Medication Details: Forms, Strengths, Administration, and Further Information for Lexapro
Lexapro, a widely prescribed antidepressant, is used to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults and certain children. While it can provide significant benefits, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects and how to manage them.
In adults, common side effects of Lexapro (incidence >10%) include headache, nausea, somnolence (drowsiness), and insomnia. Other common effects (1–10%) include fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, excessive sweating, and sexual problems such as decreased libido or erectile dysfunction.
In children and adolescents (aged 12 and up for major depressive disorder), side effects are broadly similar. However, close monitoring is vital due to increased risks of mood changes or suicidal thoughts in those under 25 years old.
Management of side effects is crucial. Nausea and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion, typically subside over time. Taking the medication with food can help reduce these symptoms.
Insomnia or sleep disturbances can be managed by adjusting dosing time. For instance, taking Lexapro in the morning may help if insomnia occurs.
Drowsiness or fatigue may improve with time, but patients should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they know how Lexapro affects them.
Sexual side effects may require dose adjustment or discussion with a healthcare provider about alternative therapies.
Close monitoring for mood changes and suicidal ideation is particularly important in children, adolescents, and young adults under 25. For elderly patients, lower starting doses and close monitoring for side effects such as dizziness and somnolence are recommended.
In all cases, maintaining open communication with the prescribing healthcare professional is critical to address side effects, manage symptoms, and adjust treatment plans as needed.
More severe or unusual side effects, such as eye pain, chest pain, rash, swelling, bleeding, should be reported to a medical professional immediately as they may require urgent medical attention.
Lexapro is meant to be a long-term treatment. In clinical trials, no additional benefits were seen with dosages larger than 20 mg per day of Lexapro. However, some doctors may prescribe a higher dose off-label.
Withdrawal symptoms can happen when you stop taking Lexapro, and they are more likely to occur if you stop taking the drug too quickly.
Lexapro is FDA approved to treat GAD in children ages 7 years and older and MDD in children ages 12 years and older. The typical starting dosage for Lexapro for both GAD and MDD in adults is 10 mg once per day. Doctors may increase a daily dosage of Lexapro from 10 mg to a higher dose for some adults.
The recommended maximum dosage for children is also the same as for adults: 20 mg per day. However, doctors typically wait longer to increase dosages for children. The active ingredient in Lexapro is escitalopram, and it belongs to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Lexapro should be taken at the same time each day to maintain a steady level in the body and work effectively. The recommended therapeutic dosage range of Lexapro is 10 to 20 mg once per day.
Lexapro is a brand-name prescription oral tablet used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and certain children. If you miss a dose of Lexapro, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose as usual.
Lexapro comes in three strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.
- In addition to its use in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder, it's crucial to understand that Lexapro might have predictive side effects.
- Migraines and mood changes, particularly suicidal ideation, are potential side effects, especially in children, adolescents, and young adults.
- Health-and-wellness management for Lexapro users might involve keeping an eye on hepatitis as a potential rare side effect.
- To ensure optimal nutrition and mental health while on Lexapro, users should maintain open communication with their healthcare providers and follow certain guidelines like taking the medication consistently at the same time each day.
