About Lexapro Dosages

Lexapro is an SSRI that is frequently prescribed to treat psychological disorders including depression and anxiety. Lexapro dosages vary according to the individual and the nature of their illness. Lexapro does not provide immediate relief and may take weeks to reach its full level of effectiveness.

Function

• Lexapro is the trade name for the generic drug Escitalopram Oxalate. It is classified as an SSRI, which stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Lexapro is used in the treatment of several psychological conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders and a number of personality disorders. It has also been effective in treating other symptoms such as insomnia, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premature ejaculation issues. Lexapro is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Forest Laboratories, Inc. It is administered once a day, orally, either in the morning or the evening. Lexapro tablets are available in 5 mg tablets, 10 mg tablets and 20 mg tablets. It is also available in a 5mg peppermint flavor oral solution. Lexapro tablets can also be scored, or cut evenly in half. Prescribed dosages of Lexapro can vary from one individual to another, depending on diagnosis and severity.

Significance

• In general patients, are started on a 5-10 mg dosage of Lexapro. Since SSRIs are not and do not provide immediate relief, a doctor may monitor a patient's symptoms for several weeks before modifying the dosage. Due to the chemical makeup and nature of the drug, several weeks may pass before a significant change in symptoms occurs. If the drug is tolerated by the patient and some progress or alleviation in symptoms is present, the treating physician may then opt to alter the dosage as they see fit. That is why it's imperative to follow the prescription directions and be consistent in taking it. Seeing as the continuity factor is so important, relief from symptoms is based upon the presence of the medication in the body. You should never stop taking the medication or change your dosage without first consulting your prescribing doctor

Effects

• Adults with a Major Depressive Disorder or Generalized Anxiety Disorder are usually administered an initial dosage of 10 mg, which can be increased to 20 mg within no sooner than one week if necessary. The overall effectiveness of Lexapro in terms of its duration and long-term benefits are not clear cut. A minimum of 2 to 3 months of therapy can be necessary to obtain the most success with the drug. There has been no additional benefit of dosages that exceed the 20 mg.
  Other factors such as a patient's age, metabolic composition and their reaction to the drug are taken into account. It's important for the prescribing doctor to note any and all other medications that a patient is on, prior to prescribing Lexapro. For example, if an individual is currently on an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor), she should not take Lexapro until the MAOI is out of her system, which can range in time from two weeks on. A severe adverse reaction could result from the combination of the drugs.

Types

• SSRIs such as Lexapro are widely used and considered a primary choice of treatment by numerous health care providers. Lexapro is also used in conjunction with other classes of medication in order to achieve the maximum level of relief and subsequent reduction of symptoms. In addition to Lexapro, frequently prescribed SSRIs include Citalopram (Celexa), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Sertraline (Zoloft) and Paroxetine (Paxil). Even though all of these drugs are in the same class of medications and target the same areas, one may be more beneficial to a specific individual than another. Evidence continues to illustrate how the most effective treatments of psychological disorders rely on a combination of different various therapies in addition to a medication protocol.

Considerations

• Pharmaceutical companies are required to list all possible side effects and interactions that may occur when taking their drugs. This does not mean that you will necessarily experience any of them; however, it's important to keep a look out for any unusual signs or side effects that you experience after starting a new medication. Common side effects attributed with Lexapro include: insomnia, fatigue, dry mouth, excessive perspiration, faintness, constipation, headaches and decreased libido. You can view a comprehensive list of possible side effects and drug interactions by visiting the links listed below.