Taking Lexapro? Here’s What to Expect in the First Week
Lexapro (escitalopram) is an antidepressant that is used for the treatment of depression and anxiety. When you start taking Lexapro, you may experience nausea, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, and drowsiness during the first week.
This article will cover what to expect when starting treatment with Lexapro, such as side effects that most commonly emerge in the first week.
Boxed Warning
As with all antidepressants, Lexapro has a black box warning for increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, teenagers, and young adults taking antidepressants for major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric conditions.
Lexapro is not approved for use in children under 12 years of age for MDD or children younger than 7 for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Uses of Lexapro
Lexapro is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for short-term and long-term treatment of MDD and short-term treatment of GAD.
Lexapro belongs to a large class of medications known as antidepressants. Based on how it works, Lexapro can be further classified as a selective serotonin receptor reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
This medication works by increasing how much serotonin, a neurotransmitter, is available in the brain. Serotonin is involved in many processes of the body, including memory, sleep, and controlling internal body temperature. How much serotonin you have can also affect your emotions.
Lexapro also has some off-label uses and may be prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder (PD).
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How Will I Feel in the First Week of Starting Lexapro?
When starting Lexapro for depression, you may experience more energy when starting this medication. You may also have different side effects, especially during the first week, as your body adjusts to the medication.
Side effects you might expect to have when starting Lexapro:
Dry mouth
Decreased appetite
Indigestion
Nausea
Difficulty sleeping
Drowsiness
Diarrhea
Constipation
Increased sweating
These side effects will likely go away as your body adjusts to the medication and the increased serotonin levels in your brain. These side effects usually occur with higher doses. Therefore, you may need a decreased dose if the side effects don't disappear.
However, consult your healthcare provider first and never try to adjust your dose on your own. If these side effects persist for more than a few weeks, talk to your healthcare provider to find a dose that you can tolerate.
Lexapro and other antidepressants may also worsen depression and increase suicidal thoughts, especially in children and young adults. If you start having more suicidal thoughts after starting Lexapro, you should talk to your healthcare provider immediately.
When Will I Get Used to Lexapro?
It may take a few days or weeks for your body to get used to Lexapro. Typically, Lexapro takes about six to eight weeks for the medication to take full effect. As your body gets used to the active ingredient in Lexapro, you should experience fewer side effects.
How Long Will Lexapro Take to Start Working?
Lexapro and other antidepressants usually take a while before you notice any significant changes.
You may experience improvements in sleep, energy, and appetite within the first two weeks. On average, it takes about six to eight weeks to feel the full effects of Lexapro.
It is important to continue taking it even if you begin to notice improvements. Never stop taking your medication on your own, even if you feel as though it's not working. Talk to your healthcare provider first before making any decisions.
Withdrawal can happen when stopping Lexapro treatment. This can cause:
Flu-like symptoms
Nausea
Difficulty sleeping
Increased anxiety
You should talk to your healthcare provider before deciding to quit Lexapro. If you feel your medication isn't working, your provider can help you find alternative options. Sometimes, it takes time to find a treatment that better suits you.
Are There Any Severe Side Effects to Watch for?
While Lexapro is generally a well-tolerated medication, some serious side effects can occur. Serotonin syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening syndrome that can occur when you have too much serotonin. This usually occurs within 24 hours of having your Lexapro dose increased or if you are given another medication that increases serotonin.
The following are common signs of serotonin syndrome:
Restlessness or anxiety
Confusion
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Sweating
Muscle stiffness
Shivers
You should seek immediate medical help if you suddenly experience these symptoms.
Another serious side effect is increased suicidal thoughts in children and young adults. This is usually within the first few weeks of starting Lexapro or after a dose change. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any sudden mood changes.
Lexapro may also increase your risk of bleeding and bruising, especially if you are taking a blood thinner like Jantoven (warfarin) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen sodium).
Some people may have an allergic reaction to the active ingredient in Lexapro. An allergic reaction might cause difficulty breathing, a rash, or swelling of the face, tongue, eyes, or mouth.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
It is normal to experience some side effects, such as difficulty sleeping, diarrhea, constipation, and dry mouth, while taking Lexapro. However, if these side effects persist, talk to your healthcare provider about your options. They may recommend a dose change or switching to a different medication.
Pay attention to signs of potentially more serious reactions, such as suicidal thinking or signs of serotonin syndrome. Seek immediate medical attention or guidance if these side effects occur.
Summary
Lexapro is an antidepressant SSRI for treating major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
Side effects are common, especially in the first few weeks of starting Lexapro. However, as your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should resolve. Side effects like dry mouth, decreased appetite, and nausea, among others, are common.
Severe but serious side effects you may experience while taking Lexapro are serotonin syndrome and an increase in suicidal thoughts. You should seek help immediately if you notice signs of these side effects occurring and follow up with your healthcare provider.
Lexapro may help improve your sleep, appetite, and energy levels within the first two weeks. However, it usually takes six to eight weeks for you to experience the full benefits of Lexapro. It is important to continue taking Lexapro as directed by your healthcare provider unless your healthcare provider tells you to stop taking Lexapro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who shouldn’t take Lexapro?
You should not take Lexapro if you have ever experienced an allergic reaction when taking escitalopram, the active ingredient of Lexapro. Lexapro should also not be used in children under 12.
What can I do to manage the side effects of Lexapro?
Your healthcare provider may give you advice on managing the side effects of Lexapro. You can try changing the timing of your dose. For example, for difficulty sleeping, take your dose in the morning to prevent it from keeping you up at night.
Can I stop taking Lexapro if I feel worse while on it?
If your condition continues to worsen, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Your provider can advise you on the best course of action. Never discontinue your medication on your own. Suddenly stopping Lexapro can cause unwanted effects from withdrawal.
The author would like to recognize and thank Cody Ryan Thomas for contributing to this article.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
