When is the best time to take Lexapro for anxiety?

Lexapro is the brand name of an antidepressant called escitalopram. Doctors commonly prescribe this medication for anxiety and depression. One of the considerations when taking Lexapro is what time of day to take it. The time of the day can influence how the medication affects you.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you can take Lexapro either in the morning or evening, with or without food. This flexibility allows you to choose a time that best suits you and minimizes potential side effects.

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When is the best time to take Lexapro?

The most common side effects of Lexapro are both sleeping difficulties and sleepiness. This means that the drug may affect different people in different ways. If the drug makes you sleepy, you may consider taking it before going to sleep. If it makes sleeping difficult, consider taking it in the morning before you start your day.

Escitalopram (Lexapro) typically reaches its peak in your blood levels in about 5 hours. This means the medication starts to have the most noticeable effect around this time. This is another factor to consider when deciding the best time to take it.

Consistency is important, and if you take Lexapro every day at the same time, it will allow your body to maintain a steady level of the medication. This may help reduce the side effects of blood level changes due to dosage timing.

Lexapro for anxiety and other drugs of the same class

Lexapro belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) class of drugs. These drugs help balance your mood by boosting levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin.

When your serotonin levels are low, you may have feelings of sadness, anxiety, and mood swings. But when they are balanced, you are more likely to feel calm, happy, and emotionally stable.

Other SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft). Each of these works slightly differently, so it is important to understand your specific medication. If you have questions or concerns, it is best to talk with a doctor or healthcare professional.

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SSRIs side effects

Generally, people tolerate Lexapro and other SSRIs well, but as with most medications, they do have potential side effects.

Some common side effects include:

• nausea
• dry mouth
• sexual dysfunction
• drowsiness

However, it may be reassuring to know that these side effects are usually mild and tend to wear off within the first two weeks of taking the medication.

Studies show that people ages 24 and below are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or tendencies when taking Lexapro and similar antidepressant medications. This is especially true during the first few months of therapy or when changing the dose.

How best to take them safely and effectively

As with all medications, you should take them only as the doctor prescribes. For Lexapro and other SSRIs, here are some points to keep in mind:

• Consistency is key: Try to take the medication at the same time every day.
• Avoid alcohol: Consider avoiding alcohol (if you drink) when taking Lexapro. If you have a different medication, check the patient information leaflet that came with your medication.
• Monitor side effects: If you experience any side effects, especially if they get severe, contact a doctor immediately.
• See how you feel: SSRIs might make you tired or make it difficult to think clearly, decide things, or act fast. Avoid driving, using potentially dangerous machines, or doing things that may be harmful until you know how your medication is affecting you.
• Do not take SSRIs if:
  • you are taking a mental health medication named pimozide (Orap)
  • you are using a medication called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), like isocarboxazid (Marplan)
  • you are taking antibiotics named linezolid (Zyvox) or a blue injection called intravenous methylene blue (Provayblue).

There are many other possible drug interactions, so it is best to speak with your doctor or healthcare professional for advice on this.

Taken too much? If you or someone you know has taken too much Lexapro, call a doctor or a healthcare professional or the Poison Help Line at 800-222-1222 immediately, or you can go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Other treatment options for anxiety

If you or someone you know is dealing with anxiety, Lexapro is one of the many other treatment options available.

Everyone’s experience with anxiety is unique, so exploring different treatment options could help you decide what works best for you.

The table below shows some medications available for anxiety.

Nonmedical treatment

The following table lists some nonmedical treatment options for anxiety.

Summary

Deciding the best time to take Lexapro can help you manage potential side effects. The FDA recommends that you take Lexapro in either the morning or evening. The time you choose will depend on your response to the medication.

However, consistency is the most important thing. To ensure you are getting all the benefits from your medications, take your prescribed dose at the same time every day.

You can manage your anxiety more effectively by knowing your response to escitalopram (Lexapro) and understanding the importance of being consistent with your medical and nonmedical treatments.

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