The duration you should stay on Lexapro for anxiety is a highly personalized decision made in consultation with a healthcare provider, as treatment is often long-term.
You might be ready to reduce Lexapro if you've experienced stable mental health for at least six months, completed therapy addressing underlying issues, or find that side effects outweigh the medication's benefits. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the right time based on your circumstances.
Here is the relief: a study reveals that in 1 to 4 weeks, up to 50% of patients taking Lexapro for their anxiety experience symptom relief. Lexapro, FDA-approved, is a brand name for the generic drug escitalopram, which works by boosting levels of a natural substance in the brain called serotonin.
While many patients safely take Lexapro and buspirone together, certain individuals face higher risks: People taking MAO inhibitors (must wait 14 days after stopping) Those with a history of serotonin syndrome. Patients on multiple medications that affect serotonin.
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, Diarrhea, Constipation, Indigestion, Abdominal pain, Vomiting, Flatulence, Toothache. Psychiatric Disorders: Insomnia, Somnolence, Tinnitus, Loss of appetite, Loss of libido.
Does Lexapro make you forgetful? Some people may notice mild memory problems or difficulty concentrating while taking Lexapro. These cognitive side effects are not common and often lessen over time or with dose adjustments under a doctor's supervision.
Multiple studies conclude that certain antidepressant medication like Lexapro can result in weight gain. However, it varies from person to person depending on individual factors such as age, lifestyle habits, diet, and activity level.
Lexapro is often considered a first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder and depression; however, it can cause common side effects like sexual dysfunction or weight gain. In contrast, Buspar is usually prescribed for those who didn't respond optimally to SSRIs or wish to avoid such side-effects.
Additionally, the Lexapro and Wellbutrin combination may benefit individuals who struggle with both depression and anxiety or who have not fully improved from one medication on its own. A mix of these medicines can be effective by modifying several chemicals in the brain.
Hydroxyzine is prescribed as a short-term anxiety treatment. You may take it by itself or alongside another anxiety medication, such as buspirone (Buspar) or escitalopram (Lexapro), that's taken every day. Hydroxyzine can provide symptomatic anxiety relief while you're waiting for the longer-term medication to kick in.
The duration of Lexapro treatment varies depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. Typically, treatment may last anywhere from 6 months to a year for those recovering from a single depressive episode or period of anxiety.
Defining high-functioning anxiety
They often are successful in careers or other roles, yet internally struggle with persistent feelings of stress, self-doubt and the fear of not measuring up. They feel extremely uncomfortable inside and struggle with significant self-criticism.
Types of Anti-anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines)
All benzodiazepines work the same way; however, the intensity and duration of their effects vary. Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
You are feeling better, and you and the doctor agree that it is time to stop. You have been taking the medicine for at least 6 months after you feel better. You are having counselling to help you cope with problems and help change how you think and feel. You are not worried about the depression coming back.
Agitation, restlessness, anxiety
Get regular exercise, such as jogging, biking or aerobics, or some type of physical activity, such as walking. Talk to your doctor first about what would be a good type of exercise or physical activity for you. Practice deep-breathing exercises, muscle relaxation or yoga.
Generally, symptoms might last between 1 week and several months after discontinuing use, but it's really crucial to note that everyone's experience with Lexapro withdrawal differs. Some will take longer than others to recover fully after they stop taking Lexapro.
Alternatives to SSRIs to Replace Lexapro
When to See a Doctor. If your depression symptoms return for more than a few days, it's time to see your doctor. But even if you feel like your antidepressant isn't working, it's important to keep taking it until your doctor advises otherwise. You may need a dosage increase or a slow tapering off process.
You'll usually carry on taking antidepressants for at least 6 months after your symptoms improve. Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking an antidepressant.
BusPar (buspirone)
Unlike benzodiazepines, it does not cause drowsiness or cognitive impairment, and has a lower risk of dependence. Buspirone falls under the class of anxiolytics, and it works by interacting with serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, gradually alleviating anxiety symptoms over time.
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.
Common Lexapro side effects include nausea, headache, and diarrhea. It can also cause trouble sleeping and sexual problems. Some of these side effects eventually go away as your body gets used to the medication.
6 Ways to Maintain a Stable Weight While Using Lexapro
Take escitalopram once a day. You can take it with or without food. 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.
If you've taken one of the popular antidepressants Lexapro or Prozac, you may have experienced weight gain. That's one of the potential side effects of these and other mental health medications. But it doesn't have to be permanent: There are ways to boost your metabolism after you stop taking these drugs.