Lexapro is prescribed long-term, allowing it to create neuroadaptation in the CNS, brain, and body. Long-term effects of Lexapro may develop making continuing treatment untenable. Lexapro is not a cure.
Lexapro Dosage
If you are experiencing your first episode of depression or anxiety, you may take Lexapro for a defined period—such as between six months and one year. For individuals with a chronic mental health condition, it may be necessary to take Lexapro for an extended period (over many years).
If You Do Have to Take Antidepressants Forever, You Will Be OK. Some recent studies suggest long-term antidepressant use may come with side effects previously unknown to scientists. “These risks include an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially for SSRI users,” Dr. Hong explained.
Antidepressants such as Lexapro lose their effectiveness when overused. Many complain of its ineffectiveness after consumption for an extended period (after continuous use for more than six months). A licensed mental health expert should treat such cases.
Are There Any Risks For Taking Escitalopram For Long Periods Of Time? To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of escitalopram. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.
You may experience side effects during your first week on Lexapro, including anxiety, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, headaches, and nausea. These effects usually dissipate as your body adjusts to your medication.
Lexapro has an average rating of 8.2 out of 10 from a total of 518 reviews for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. 78% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 9% reported a negative experience.
Over time, in response to the increased levels of serotonin, the brain shuts down different receptors to prevent overstimulation. Once a person stops taking Lexapro, the body needs time to adjust. The amount of serotonin may decrease suddenly and will need time to replenish.
The exact reason Lexapro might cause weight gain isn't fully understood yet. However, many experts believe that changes in metabolism or appetite could play a role in causing this particular side effect.
They found that those taking antidepressants were 33% more likely to die during the study time frame and 14% more likely to have a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular event. People who already had cardiovascular disease, however, were at no higher risk if they took an antidepressant. What is this?
Specifically, weight gain seems to be a common long-term risk, especially the medications that affect serotonin levels. This could be because serotonin is associated with an increase in appetite. There is also a risk of higher blood sugar levels and diabetes with taking antidepressants long-term.
Clinicians generally recommend staying on the medication for six to nine months before considering going off antidepressants. If you've had three or more recurrences of depression, make that at least two years.
The recommended dose of Lexapro is 10 mg once daily. A flexible-dose trial of Lexapro (10 to 20 mg/day) demonstrated the effectiveness of Lexapro [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. If the dose is increased to 20 mg, this should occur after a minimum of three weeks. The recommended dose of Lexapro is 10 mg once daily.
Lexapro withdrawal symptoms are most often described as flu-like symptoms, such as nausea, dizziness, fatigue, fever, headache, trouble sleeping, and mood swings.
It can take several weeks to months for the brain to readjust, depending on factors such as the individual's brain chemistry, the type and duration of antidepressant use, and the presence of any underlying mental health conditions.
People taking Paxil and Effexor often have more intense withdrawal symptoms. These drugs have short half-lives and leave the body faster than drugs with long half-lives. The faster an antidepressant leaves the body, the worse the withdrawal symptoms. This is because of the sudden imbalance of chemicals in the brain.
Will I lose weight if I stop Lexapro? You may lose weight when you come off of an antidepressant like Lexapro, but don't stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.
Lexapro is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. SSRIs increase levels of serotonin in the brain, which can improve mood and emotional regulation. This benefits people with clinical depression and anxiety.
Lexapro is commonly used to treat both generalized anxiety disorder and depression in adults and adolescents, and when you first begin taking this medication it's important to pay close attention to any changes that take place in your mood and symptoms.
In addition, people who take this medication often report feeling more energized and better able to focus on tasks throughout the day. Some people may experience negative side effects like nausea, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, weight gain/loss, and sexual dysfunction.