About Using Lexapro for Anxiety

Lexapro is a medication often prescribed for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, more commonly simply called "Anxiety." Often Lexapro can help manage the symptoms of anxiety and lead to better quality of life. As with any medication, though, it is important to do your research and make sure that it is the best option for you.

Significance

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a very real condition that often needs treatment. It is estimated that 3 to 4 percent of people struggle with anxiety in a significant enough form to require medical care. Usually anxiety develops over time and gradually becomes worse. Common symptoms of anxiety are irritability, feeling restless, becoming tired easily, trouble sleeping and muscle tension. If your symptoms are causing you significant concern or are interfering with your work, relationships or daily life, then you should seek care from a medical provider.

Function

• Lexapro is one of several prescription drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs help balance the chemicals in the brain and increase the levels of serotonin. Serotonin is known as the "feel good" chemical of the human body. When you have serotonin in appropriate amounts, symptoms of anxiety and depression begin to disappear. Most people taking SSRIs find that they feel better on the medication and that they are better able to function in their daily lives.

Time Frame

• In clinical studies, many of the people taking Lexapro reported feeling better within about 1 to 2 weeks. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to experience the full effect of the drug. Often people begin to feel so much better that they think they no longer need the drug. However, this is not the case; stopping medication can lead to additional side effects, as well as a return of anxiety symptoms. To continue to experience good results, a patient must consistently take Lexapro as prescribed by the doctor.

Effects

• Side effects are often a concern when taking prescription medications. Most people find that they tolerate Lexapro well. However, possible side effects include fatigue, insomnia, nausea and sexual problems. Generally, patients reported that the side effects were mild to moderate in nature and that they decreased or were completely eliminated after they had been taking the drug for a few months. If the side effects you experience are significant enough to bother you, talk to your doctor about how to better manage the side effects, or if you should consider a different type of SSRI.

Considerations

• Lexapro is taken once daily and should be taken at around the same time each day to maintain consistent levels of serotonin. It can be taken with or without food, but if you are experiencing nausea as a side effect then taking your medication with a small meal can help. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, since the medication can be passed on to the baby. Avoid alcohol while taking Lexapro. Lexapro can usually be taken with other medications, but tell your doctor about any other prescriptions you are taking in case there are any potential interactions.