Have you recently been prescribed Lexapro; or just curious if it may be right for you?
If you’re one of the millions of people managing anxiety symptoms, you know that finding the right relief is crucial for your mental health. There are several options your doctor may consider when choosing a medication to treat your anxiety.
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.
In this article, we’ll cover the most important things you need to know about Lexapro, and how it could help.
About Lexapro
Lexapro, also known as escitalopram, is a type of antidepressant known as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). It is FDA-approved to treat conditions including Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Escitalopram is considered a first-choice medication when it comes to the treatment of anxiety and depression. That’s because the drug is safe, effective, and well-tolerated. Compared to other antidepressants, Lexapro has been found to have less side effects and less interactions with other drugs.
How Lexapro works
Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs are a class of antidepressants that work by increasing the levels of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects your levels of satisfaction, happiness, and optimism. Normally, serotonin will do its job of sending a chemical message; and then the chemical is reabsorbed by your nervous system. A “reuptake inhibitor” prevents some of that absorption, leaving more serotonin left for your brain to use. Having higher levels of serotonin correlates to a positive mood and increased happiness.
Lexapro for anxiety
Even though Lexapro is an antidepressant, it can treat anxiety in addition to depression. When increased serotonin becomes available and boosts your mood, you also gain the ability to regulate your anxiety. SSRIs lessen your anxiety symptoms in the same way they improve depression symptoms.
Lexapro is safe and effective, making it a common first choice when considering anxiety treatments.
Potential side effects of Lexapro
It’s normal for any medication, including an SSRI like Lexapro, to cause some side effects. Most side effects are mild and go away on their own after the first few weeks. Here are some of the common side effects you might notice:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Excessive sweating
- Decreased libido
- Sexual dysfunction
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Nausea or GI issues
- Shaking
- Dry mouth
If any of these side effects are severe or don’t go away, tell your doctor. They can adjust your dosage or switch you to another medication that works better for you.
Serious side effects are extremely rare, but can include:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Manic episodes (in people with bipolar disorder)
- Seizures
- Allergic reactions
- Rash
- Fever
If you experience any of these side effects, speak to a doctor immediately.
Never stop taking your prescribed medication abruptly - it could lead to withdrawal symptoms. Always report any and all concerns to your health care provider. Not all medications are right for everyone, and your doctor will take all important details into account in order to determine which course of treatment is best for your anxiety symptoms.
Things to consider before taking Lexapro for anxiety
It’s always important to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you’re already taking, or other medical conditions you may have. There could be interactions which will dictate which anxiety treatments are safest for you.
Before taking Lexapro, tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to medications
- You are taking or have recently taken MAOIs
- You are taking any other antidepressants
- You frequently take over-the-counter painkillers
- You take St. John’s Wort or tryptophan
- You drink large amounts of alcohol or use drugs
- You have seizures; glaucoma; have recently had a heart attack; or have liver or heart disease
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
Typically, the starting dosage of Lexapro in adults is 10 mg once daily. Depending on how you respond, your doctor may increase to the maximum recommended dosage of 20 mg per day.
It might take some time before you fully feel the impact of Lexapro. You may notice improvement in some of your symptoms, particularly sleep, energy, and appetite, in the first 1-2 weeks after beginning the medication. However, it will take a few months for the medication to take full effect.
Don’t be discouraged if Lexapro doesn’t work for you. There are many other similar medications that serve as effective options for treating anxiety, and not everyone responds the same to all treatments.
Alternatives to Lexapro for anxiety
Antidepressants are a popular choice when it comes to anxiety treatments. Lexapro is a type of antidepressant called an SSRI, but it isn’t the only one available. In addition to other common SSRIs, there are also several other classes of antidepressants that may be used to treat anxiety.
- SSRIs: Overall, SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are considered the first-line treatment for anxiety. Besides Lexapro, antidepressants commonly prescribed for anxiety include Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Celexa (citalopram). All of these medications work in the same way, by regulating serotonin levels in the brain in order to increase emotional regulation and feelings of calm. Depending on the type of anxiety you have, your doctor may choose one SSRI over another to treat your specific symptoms.
- SNRIs: SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) make up another class of antidepressants serving as a common choice for treating anxiety. Similar to SSRIs, an SNRI interacts with the neurotransmitter serotonin; but it also increases the levels of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a chemical that impacts your focus, energy, and stress response; and is believed to be responsible for many anxiety disorder symptoms. Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are among the SNRIs with FDA-approval to treat anxiety.
- MAOIs: MAOI stands for Monamide Oxidase Inhibitor. They work a bit differently than SSRIs and SNRIs, which are both reuptake inhibitors (meaning they stop or delay the body from reabsorbing chemicals in order to leave more of the substance available for the body to use). MAOIs also interact with serotonin and norepinephrine (as well as dopamine); but do so by reducing the amount of the enzyme monoamide oxidase (MAO). MAO is responsible for breaking down those three chemicals; and less of that destructive enzyme results in higher levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. This leads to improvements in mood and a reduction in symptoms of anxiety.
Besides antidepressants, there are several other options for treating anxiety; such as over-the-counter supplements, or a number of off-label treatments.
Additionally, a study found that daily meditation worked equally as well as Lexapro in calming anxiety. While you should never stop your prescribed anxiety medicine for an alternative treatment before discussing it with your doctor, learning mindfulness skills may help you cope with your symptoms.
Psychotherapy is also an effective tool against anxiety, and many people find success with a combination of therapy and medication. Consider starting with some short, goal-focused therapy sessions to implement coping strategies and find some relief.
Summary
Lexapro is the brand name for the medication escitalopram. Although it is classified as an antidepressant (specifically an SSRI), it is also FDA-approved to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Lexapro is safe, usually well-tolerated, and highly effective in treating anxiety. It is considered a first-line treatment, meaning it's common for doctors to prescribe it initially before exploring any other medication options.
Although Lexapro alleviates anxiety for many people, it may not be the right treatment for everyone. Talk to your doctor about your unique symptoms and medical history. A good health provider will take everything into account, and help find the right treatment that will provide the relief you need.
Sources
Lexapro for Anxiety Reviews - Drugs.com
A comparative review of escitalopram, paroxetine, and sertraline: are they all alike? - PMC
The serotonergic system and anxiety
The therapeutic potential of escitalopram in the treatment of panic disorder - PMC
Escitalopram: MedlinePlus Drug Information
Qualitative review of SNRIs in anxiety
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors in anxiety disorders
