Author: Alex Thompson
Holistic Options to Make Life Better
When the appointment is over, you should be able to walk out with a clear plan of action, whether that means continuing escitalopram, adding another agent, or switching to a different option. Escitalopram is better known by its brand name, Lexapro. The drug belongs to the well-regarded selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of antidepressants. By increasing the serotonin in the synapse between brain cells, major depression or anxiety symptoms can hopefully be alleviated. If it does not work out, trying another SSRI could be worthwhile.
It’s important to keep taking Lexapro as prescribed, even if it doesn’t seem to ease your symptoms at first. If you feel as though your condition is getting worse in the first few weeks of treatment, talk with your doctor right away. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.
Taking the medication around the same time of day helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body, which helps Lexapro work effectively. If your doctor has prescribed Lexapro and you’re interested in taking escitalopram instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover one or the other.
Lexapro and foods
This active drug is also available as a generic medication. Keep in mind that antidepressants are more likely to reduce suicide risk in the long run by improving mood. Anyone taking an antidepressant should be watched closely for worsening depression or unusual behavior. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts when taking an antidepressant, immediately contact your health care provider or get emergency help.
- You may have an increased risk of a low sodium level with Lexapro if you’re over 65 years old.
- During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
- This is the maximum dosage recommended for depression.
While the number of prescriptions written continues to rise, we also see a rise in the lack of results. These effective alternatives to Lexapro can allow constant growth and progress toward natural mental health for life. Lexapro is available in a generic version called escitalopram.
Your doctor will weigh the benefits of taking an antidepressant vs. the risk to the baby. Some doctors will prescribe a low dose of antidepressant while pregnant. If you are already on Lexapro or Zoloft and find out that you are pregnant, consult your OB/GYN immediately for advice. If you are breastfeeding, consult your OB/GYN as well. Lexapro and Zoloft are both SSRI medications, but their indications vary (see above). Because they are in the same category, they have many of the same drug interactions and side effects.
Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include Micromedex (updated 3 Mar 2024), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Mar 2024), ASHP (updated 10 Mar 2024) and others.
Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. If your prescription label is hard to read, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech.
Compare escitalopram alternatives
There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Lexapro. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Lexapro, talk with your doctor. To learn more about drugs that can interact with Lexapro, see the “Lexapro interactions” section below. If you have questions about MAOIs or other antidepressants, talk with your doctor. If you have questions about taking Lexapro with other drugs, talk with your doctor.
These lists do not include all possible side effects.
If you no longer need to take Lexapro and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment. Your risk may also increase if you become dehydrated while taking Lexapro. Vomiting, diarrhea, taking diuretic medications, and not drinking enough water can all increase your risk of dehydration and low sodium. If you have an increased risk of low sodium, your doctor may order blood tests to monitor your sodium level while you take Lexapro.
What are the main differences between Lexapro vs. Zoloft?
Lexapro can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who’s breastfed. For more details, see the “Lexapro and breastfeeding” section above. In rare cases, Lexapro may cause a type of irregular heart rhythm called long QT syndrome. If you have a heart problem, talk with your doctor about whether Lexapro is safe for you.
In some cases, your child’s doctor may increase their dosage to 20 mg once per day. This is the maximum dosage recommended for depression. If your child’s doctor increases their dosage, they’ll likely do so after your child has taken Lexapro for at least 3 weeks. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you. Doctors don’t fully understand what causes depression or anxiety disorders. These mental health conditions likely result from a complex interaction between various psychological, physical, inherited, and social factors.
Escitalopram alternatives: What can I take instead of escitalopram?
Current guidelines recommend selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants as one of the first drug treatment options for major depressive disorder. Getting an appointment with your healthcare professional prescribing your escitalopram is likely your next step in seeking new medication treatment. You have learned about the alternatives, and now you need to share your ideas.