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Read time: 9 min
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Posted on:
Read time: 9 min
Posted on:
Lexapro is the brand name for Escitalopram, a type of medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
As with any medication, it’s important to know the possible side effects to help you know what to expect when taking Lexapro. This guide will explain some of the first-week side effects of Lexapro, helping you understand what to expect if you or a loved one starts taking this medication.
Lexapro is a brand of prescription drug Escitalopram that is used to treat anxiety and depression in adults. It is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which are a group of antidepressants that help to boost serotonin levels.
Some of the conditions Lexapro can help treat include:
Lexapro is prescribed to adults, but it can also be prescribed to adolescents over 12 years of age to treat conditions such as depression.
There have been several studies into the effectiveness of Lexapro in the treatment of anxiety and depression disorders, with findings showing that Escitalopram is one of the most effective medications for the long-term management of these conditions.
Like most medications, Lexapro has its side effects. Most antidepressants take time to become effective, causing some side effects when they are first used. These side effects tend to ease or disappear over time.
Some of the symptoms that may be experienced during the first week of taking Lexapro include:
Lexapro may present additional symptoms in adolescents, including:
Some people may experience a range of symptoms in the first week of taking Lexapro, while others may not have any symptoms at all.
If, after the first week, your symptoms continue, or they get worse, it’s important to consult a doctor so that they can evaluate your dosage and make some changes to your prescription. Your doctor may decide that Lexapro isn’t suitable for you and prescribe an alternative antidepressant.
Lexapro may also present some serious side effects, which include:
Some people can experience a severe allergic reaction to Lexapro, developing symptoms such as a rash, difficulty breathing, swelling, and pain in the joints or muscles.
If you’re taking other types of medication, such as non-steroid-based anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) or blood-thinning medication, this may increase the risk of bleeding.
Lexapro may cause episodes of mania and should be prescribed with caution in those who have a history of mania or bipolar disorder.
You may experience panic attacks while taking Lexapro. Some of the main signs of a panic attack include shortness of breath, feeling dizzy, chest pain, nausea, and shaking. If you experience a panic attack while taking Lexapro, it’s important to consult your doctor straight away to discuss your symptoms.
Serotonin syndrome occurs when the body’s serotonin levels become too high. The main symptoms of serotonin syndrome include confusion, shaking, diarrhea, nausea, muscle spasms, sweating, and high/low blood pressure. This is a serious possible side effect of taking Lexapro which could lead to seizures or even a coma. Serotonin syndrome should be considered a medical emergency, so call 911 for advice if you begin to display these symptoms.
Lexapro may affect your sex drive, delay ejaculation, or make it difficult to reach orgasm. These side effects can have a significant impact on the sufferer and should be discussed with a doctor to make sure Lexapro is the right medication for the patient.
Another significant side effect of Lexapro is that it can lead to thoughts of suicide. This is more common in younger patients. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal tendencies while taking Lexapro, seek medical help. You should call 911 if you believe there is an immediate risk or changes in behavior. These symptoms generally ease after the first two months of taking Lexapro.
Lexapro can interact with other medications and medical conditions, making it all the more important that you discuss your full medical history with your doctor before you’re prescribed it.
Many of the side effects that come from taking Lexapro will ease after the first week of taking the drug. Some of the things you can do to help you cope with the side effects include:
If you have concerns about side effects from taking Lexapro, you should discuss these with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to adjust your dosage or consider alternative medications for you to try instead.
Lexapro contains a black box warning to highlight the increased risk of suicidal thoughts. It reads:
Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants for major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Lexapro is not approved for use in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age.
You should always read the label of any medication you take carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Your doctor will outline your recommended dosage of Lexapro (usually 10mg at first) – you should not exceed this. You can take Lexapro at any time of the day, with or without meals. It’s recommended that you stick to the same time each day.
If you experience any serious side effects while taking Lexapro, it’s important to contact your doctor immediately. This could include an increase in anxiety, changes in your mood, thoughts of suicide, or any other symptoms mentioned above!
You should also contact your doctor if you find that the medication is not working for you after a couple of weeks. It may be that they need to adjust your dosage or try a different medication altogether.
If you have any questions about Lexapro or its side effects you can also use our online doctor service. With DrHouse you can see a licensed clinician on-demand and 24/7.
Content on the DrHouse website is written by our medical content team and reviewed by qualified MDs, PhDs, NPs, and PharmDs. We follow strict content creation guidelines to ensure accurate medical information. However, this content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more information read our medical disclaimer.
Always consult with your physician or other qualified health providers about medical concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on what you read on this website.
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