Lexapro (escitalopram) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder. This article covers topics such as side effects, dosage, and how Lexapro works.
Lexapro is available as an oral tablet. Lexapro belongs to a drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The medication is available in a generic version.
Read on for more information about Lexapro. You can also refer to this article for a comprehensive look at Lexapro and its other uses.
Lexapro has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Before taking Lexapro” section.
Anxiety is a feeling that typically involves being worried or nervous. Depending on how long and how severe these symptoms are, these feelings of anxiety can be considered a disorder. Usually, anxiety disorders affect your daily activities and personal relationships. There are different types of anxiety disorders. One of the common types of anxiety disorders is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Symptoms of anxiety
GAD symptoms can include:
- uncontrollable and persistent worries and fears
- difficulty concentrating
- intrusive thoughts
- excessive sweating
- difficulty sleeping
- tight or tense muscles
- heart palpitations
Who Lexapro is prescribed for
Lexapro is prescribed to treat GAD in people ages 7 years and older.
If you were prescribed Lexapro, you may be wondering how this medication treats your condition.
The way Lexapro works
Lexapro is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a type of neurotransmitter, in your brain. Increased serotonin levels help reduce anxiety symptoms.
Lexapro and children
Lexapro is approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in children ages 7 years and older.
The starting dosage for children is 10 milligrams (mg) once daily. For this use, the maximum dosage is 20 mg once daily.
Lexapro was effective in reducing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms in people ages 7 years and older in clinical studies.
Two different scoring scales were used in studies of Lexapro to assess symptom improvement. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale was used in adults. While the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale was used in children ages 7 to 17 years old. Both rating scales, administered by a healthcare professional, contain a series of questions that measures symptoms, severity, and level of anxiety.
After 8 weeks of treatment, people who received Lexapro had improved scores. This improvement in scores was significant compared to those who received a placebo in studies.
This section describes the usual dosages of Lexapro. Keep reading to learn more.
Dosage
Lexapro is available as an oral tablet.
Lexapro comes in three strengths: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, and 20 mg.
Note: In addition to treating anxiety, Lexapro has other uses. Keep in mind that Lexapro’s dosage may differ with these other uses. To learn more, talk with your doctor.
How to take
Lexapro comes as a tablet that you swallow.
How often to use
You should take Lexapro as directed by your doctor.
Typically, Lexapro is taken once daily. You can take Lexapro in the morning or evening, with or without food. There was no recommended best time to take Lexapro for anxiety in the prescribing information. Being consistent and taking the medication around the same time each day is important. This will help Lexapro work effectively by keeping a steady drug level in your body.
To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
The use of Lexapro for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)* may cause side effects that are mild or serious. The lists below include some of the main side effects that have been reported with Lexapro. For information about other potential side effects of the drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also see our side effect article about Lexapro or refer to Lexapro’s prescribing information.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a medication, it tracks and reviews side effects of the drug. If you develop a side effect while taking Lexapro and would like to inform the FDA, visit MedWatch.
* Lexapro is also approved to treat other conditions. It’s important to note that side effects from Lexapro may differ depending on the condition it’s being used to treat.
Mild side effects
Mild side effects of Lexapro can include:
These side effects of Lexapro may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. But if they last longer than this, or if they bother you or become severe, it’s important to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of Lexapro can include:
- serotonin syndrome
- seizures
- mania
- low blood sodium levels
- increased risk of bleeding
- closed-angle glaucoma
- sexual dysfunction, such as delayed ejaculation
- risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors*
Call your doctor right away if you develop serious side effects while using Lexapro. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
* Lexapro has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Before taking Lexapro” section.
ALLERGIC REACTIONFor some people, Lexapro can cause an allergic reaction.
This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of Lexapro. But it has occurred since the drug was approved for use.
In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Lexapro, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Before you take Lexapro, there’s some important information to keep in mind. The drug may not be a safe option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Some of these are mentioned below.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
Lexapro has a boxed warning for risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Lexapro and other antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Specifically, this risk is higher in people under age 25 years. It’s also more likely to occur during the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Lexapro is not approved for use in children under age 7 years.
Your doctor will closely monitor you for signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts and behaviors during Lexapro treatment. Examples of these signs and symptoms include sudden changes in mood, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Talk with your doctor right away if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Other warnings
In addition to boxed warnings, Lexapro has other warnings.
If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before taking Lexapro:
- heart, liver, or kidney problems
- have or had seizures or convulsions
- bipolar disorder or manic episodes, including a family history
- low blood sodium levels
- have or had bleeding problems
- glaucoma
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
- alcohol consumption
- had an allergic reaction to Lexapro or any of its ingredients
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about taking Lexapro for anxiety.
How long should you take Lexapro for anxiety?
Lexapro is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term to manage and help prevent symptoms of anxiety.
If you have questions about how long you should take Lexapro, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can taking different strengths of Lexapro cause different side effects?
Based on clinical studies, certain side effects were more likely to occur in people taking 10 milligrams (mg) compared to 20 mg of Lexapro. Examples of these side effects include insomnia, diarrhea, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, and fatigue.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your Lexapro dosage.
Is 10 mg of Lexapro considered a low dose?
The recommended starting dose for Lexapro is 10 mg once daily in people ages 7 years and older. The maximum dosage is 20 mg once daily. The goal is to find the lowest effective dose for managing your anxiety. This will help reduce your risk of experiencing side effects from taking Lexapro.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your Lexapro’s dosage.
How much Lexapro costs is based on several factors. These can include your prescribed treatment regimen, your insurance plan, the pharmacy you use, and your location.
Lexapro is a brand-name drug that’s also available as a generic. Brand-name drugs usually cost more than generics. To learn about this drug’s generic form, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.