Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Lexapro

Lexapro: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Lexapro?

Lexapro is the brand name for the drug, escitalopram. It falls under the drug group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

It is an antidepressant that works to regulate the neurochemical imbalance in the brain which causes depression and anxiety.

Lexapro is not recommended for children below 12 years. Always get a medical opinion before including this drug in your routine. Take the dosage exactly as the doctor prescribes to deal with severe levels of depression and anxiety.

What are the uses of Lexapro?

Lexapro is an effective drug to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Being a potent drug, Lexapro is only suitable for people aged over 12 years.

The drug restores the balance of serotonin, a neurochemical, in the brain, suppressing the ill effects of depression or anxiety. It also helps to uplift your energy level, balances mood swings, makes you feel good, and decreases nervousness.

You can take the drug orally with or without food, but only in the dosages directed by the physician.

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    What are the side effects of Lexapro?

    Adverse symptoms should be reported to your doctor promptly if your condition does not improve. The side effects of Lexapro are as follows:

    • Dizziness
    • Sweating
    • Tiredness
    • Insomnia
    • Nausea
    • Dry mouth
    • Constipation

    Do not neglect any severe side effects like allergic reactions, irregular heartbeat, seizures, eye pain, vision changes, fainting episodes. Get immediate medical intervention.

    Lexapro increases serotonin levels. This exposes you to the risk of serotonin toxicity. Although this condition is infrequent, the associated symptoms of serotonin toxicity like hallucinations, fast heartbeat, severe nausea, vomiting, restlessness, fever, and loss of coordination should be reported to the doctor at the earliest.

    What is Lexapro

    Uses of Lexapro

    Side effects of Lexapro

    References

    1. Lexapro: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Lexapro

    No. Lexapro 10mg is the dose that doctors usually prescribe. The dosage can vary depending upon your medical condition and how you respond to the drug.

    10mg is not a low dose and is primarily taken once daily under a doctor’s proper surveillance. Do not self-medicate this drug as it may lead to serious health complications.

    Yes. Lexapro in an adequate dosage between 10–20 mg is the first-line treatment option for patients suffering from anxiety. The drug is well-tolerated and safe, but only when taken after consulting a doctor. The drug works by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain, reducing the ill effects of anxiety disorders.

    Lexapro is an efficient drug for treating depression and anxiety.

    However, it may show minor side effects in the first week of its usage. Symptoms like headache, diarrhea, restlessness, fatigue, nervousness, dry mouth, sweating are common in the initial few days.

    Do not skip a doctor's visit if these symptoms do not recede even after weeks of taking medicine.

    Lexapro is an antidepressant. Therefore, stopping it suddenly may lead to withdrawal symptoms. To flush out the drug out of your system, it is essential you lower the dosage gradually over some time and finally abstain from using it. Discontinue Lexapro only under your doctor or an expert’s guidance.

    Yes. One of the non-specific side effects of Lexapro is joint pain. Not all patients may experience it. But if your symptoms are worsening with time, seek the help of a medical professional at the earliest.
    A few other side effects you may face are sweating, tiredness, nausea, dry mouth, and constipation.

    The benefits of Lexapro are that it is a mood lifter, and it decreases your level of nervousness. As the drug increases the serotonin in the brain, it makes you feel good and keeps your depression and anxiety in check.

    Lexapro is a potent antidepressant, therefore, follow the precaution of not taking it needlessly without a professional diagnosis.

    Over 600 drugs are known to interact with Lexapro. Around 247 are major, 354 are moderate, and the rest are minor interactions. A few drugs that should not be mixed with Lexapro are aspirin, clonazepam, levothyroxine, lisinopril, metformin, etc.

    Since Lexapro interacts with several drugs, always consult your doctor before taking it. Notify them about your current medical condition and prior and current medications.

    Lexapro is an effective antidepressant prescribed for overcoming depression and/or anxiety issues. This does not alter your personality.

    Doctors recommend an ideal dosage after considering a host of factors. Thus, if you take precautions to consume it in the right dosage and frequency, it will help you regain your former self and improve your mood.

    Lexapro's core role is to increase the secretion of serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for maintaining your weight.

    When Lexapro is taking for long durations, it may result in a noticeable gain in your body weight. But do not stop using the drug abruptly if you are having weight gain issues. Consult your doctor to avoid any complications from sudden withdrawal.

    Along with managing major depression and generalized anxiety, Lexapro also effectively treats nervousness and helps to stabilize your mood. It induces the secretion of serotonin which results in making you feel good and uplifting your mood.

    Do not overdose on the drug and try to increase its effects, as this will only bring about fatal consequences.

    Get in touch with our team at Yashoda Hospitals for speedy and expert medical advice and services. Contact us with your queries regarding dosage, side effects, and the benefits of taking Lexapro.
    S.no Product Name Dosage Form
    1. Exipam Escitalopram 10mg Tablet
    2. Lexapro Escitalopram 10mg Tablet
    3. Estop Escitalopram 10mg Tablet
    4. Estoshan Escitalopram 10mg Tablet
    5. Escipil Escitalopram 10mg/20mg Tablet