Lexapro is a prescription medication. Lexapro is available for purchase only with a proper prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. The ingredient escitalopram is contained in Lexapro. Lexapro is a SSRI - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. Escitalopram is brand Lexapro in the US. Escitalopram treats depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). But it is useful to know more on 10 mg vs 20 mg Lexapro (escitalopram) doses for anxiety relief.
What is Lexapro ?
Lexapro chiefly increases serotonin levels in your system; serotonin in turn works to improve your moods and also streamlines your sleep-wake cycle. It is a neurotransmitter i.e. natural chemical helping to transmit nerve signals. Both your hormones testosterone and dopamine are influenced by the extent of serotonin present in your system; this indirectly determines your sexual urges / desire to have sex.
Healthcare providers prescribe Lexapro (escitalopram) - an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat common mental health conditions, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and depression (especially, Major Depressive Disorder).
Lexapro for anxiety relief
Feeling nervous or worried is a direct outcome of anxiety. Depending on the duration of such a feeling, or based on the severity of these symptoms, anxiety is termed a disorder. Anxiety disorders can likely bother your routine and personal relationships.
Anxiety disorders are of many kinds among which Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is common. Most medical bodies approve Lexapro (escitalopram) for use in children suffering from GAD. Your physician may administer Lexapro for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), for children who are above 7 years of age.
A safe-to-use drug, Lexapro is also an effective antidepressant. You can buy Lexapro as an oral tablet or its liquid form. Different dosage strengths of Lexapro include a 5 milligram (mg), 10 mg, and 20 mg; after assessing your condition, caregiving teams recommend suiting dosage strengths.
How does Lexapro work?
Lexapro is made to increase the availability of serotonin; this neuro-transmitting chemical plays a major role in regulating your mood. It also helps in reducing your stress levels. Serotonin can also control your anxiety levels. It provides mental relaxation resulting in happiness.
Symptoms of anxiety or GAD include uncontrollable and persistent worries and fears, excessive sweating, heart palpitations, tight or tense muscles, difficulty sleeping, etc. Upon sensing these symptoms, your treating doctor may administer meds like Lexapro.
10 mg vs 20 mg Lexapro doses for anxiety relief
Use of Lexapro (escitalopram) treats depressive disorders and anxieties in children aged 12 years as well as in adults. Lexapro dosage typically ranges from 5 mg to 20 mg. Caregivers initially prescribe a starting dose of 10 mg of Lexapro, taken once daily to treat anxiety issues and depression in children. The dosage strength of starting dosage is the same for adults.
Caregivers also prescribe a higher dosage as 20 mg once daily for both children and adults for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and related disorders. However, a higher dose however has not been much efficient in its use as per a few studies.
Generally, caregivers start treatment for you on a lower dose i.e. 10 mg orally daily, and gradually increase it to a dosage strength of 20 mg per day. If you suffer from liver problems, the maximum recommended dose you can take is 10 mg – all through the treatment plan.
Your prescriber will only raise dose strength of Lexapro if it turns into a necessity. You need to wait for at least a week’s time to see if initial (low) dose is working for you; your doctor will add to the strength if results do not show up. Children however need to wait for more than 10 days to know how this med is working; dosage strength is then altered at the discretion of the kid’s caregiver.
Side effects of Lexapro
Like any other drug, Lexapro causes a few side effects - mild or severe in nature.
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Reports claim Lexapro may affect your sex drive. It also affects your sexual function and decreases your libido. For women, it may affect orgasm -
Lexapro causes erectile dysfunction in a few men. As serotonin levels increase in your body, it affects your hormonal system. - Lexapro particularly affects two (2) main hormones testosterone and dopamine; these have a direct bearing on your sexual health
Best time to take Lexapro for anxiety,The best time to take Lexapro for anxiety is usually in the morning, especially if it causes trouble sleeping. However, some people feel drowsy and prefer taking it at night. Stick to the same time daily. Your doctor may recommend morning or evening based on how your body responds. Always follow their guidance for best results.
Mild side effects from using Lexapro include insomnia, nausea, fatigue, etc. However, these side effects are temporary. They do not last for more than a few days or weeks. However, if they last longer, or if they bother you or if you see them turning severe, it is important to approach your caregiver or pharmacist without any further delay.
Some serious side effects include seizures, serotonin syndrome, low blood sodium levels, risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, increased risk of bleeding, sexual dysfunction resulting in delayed ejaculation, and closed-angle glaucoma.
Duration of this drug’s side effects depends on its dosage and also on your health condition. In a few rare scenarios, Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) is known to occur – a condition where sexual dysfunction persists even after you stop using Lexapro.
Safe use of Lexapro
You can take Lexapro either during daytime or night. Also, you can take it before or after a meal. It is a wise thing to set a reminder to ensure you do not miss a dose. People who take Lexapro at the same timeslot – all through their medication plan – are known to get better results.
You can safely use Lexapro for long-term but strictly under the supervision of a qualified caregiver. You can take your caregiver’s advice regarding intake of Lexapro for mental conditions like anxiety. It is a good practice to read-through all the instructions printed on the pack prior to using this med.
Only your registered physician should advise you to take Lexapro of desired quantity. You need to contact your caregiver right away, once you develop serious side effects by Lexapro’s use. If you experience life-threatening side effects, you can immediately dial 911 or contact/visit your local emergency medical center for medical assistance.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.