Can Lexapro Help With Feelings of Anxiety & Hopelessness?

Mental Health America reported in September 2009 that 20 percent of the U.S. population suffers the symptoms of depression and 40 million people have some form of anxiety disorder. Mood disorders do not discriminate and may affect every race and age group. Treatments include individual psychotherapy, behavior modification and medications like Lexapro.

Hiow Lexapro Works

• Lexapro is a brand name of escitalopram, which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, medication. This group of medicines works by increasing the chemical serotonin in the brain. Serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter and influences the majority of our 40 million brain cells. An imbalanced serotonin level may result in mood issues like general anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression.

Usage

• Lexapro is prescribed by a doctor and is used to treat patients who are 12 and older. Dosage instructions given by your doctor must be followed when taking this medication to achieve the best result. The tablet form can be taken with or without food and at any time of day. If you are prescribed the liquid form, be sure to shake the bottle before dispensing into a measured medicine cup. You should see an improvement in your mood within one to four weeks.

Dosage

• Patient symptoms vary and so will the Lexapro dosage. It is typical for a doctor to prescribe 10 mg daily for depression and anxiety. If relief is not imminent, your doctor may increase the dosage to no more than 20 mg. Geriatric patients may be more prone to liver trouble when taking Lexapro and may be capped at 10 mg.

Use During Pregnancy

• There are no studies of the use of Lexapro with pregnant women but studies in female rats who ingested the SSRI produced fetuses of decreased weight and increased mortality. Babies exposed to Lexapro in the third trimester have required extended hospital stays due to respiratory complications and difficulty feeding. The risks and benefits of taking Lexapro during pregnancy should be carefully considered.

Precautions

• Follow-up visits with your prescribing doctor to evaluate your response to Lexapro are highly recommended. Your dosage may need to be tweaked to reduce side effects or increase the drug's usefulness. SSRIs cannot be taken with an MAO (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) as high blood pressure and seizures are possible. It is imperative that you tell your doctor what other medications you are currently taking. Ask your doctor's advice before discontinuing this medication.

Side Effects

• As with any other drug, unwanted side effects are possible. Most side effects are the result of your body adjusting to the medication. Constipation, decreased libido, gastrointestinal problems, sleepiness, stomach pain, fever, joint pain and chills may occur. If you experience a fast or irregular heartbeat, swelling, nausea or shortness of breath, seek assistance as soon as possible.