood or behavior while taking this medication.
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What Are Lexapro Side Effects
Just like any medication, side effects are possible. The threats involved with Lexapro reported from scientific trials indicate the most common side effects associated with the treatment in adults were queasiness, insomnia , ejaculation condition , tiredness and drowsiness, increased sweating, reduced libido, and anorgasmia .
For pediatric and young person patients, added side effects were reported, such as back pain, urinary tract infection, vomiting and nasal blockage. Patients of any ages who are using an antidepressant therapy needs to be kept track of carefully for medical worsening, suicidal tendencies or uncommon changes in habits.
Common Side Effects Of Lexapro Vs Xanax
Lexapro and Xanax can both affect the central nervous system . Both medications can cause common CNS side effects such as headache, dizziness, and insomnia. However, drowsiness or sleepiness is a more common side effect of taking Xanax.
Lexapro and Xanax can also cause other side effects such as dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Changes in weight such as weight loss or weight gain are also possible side effects with either drug. Lexapro is more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects such as indigestion and gas .
More serious adverse effects of Lexapro can include serotonin syndrome, a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention. Other adverse effects of Xanax can include memory problems or cognitive dysfunctions when used long term.
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Cons Of Taking Lexapro
Theres no blood test to inform you whether Lexapro is working. Tracking your experience can.
Can cause sexual side effects like low libido and a failure to orgasm or ejaculate. Most likely to cause minor weight gain than other antidepressants. Can cause an irregular heart beat if you take a high dosage . Not a good choice for you if you have heart or liver problems.
Like a lot of antidepressants, it can cause a higher risk of self-destructive ideas and habits for individuals below 24.
The first antidepressant you try doesnt always work, and might have side effects you actually do not like. You might need to attempt a few different medications until you find one that works for you and that you can endure.
No Better Than Paroxetine
There are limited data comparing escitalopram with other SSRIs. Secondary efficacy analyses of two studies found that escitalopram 1020 mg daily was more effective than paroxetine 20 mg daily 19,23, but the studies were not powered for this effect. The fixed daily dose of paroxetine in these studies may account for the observed superiority of escitalopram. One study in GAD found escitalopram and flexible-dose paroxetine to have similar efficacy.28 More patients receiving paroxetine withdrew during the 24-week double-blind period and there were more withdrawals in the paroxetine group because of adverse events . The overall incidence of treatment-related adverse events was similar for paroxetine and escitalopram .28
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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Lexapro Addiction And Abuse
If a person is abusing Lexapro or is addicted to it, there will be some outward signs and symptoms of abuse. These may include:
- Taking larger doses of Lexapro than necessary
- Faking symptoms of depression or anxiety to get Lexapro from a doctor
- Seeing multiple doctors to get Lexapro prescriptions
- Having severe mood swings
- Having trouble sleeping at night
- Appearing to be high or sedated
- Pretending to lose prescriptions to get early refills
- Needing more Lexapro pills to experience the same effects they used to provide
- Isolating oneself from friends and family
- Hiding Lexapro use from loved ones
- Lack of interest in hobbies and activities they used to enjoy
Someone who has a history of substance abuse or who abuses other prescription drugs or illegal substances may also be more likely to abuse Lexapro.