Lexapro®, also known by its generic name escitalopram, is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It's primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Lexapro® works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep.
What About Any Side Effects of Lexapro®
As with any medication, Lexapro® may cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects of Lexapro® include:
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Headaches
Insomnia or sleepiness
Dry mouth
Dizziness
Sweating
Sexual dysfunction
Some people may gain weight while taking Lexapro due to a number of factors. These could include increased appetite, decreased physical activity due to the effects of depression or anxiety, or metabolic changes. For others, Lexapro might have no significant impact on weight, or could even lead to slight weight loss, especially if their depression or anxiety was causing them to overeat and this behavior is normalized by the treatment.
While these side effects are generally mild and temporary, some patients may experience more severe side effects, such as suicidal thoughts, serotonin syndrome, and increased risk of bleeding. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider if they experience any adverse reactions while taking Lexapro®.
Why Do Doctors Prescribe Lexapro®?
Lexapro® is a prescription medication that can only be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional. Before prescribing Lexapro®, a healthcare provider will evaluate a patient's medical history and symptoms to determine if it's an appropriate treatment option. The healthcare provider will also provide instructions on how to take Lexapro®, including dosage, frequency, and any precautions or potential side effects to be aware of.
A wealth of clinical trial data and real-world experience supports the use of Lexapro. Its efficacy, as with all medications, can vary from person to person, and it does not work for everyone. Some people may also experience side effects, the most common of which include nausea, trouble sleeping, sexual problems, and feeling tired.
Studies have assessed the effectiveness of escitalopram at 10-20 mg/day in people with “major depressive disorder”. The results of a study in the Journal of International Clinical Psychopharmacology showed that escitalopram was significantly more effective than a placebo in reducing depression symptoms. It showed improvements observed as early as the first week of treatment. It was also well-tolerated, meaning few patients discontinued use due to side effects.
Refilling Lexapro® Prescriptions with Cabinet Health
Cabinet Health can refill Lexapro® prescriptions and offers eco-friendly and personalized packaging options for medications. Patients can receive their medication in Cabinet's sleek and eco-friendly glass bottles, which are more sustainable than traditional plastic bottles. Cabinet also offers a seamless transfer of prescriptions to their personalized packaging, ensuring that patients have access to their medication without contributing to plastic pollution.
