Lexapro (escitalopram), a type of SSRI, primarily works to improve or lift mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and worry by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. When the medication is working effectively, individuals often report feeling more emotionally balanced and better equipped to handle life's stressors.
ESCITALOPRAM (es sye TAL oh pram) treats depression and anxiety. It increases the amount of serotonin in the brain, a hormone that helps regulate mood. It belongs to a group of medications called SSRIs. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
Blunted Emotions
One of the most frequently reported side effects of Lexapro and other SSRIs is emotional blunting, where individuals feel less of both positive and negative emotions.
Antidepressants like escitalopram help to improve or lift your mood so you feel better. You may notice that you sleep better and get on with people more easily because you're less anxious. You will hopefully be more relaxed about things that used to worry you. Escitalopram will not change your personality.
Lexapro is sometimes nicknamed the “Happy Pill” because it boosts serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. While not a cure-all, many patients experience noticeable relief from depressive and anxious symptoms.
Escitalopram is thought to work by increasing the levels of a mood-enhancing chemical called serotonin in your brain.
However, Lexapro doesn't completely stop overthinking or cure OCD — it just makes symptoms more manageable. In some cases — especially during the first few weeks of treatment — Lexapro can actually increase anxiety or intrusive thoughts as your brain adjusts to the medication.
Your mood is improving: One of the most common indications that Lexapro is working is improved mood. You have more energy or motivation: A shift in energy, especially in the mornings, is often one of the first signs that Lexapro is working.
I was going through a difficult time, and instead of being guided through it, I was chemically numbed. I have never been a “soft” female. I never enjoyed romantic films, I enjoyed horror movies instead, and sobbing was never my go-to response to life. But on Lexapro, sobbing just disappeared.
Lexapro's effects vary from person to person, with some experiencing mild activation (wakefulness) while others report sedation. Most people find the medication relatively neutral regarding energy levels once adaptation occurs after the first few weeks of treatment.
The fact that in the present study an inability to cry was associated with a range of SSRIs with differing secondary effects suggests that it is the primary action on increasing synaptic availability of serotonin which mediates the effect.
Although Lexapro is classified as an 'antidepressant', it is also FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Improved mood: Lexapro helps regulate your mood by balancing serotonin levels in the brain. As treatment progresses, you may notice changes in your mood and increased motivation.
Some antidepressants seemed to affect cognition more than others. The SSRI escitalopram (brand name Lexapro) was associated with the fastest cognitive decline, followed by the SSRIs citalopram (Celexa) and sertraline (Zoloft).
Benefits of Lexapro for Anxiety
Many patients report a noticeable reduction in excessive worrying, racing thoughts, and the constant sense of dread that often accompanies anxiety disorders. Physical symptoms like muscle tension, restlessness, and fatigue may also improve with consistent treatment.
Adverse complications involving mood or mental disturbance are linked to nearly all SSRIs, Lexapro included. These side effects include confusion, aggression, depersonalization, suicide ideation, and suicidal behavior.
Yes—many people take Lexapro for years. Some even stay on it for most of their lives. Medical research shows that SSRIs are safe for long-term use when monitored by a healthcare provider. There is no official time limit that says you must stop the medication after a certain number of years.
Lexapro works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. This chemical plays a big role in how we feel and think. For many people, taking Lexapro helps reduce negative thoughts, ease anxiety, and lift depression. It can also help with sleep and overall mood stability.
One of the widely-reported side effects of SSRIs is 'blunting', where patients report feeling emotionally dull and no longer finding things as pleasurable as they used to. Between 40-60% of patients taking SSRIs are believed to experience this side effect.
When Lexapro starts to kick in, you might not notice it right away. For many, the first signs are a gentle lift in mood, a bit less anxiety, or even some improvements in sleep and appetite.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is often considered one of the most effective antidepressants for increasing energy and motivation.
Lexapro is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) that helps increase serotonin levels in the brain. It's designed to help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Escitalopram is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Effexor (venlafaxine)
Effexor belongs to a class of medications known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). They can help improve symptoms of depression and anxiety by raising the levels of two chemicals (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain.
Lexapro is a drug that is FDA-approved to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). It has been shown to be well-tolerated and overall effective in alleviating anxiety symptoms. That's what makes it a popular first-line treatment among mental health prescribers treating anxiety.