Key takeaways
- You can take Lexapro (escitalopram) either in the morning or evening, depending on how it affects you. If it makes you sleepy, consider taking it before bed. If it causes insomnia, take it in the morning.
- Lexapro is an antidepressant in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class that doctors prescribe for anxiety and depression. It works by boosting serotonin levels to help balance mood.
- Consistency matters most — take Lexapro at the same time every day to maintain steady medication levels. Avoid alcohol, monitor side effects, and talk with a doctor if symptoms worsen or you have concerns.
Overview
Lexapro is the brand name of an antidepressant called escitalopram. Doctors 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 day you take it may 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.
Understanding when to take Lexapro may help maximize its benefits and reduce potential side effects. The best time to take Lexapro depends on how your body responds to it.
Need a refill for escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro)? You may be able to get an online prescription through Optum Perks in as little as 15 minutes. Learn more here.
When is the best time to take Lexapro?
The most common side effects of Lexapro are insomnia (trouble sleeping) and sleepiness. This means that the drug may affect different people in different ways.
If the drug makes you sleepy, you may want to take 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 on 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.
Note that Lexapro doesn’t get to work instantly. Instead, it typically takes 1 to 2 weeks of consistent use to reach for there to be a steady amount of the drug in your bloodstream. However, the exact time frame to notice symptom relief may vary depending on various factors, such as:
- other treatments you are taking at the same time
- how severe your symptoms are
- your tolerance to the drug
How to take Lexapro safely and effectively
As with all medications, it’s important to take Lexapro only as your doctor prescribes. Here are some points to keep in mind:
- Consistency is key: Try to take Lexapro at the same time every day.
- Avoid alcohol: Consider avoiding alcohol (if you drink) when taking Lexapro.
- Monitor side effects: If you experience any side effects, especially if they get severe, let your doctor know right away.
- See how you feel: Lexapro may make you tired or make it difficult to think clearly. 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 Lexapro if:
- you’re taking a mental health medication called pimozide (Orap)
- you’re taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor medication like isocarboxazid (Marplan)
- you’re taking an antibiotic medication called linezolid (Zyvox) or intravenous methylene blue (Provayblue).
Other possible drug interactions may occur. Make sure your doctor knows about other medications you’re taking before you start taking Lexapro.
Taken too much? If you or someone you know has taken too much Lexapro, call a doctor or a healthcare professional or the Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 immediately or check their online source, or you can go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.
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 sudden mood changes. But when they’re balanced, you may be 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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Get free cardSSRI 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
These side effects are usually mild, and many tend to wear off within the first two weeks of taking the medication.
Studies show that people ages 24 years and younger 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.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day at 988.
- Text “HOME” to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
- Not in the U.S.? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency number if you feel it’s an emergency.
While you wait for help to arrive, stay with someone and remove any weapons or substances that can cause harm. You are not alone.
Other treatment options for anxiety
If you or someone you know is managing anxiety, Lexapro is one of the many 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 following table outlines some medications available for anxiety.
| Type | Drug name | Information |
|---|---|---|
| SSRIs | fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) | Besides Lexapro, doctors can suggest other medications in this class of drugs for anxiety. |
| Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) | duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR) | These drugs affect both serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain to improve mood and reduce anxiety. |
| Benzodiazepines | alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan) | These medications offer short-term relief from intense anxiety. Use with caution due to the risk of dependence. |
| Beta-blockers | propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin) | Approved for heart issues but can also help with some physical anxiety symptoms. |
Other treatment options
There are some other, non-medical options available:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This therapy helps you understand and change the thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety.
- Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing or meditation can help calm your mind and become more ‘present.’
- Lifestyle measures: Getting more physical activity, eating balanced meals, sleeping well, and cutting back on caffeine and sugar can also help manage your anxiety.
Summary
The FDA recommends that you take Lexapro either in the morning or evening. What time of the day you take it will depend on your response to the medication and whether you experience potential side effects like insomnia or sleepiness.
If Lexapro makes you sleepy, you may want to take it in the evening. On the other hand, if Lexapro makes sleeping more difficult, you may want to take it in the morning.
However, consistency is the most important thing. To ensure you’re getting all the benefits from your medication, take your prescribed dose at the same time every day.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.