Alternatives to Lexapro

Lexapro (also known as escitalopram) is an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant prescription medication. If you've been using Lexapro and find the side effects overwhelming, or if you've been prescribed the medication and are curious about alternatives, consider other prescriptions or therapy.

Warnings

• Before quitting any medication, be sure to consult with your physician or psychiatrist. According to drugs.com, abruptly quitting Lexapro can cause serious and unpleasant side effects. The Mayo Clinic reports that people who quit taking Lexapro may experience dizziness, nausea, skin irritations without physical cause, difficulty sleeping and headaches. Talk to your doctor about whatever problems you're having with your medication before quitting. It could be that you need a lower or higher dose, that you need to adjust your eating habits, or that you should make lifestyle changes such as exercising more often

Alternative Medications

• Lexapro is from the class of psychiatric medications known as SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Drugs.com suggests that these medications increase the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, a chemical in the brain associated with feelings of calm, confidence and well-being. Other SSRIs include Celexa, Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft. If you're having difficulties on Lexapro, using another SSRI may help alleviate your depression or anxiety without Lexapro's side effects.

Therapy

• Various types of therapies have proved effective in combating some of the more severe symptoms of depression and anxiety. Of those considered, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy and interpersonal therapy have been reported as most the helpful, according to helpguide.org.

  Each type of therapy focuses on treating different expressions of depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on helping you develop coping skills and rid yourself of negative and destructive thought patterns and behaviors. Psychodynamic therapy focuses the underlying issues of your depression or anxiety, such as previous traumatic events or social difficulties. Interpersonal therapy looks at fostering healthy relationships and building a strong support system. The type of therapy you receive will depend on the causes of your depression or anxiety, your overall health and your personal preferences.