It works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain. Escitalopram belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). It may improve your energy level and feelings of well-being and decrease nervousness.
Doctors believe that it helps stabilize mood and causes happiness and a sense of well-being. Doctors prescribe Lexapro to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Lexapro (containing the active ingredient escitalopram) is a safe and effective treatment that is commonly prescribed for anxiety. Lexapro is an SSRI, which regulates serotonin production and reuptake in the brain to improve your moods and overall mental wellbeing to reduce symptoms of anxiety.
The length of time it takes for Lexapro treatment to start working can vary. It's common for some symptoms — like improved energy, sleep, and appetite — to improve within a week or two.
Often when taking Lexapro, people experience more energy. They may feel more motivated and have better memory retention. Depression and anxiety symptoms may disappear.
Some common side effects of escitalopram (Lexapro) include nausea, trouble sleeping, and drowsiness.
Lexapro can also help manage the following symptoms of anxiety: Excessive anxiety or worry. Fatigue.
Lexapro has an average rating of 8.2 out of 10 from a total of 515 reviews for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. 78% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 10% reported a negative experience.
It takes two to four weeks for escitalopram to show its full effect. Scientists believe that when you first start taking escitalopram, the higher levels of serotonin have direct effects which might not relieve your depression. In fact, you are likely to feel a bit more anxious and 'on edge' for a couple of weeks.
Lexapro belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). It increases the amount of serotonin in the brain, which helps relieve the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
In addition to improving your overall mood stability, taking Lexapro can also help reduce the intensity of symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. For example, if you struggle with intrusive thoughts or feelings of hopelessness due to depression, taking this medication may help reduce those feelings over time.
The researchers believe that the reduced reinforcement sensitivity caused by escitalopram may reflect the emotional blunting effect frequently reported by people taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but further work is necessary to understand the underlying mechanism.
On antidepressant medication, it is possible that you might experience a sense of feeling numb and less like yourself. Though the symptoms of depression have decreased, there may be a sense that other emotional responses – laughing or crying, for example – are more difficult to experience.
Most antidepressants boost mood and reduce depression symptoms by elevating serotonin levels in the brain. Although this is beneficial for someone who's depressed, for someone who does not have depression, taking antidepressant medication can cause serotonin to build up in the body, resulting in serotonin syndrome.
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.
Common side effects of Lexapro include nausea, sexual side effects, and insomnia. For some people, these go away as your body gets used to the medication. More serious side effects of Lexapro are rare. These include suicidal thoughts or behaviors, abnormal bleeding, and serotonin syndrome.
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.
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil), and fluoxetine (Prozac), taken for depression or anxiety, can make you feel sleepy.
Prozac (fluoxetine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are examples of “energizing” antidepressants; whereas Paxil (paroxetine) and Celexa (citalopram) tend to be more sedating.
SSRIs are usually the first choice medicine for depression because they generally have fewer side effects than most other types of antidepressant.
You can take escitalopram at any time of day, as long as you stick to the same time every day. If you have trouble sleeping, it's best to take it in the morning.
One of the most common side effects of Lexapro is insomnia, where patients find it difficult to fall or stay asleep.
Lexapro (escitalopram) is an antidepressant from the group of drugs called selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and is used to treat certain types of depression and anxiety.
Lexapro and Celexa are designed to restore the chemical balance in the brain. They increase serotonin levels, a chemical linked to mood, sleep regulation and emotions. Low levels of serotonin in the brain are associated with depression and anxiety. The drugs can take several weeks to start working.