Role of serotonin That said, if high serotonin acts on a certain part of the brain, such as the dorsal raphe nucleus, it can also induce sleep. This may explain why people either have insomnia or feel sleepy after taking an SSRI.
You may experience strong fatigue while taking Lexapro. Don't drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in dangerous activity while taking the medicine.
Some common side effects of escitalopram (Lexapro) include nausea, trouble sleeping, and drowsiness.
When taking Lexapro, there are a variety of side effects you may experience. Unfortunately, two are very common: fatigue and insomnia. According to the FDA,³ adults experience insomnia and other side effects approximately 5% more often (or more) than those with a placebo if they have a major depressive disorder.
Improved mood: One of the most common indications that Lexapro is working is improved mood. Increased energy levels: Another sign that your body's adjusting well to Lexapro is increased energy levels throughout the day.
Following a single oral dose (20 mg tablet or solution) of escitalopram, peak blood levels occur at about 5 hours. Absorption of escitalopram is not affected by food.
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 extremely popular in the United States. This is partially due to its low cost.
While antidepressants work on the mood-affecting neurotransmitters, they also have some effect on other chemicals in the brain like histamine and acetylcholine. The changes in these neurotransmitters might make the body weak and make you feel fatigued throughout the day.
Lexapro can also help manage the following symptoms of anxiety: Excessive anxiety or worry. Fatigue.
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.
Your Mood or Energy Improve Too Much
If you're taking antidepressant medication and you either feel unusually elated, or you become very terse with your loved ones, feel noticeably more irritable, or have an uncharacteristic bout of rage, then it's likely that your antidepressant dose is too high.
Share on Pinterest Doctors advise against drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro. Doctors usually do not recommend drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro or any other antidepressant. This guidance is because alcohol can make depression worse and can counteract the benefits of a person taking antidepressants.
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.
Antidepressants that don't make you tired
Antidepressants that are known to be best for energy include Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), and Wellbutrin (bupropion). Wellbutrin is a fairly new type of antidepressant.
Like all medications it may cause side effects, most of which are not serious and will go away with time. Common side effects of Lexapro include: Dizziness. Drowsiness or fatigue.
One type of antidepressant called tricyclics can make you feel tired and sleepy. Some are more likely to do that than others, like amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip), doxepin (Silenor, Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil, Tofranil PM), and trimipramine (Surmontil).
Prozac (fluoxetine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are examples of “energizing” antidepressants; whereas Paxil (paroxetine) and Celexa (citalopram) tend to be more sedating.
How long do initial Lexapro side effects last? Most side effects from starting Lexapro typically start to abate after two weeks. If any side effects continue longer than that and negatively impact your life, talk to your doctor. They may recommend another medication.
Downsides
Insomnia or drowsiness, sexual dysfunction, nausea, dry mouth, and increased sweating. As with other antidepressants, Lexapro may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior; the risk is higher in children and young adults aged less than 24.
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 is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs work by slowing the reabsorption of serotonin back into nerve cells to maintain higher serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical your body produces. Doctors believe that it helps stabilize mood and causes happiness and a sense of well-being.
Lexapro is usually taken for a period of many years, either until a person feels that they don't need it anymore or until they begin experiencing negative side effects and decide to switch medications.
Clinicians generally recommend staying on the medication for six to nine months before considering going off it. If you've had three or more recurrences of depression, make that at least two years.
Stopping Lexapro (escitalopram) can lead to various withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, nausea, irritability, and headaches. Stopping gradually can help prevent withdrawal effects. Lexapro takes time to build up in the body.