Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM
Summary
- Lexapro® (escitalopram) is an SSRI that helps with depression and anxiety by boosting serotonin levels in your brain, which can influence your mood, sleep, appetite, and emotions.
- You might have some mild, temporary side effects as your body gets used to Lexapro®. It takes about 7-10 days for levels to stabilize, but you might only feel the full effects in 1-4 weeks.
- To ease side effects, try eating smaller, more frequent meals, cut back on alcohol and caffeine, drink plenty of water, and keep a regular sleep routine. Relax with activities you enjoy and get some exercise to lift your mood.
- If you notice any new or changing moods, feelings, behaviors, or thoughts, make sure to tell your healthcare provider.
Here’s what you need to know as you start taking Lexapro®
Lexapro®, the brand name for the medication escitalopram, is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that belongs to a group of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It boosts serotonin levels in your brain—a neurotransmitter that affects your mood, sleep, stress response, appetite, sex drive, and emotions. Lexapro® is often prescribed to treat depression and anxiety, helping stabilize your mood and reduce your symptoms.
Lexapro® has been found to be more effective and better tolerated than some other antidepressants. While most people respond well to it, you might experience some side effects in the first week of use. Knowing what to expect can help you manage this adjustment period more smoothly.
In this article, we’ll guide you through what to expect during your first week on Lexapro®, provide tips for managing side effects, and explain when to seek help from a healthcare professional.
What to expect in the first week
When you start taking Lexapro®, your body needs time to adjust. You might experience some mild side effects, but these are usually temporary and tend to disappear as your body gets used to the medication.
In 7 to 10 days, Lexapro® levels in your body become stable, but it might take 1 to 4 weeks before you start feeling the full benefits.
Learn more: Escitalopram (Lexapro®): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, & More
Most common side effects
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased sweating
- Dizziness
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue or yawning
- Nausea
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Dry mouth
- Decreased libido
- Delayed orgasm or inability to have an orgasm
- Ejaculatory delay or failure or erectile dysfunction
Keep in mind that these aren’t all the possible side effects. Everyone reacts differently to medication. While we’ve talked about the more common side effects here, we’ll also cover rare but serious ones later so you know what to look out for.
Tips for the first week
To help prevent or manage side effects, here are some tips to make things easier. These general guidelines help managing side effects of numerous SSRIs, including Lexapro®:
- Eat well: Have smaller and more frequent meals. If you feel nauseous, try taking your medication with a small amount of food like crackers or toast.
- Avoid alcohol: It can worsen side effects and interfere with the medication.
- Reduce caffeine: It may contribute to insomnia and anxiety.
- Get enough sleep: If you are having trouble sleeping, avoid napping during the day and speak to your healthcare provider about changing the time of day you take Lexapro®.
- Exercise: If your SSRIs are making you feel tired, exercising can help.
- For Fatigue: If you’re feeling tired during the day, try taking your medication later in the evening.
Take Lexapro® at the same time each day to help avoid side effects. You can take it in the morning or evening and with or without food. Keep taking it even if you start feeling better, and always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping.
When to seek help
Lexapro® has been found to be safer than many other antidepressants. However, serious side effects can still occur. If you notice any new changes in your mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings, let your healthcare provider know. Contact your provider immediately if you experience any of these serious symptoms:
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts—people aged 24 and younger have a higher risk, especially in the first few months of treatment or after a dose change.
- Dangerous or aggressive behavior.
- New or worsening depression.
- New or worsening anxiety or panic attacks.
- Feeling very agitated, restless or irritable.
- An extreme increase in activity or talking (mania), which can be a risk for those with bipolar disorder.
- Seizures.
- Changes in vision
- Unusual bleeding—this may occur when SSRIs are taken with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, or other anticoagulants.
The risk of serotonin syndrome when taking Lexapro®
SSRIs, including Lexapro®, may cause serotonin syndrome, especially when used with other medications that affect serotonin levels. This condition is serious and even life-threatening.
Watch out for these symptoms of serotonin syndrome:
- Changes in mental state, such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion, or delirium.
- Fast heartbeat or changes in blood pressure
- Sweating and flushing
- Tremors
- Stiff muscles or muscle twitches
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
Consulting your healthcare provider
It is important to keep track of how you’re feeling when starting a new medication. We recommend noting down any changes you are feeling so you can talk about them with your healthcare provider. Regular check-in appointments help your healthcare provider see how you’re doing and adjust your treatment if needed.
If your dosage needs to be adjusted, don’t worry—this is a normal part of finding what works best for you. Keep taking Lexapro® exactly as prescribed; your healthcare provider may adjust the dosage to find what best works for you.
Managing your Lexapro® journey with Lemonaid Health
Starting Lexapro® can feel easier when you’re well-prepared and take it consistently. Staying in touch with your healthcare provider helps make the transition smoother. You might notice side effects in the first week, but they usually get better over time—and if you have any serious concerns, help is available.
Our team at Lemonaid Health can help. Set up a virtual visit with a qualified US-based health professional who can help you understand your symptoms and find appropriate solutions, including FDA-approved medication in clinically indicated cases.
Lexapro® is a registered trademark of H. Lundbeck A/S.
