Is Lexapro Effective?
Is Lexapro effective? Learn more about mental health medications today at New Mind Wellness Center.
Call us or visit our admissions page to begin mental health treatment in Philadelphia.
Is Lexapro Effective?
Is Lexapro effective? Learn more about mental health medications today at New Mind Wellness Center.
Call us or visit our admissions page to begin mental health treatment in Philadelphia.
Begin Mental Health Treatment in Philadelphia Today
Many medication options to treat depression and anxiety are on the market, but which one best meets each person’s needs? That depends on a lot of factors. It often takes trying two or more medications to find the right fit, while some land on the appropriate medication for them right away.
New Mind Philadelphia includes the prescription medication Lexapro as one of its offerings for people who need the type of help it provides. When starting to take it, many people wonder, “Is Lexapro effective?” and other questions. We explore this and other questions to help people find out if Lexapro may be the right medication for them.
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro is the brand-name of a drug called escitalopram. It is purchased by prescription and comes in a tablet or liquid form typically taken once per day. It should only be taken by the person for whom it’s prescribed. Lexapro is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI).
What is Lexapro Used for?
Part of answering the question, “Is Lexapro effective?” is understanding more information about it. This medication treats depression in adults and children ages 12 and up. It also helps people ages seven and up who have anxiety.
Lexapro helps improve a person’s mood so that they feel more happiness and less depression. It also provides a feeling of calm that counteracts symptoms of anxiety. Many people use Lexapro while attending outpatient or inpatient treatment for mental health disorders. If it’s still working for them, they can continue the usage after completing treatment.
Recommended: Most Common Depression Medications
Is Lexapro Effective?
Answering the question, “Is Lexapro effective?” means considering several angles. Things that influence how effective Lexapro is for the person using it include:
- Taking the medication at the prescribed dosage and not skipping or adding dosages.
- Previous or current illnesses that may impact its effectiveness.
- If the individual is taking other drugs that may interfere with how well it works. This includes other SSRIs, anti-anxiety medication, blood thinners, and supplements. Make sure the physician knows all drugs taken, both prescription and over-the-counter.
- The time of day the drug is taken and taking it at the same time every day.
- Giving Lexapro enough time to begin working.
- Taking the right dosage. Someone who starts on a low dosage may need to discuss a higher dosage to get better results.
How Long Does It Take for Lexapro To Work?
Each person is different when it comes to how quickly they respond to a new medication. With Lexapro, doctors typically start them on a low dosage. They may increase the dosage after a week or two if the person feels it’s not effective enough.
A good rule of thumb is that a medication like Lexapro will begin to improve a person’s symptoms within one to two weeks after starting to take it. Around the four to six-week mark of taking the drug, it should be in full effect. For some, the wait time may be longer. As with any medication for anxiety and depression, the person taking it should keep their doctor updated on how it’s working, if a dosage change might be needed, and how their symptoms are doing.
Is Lexapro Addictive?
Another common question of concern with this medication is, “Is Lexapro addictive?” Lexapro is not a controlled substance, which means the likelihood of someone developing an addiction is quite low. It does not produce a feeling of euphoria or sedation, which are often the allure of an oncoming addiction.
With long-term usage, there is a small risk of developing a physical dependence. Discuss the potential for this to happen with your doctor and notify them if you feel it has become an issue. As well, when going off Lexapro, do so slowly and under the supervision of a doctor. Quitting the medication too quickly can cause withdrawal symptoms that otherwise would not occur.
Begin Mental Health Treatment Today
New Mind Wellness is a leader in the provision of mental health treatment in Pennsylvania. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental illness, reach out to us today or verify your insurance now.
Side Effects of Starting Lexapro
People might find that Lexapro is effective for them but wonder about possible side effects. This medication can cause side effects. If they occur, they should be discussed with the doctor.
Common side effects of Lexapro include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Vivid dreams or nightmares
- Sleepiness
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Reduction in sex drive
- Muscle aches
How Long Do Lexapro Side Effects Last?
Most side effects of Lexapro last just a few weeks, while others may last longer. A discussion with the person’s physician will help the individual decide if they want to continue to take the drug.
What if I Miss a Dose of Lexapro?
If a person misses taking a dosage of Lexapro and it’s been less than 12 hours since they normally take it, take it as soon as possible. However, if it’s been 12 hours or more, do not take it. Wait until the next time a dosage is due, and never double up on this medication.
Who Can Prescribe Lexapro?
A person who feels they have a better idea of if Lexapro is effective for them will wonder who can prescribe it for them. Legal prescriptions can be obtained by visiting a primary care physician, a psychiatrist, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, or a physician’s assistant.
Begin Mental Health Treatment at New Mind Philadelphia Today
Do you struggle with anxiety or depression and want to find an effective drug to help control your symptoms? New Mind Philadelphia understands how perplexing finding the right therapy and prescription medication combinations can be to help ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression. We can help determine if Lexapro is effective for you or if another drug might work better.
Contact us today to find out how our cutting-edge outpatient treatment works. We offer several levels of care to meet your needs and schedule.