Lexapro (escitalopram) is considered a highly effective and well-tolerated antidepressant, making it a common "first-line" treatment choice for depression and generalized anxiety disorder. However, no single medication is universally the "best," as treatment is highly personalized and depends on individual health factors.
Escitalopram Tablets. Lexapro® is the brand name of the medication escitalopram. It treats depression and anxiety by increasing the amount of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a hormone that helps regulate your mood.
Escitalopram is thought to work by increasing the levels of a mood-enhancing chemical called serotonin in your brain.
Diarrhea is another relatively common Lexapro side effect. If you experience diarrhea after you start taking Lexapro, try sticking to a bland diet for a few days.
Higher levels of it can make you feel happier and more emotionally balanced. Lower levels are often linked to higher anxiety and depression. Lexapro doesn't lead to drastic changes overnight.
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.
Although Lexapro is classified as an 'antidepressant', it is also FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
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.
WARNING: Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents and young adults taking antidepressants for major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders.
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). These medicines work by increasing the activity of the chemical serotonin in the brain.
Lexapro, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), doesn't typically produce these sensations. However, in some rare cases, users may report feeling euphoric or unusually energetic, especially when starting the medication or taking it in higher doses than prescribed.
Higher serotonin concentrations can stimulate appetite, making patients feel hungrier more often throughout the day. Additionally, Lexapro may slow down the body's metabolic rate, meaning patients burn fewer calories at rest compared to before starting the medication.
Amanda Seyfried, Actress
“Yeah. I'm on Lexapro, and I'll never get off of it,” the actress told Allure magazine in 2016, referring to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed to treat GAD and depression. “I've been on it since I was 19, so 11 years. I'm on the lowest dose.
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 is typically effective at doses between 10 mg and 20 mg daily. If you're on the lower end of that spectrum and still dealing with symptoms of major depressive disorder or other mood disorder, a dosage adjustment might help. However, higher doses can also lead to stronger escitalopram side effects.
Some people notice cognitive improvements within days or weeks of discontinuing Lexapro, while others experience prolonged symptoms that can last months or, in some cases, years.
Patients with more severe dementia appeared to show the greatest cognitive declines. 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).
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.
One of the most common eye-related side effects of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications is blurred vision. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, etc. directly affect the pupil and ciliary muscle function of the eye and can make it difficult to focus on near objects.
Results: Our analysis revealed that SSRIs were significantly associated with eye disorders, with a higher risk of vision blurred with escitalopram, angle closure glaucoma with citalopram, and photopsia with paroxetine. The most common eye disorders were vision blurred, visual impairment, mydriasis, etc.
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling. These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital. Information: Do not drive yourself to A&E.
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.
Common reasons for switching from Lexapro to Zoloft include inadequate symptom relief, troublesome side effects (especially sexual dysfunction or weight changes), insurance coverage changes, or the need to target symptoms for which Zoloft has specific FDA approval, such as OCD or PTSD.
Some of the most common alternatives to taking Lexapro (escitalopram) are: Other SSRIs: Paxil (paroxetine), Zoloft (sertraline) SNRIs: Cymbalta (duloxetine), Effexor XR (venlafaxine) Atypical Antidepressants: Wellbutrin (bupropion)