What Is Lexapro?
Lexapro is the brand name of Escitalopram, a type of antidepressant medication. It belongs to a class of drugs known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).
SSRIs work by increasing the level of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain that helps maintain emotional balance and happiness.
Because of this, Lexapro is sometimes called “the happy pill.” It doesn’t instantly make you happy, but it helps your brain regulate mood more effectively.
Table of Contents
What Is Lexapro Used For?
Lexapro is commonly prescribed for mental health conditions related to anxiety and depression. Here’s what it’s mainly used for:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):
Lexapro helps reduce sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities. - Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
It’s used to manage excessive worry, nervousness, or constant fear. - Panic Disorder (off-label use):
Some doctors prescribe Lexapro for panic attacks. - Social Anxiety Disorder & OCD (off-label):
Although not officially approved for all, some psychiatrists find Lexapro effective for obsessive thoughts or social anxiety.
So, if your doctor prescribed Lexapro, it’s likely to help stabilize your mood and reduce anxiety symptoms over time.
How Does Lexapro Work in the Body?
Lexapro boosts the brain’s supply of serotonin, the “feel-good” chemical.
When serotonin levels are low, you might feel sad, anxious, or irritable. Lexapro prevents the brain from reabsorbing serotonin too quickly, allowing more of it to stay active.
This helps you feel calmer, more balanced, and emotionally stable.
However, Lexapro doesn’t work overnight. It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks (sometimes longer) before you notice improvement. So patience is key!
Lexapro Dosage Guide
The right dosage depends on the condition, age, and response to treatment.
Always follow your doctor’s prescription. But here’s a general guide:
| Condition | Typical Starting Dose | Maximum Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Depression (Adults) | 10 mg once daily | 20 mg daily |
| Anxiety Disorders | 10 mg once daily | 20 mg daily |
| Older Adults | 5 mg once daily | 10 mg daily |
Tip:
Try to take Lexapro at the same time every day — morning or evening — to maintain a steady level in your body.
Best Time to Take Lexapro for Anxiety
Many people ask, “What’s the best time to take Lexapro for anxiety?”
The truth is — it depends on how your body reacts.
- Morning: If Lexapro makes you feel more energetic or causes trouble sleeping.
- Night: If it makes you drowsy or tired.
Personally, I recommend starting it in the morning with food. But if you notice sleep issues, talk to your doctor about switching to an evening schedule.
Lexapro 10 mg – The Most Common Dose
Most people begin with Lexapro 10 mg daily.
This dose is considered safe and effective for both anxiety and depression.
If symptoms don’t improve after a few weeks, your doctor may increase it to 20 mg daily.
But remember — never change the dose on your own. Always follow your doctor’s advice.
Lexapro Side Effects
Every medicine has side effects, and Lexapro is no exception. However, most side effects are mild and go away as your body adjusts.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness or trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Decreased sexual desire
Less Common but Serious Side Effects:
- Suicidal thoughts (especially in young adults under 25)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Confusion or memory problems
👉 If you ever experience severe or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
What Is the #1 Side Effect of Lexapro?
The most reported side effect of Lexapro is nausea — especially during the first few days.
Drinking water and taking the pill after food can help reduce it. Most people notice it fades away after the first 1–2 weeks.
Why Is Lexapro Called the “Happy Pill”?
Lexapro is often nicknamed the “Happy Pill” because it improves serotonin levels — the brain chemical responsible for positive mood and emotional balance.
However, it doesn’t make you instantly happy or high. Instead, it helps your brain naturally manage emotions better, making life feel lighter and less overwhelming.
Does Lexapro Cause Weight Gain?
This is one of the most common questions — and the answer is sometimes, yes.
Lexapro can lead to slight weight gain in some people, but not everyone.
Some users even experience weight loss initially due to decreased appetite.
If you’re worried, try maintaining a balanced diet, stay active, and discuss with your doctor if the changes become noticeable.
Lexapro vs Zoloft: Which Is Better?
Both Lexapro (Escitalopram) and Zoloft (Sertraline) are SSRIs used to treat depression and anxiety.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Lexapro | Zoloft |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Name | Escitalopram | Sertraline |
| Common Uses | Depression, Anxiety | Depression, OCD, PTSD, Panic Disorder |
| Start Dose | 10 mg | 50 mg |
| Common Side Effect | Nausea | Diarrhea |
| Sedation Level | Mild | Moderate |
| Cost | Slightly higher | Moderate |
👉 Most doctors say Lexapro is smoother and easier to tolerate, especially for first-time antidepressant users.
Lexapro Cost and Price Information
The cost of Lexapro depends on your country and whether you buy the brand name or generic version (Escitalopram).
- Brand Lexapro (10 mg, 30 tablets): ₹900–₹1500 in India / $30–$120 in the US
- Generic Escitalopram: ₹150–₹400 in India / $10–$40 in the US
💡 Tip: Always check for generic versions, as they work the same and are much cheaper.
Lexapro Reviews on Reddit and Other Forums
If you check Reddit or online forums, you’ll find mixed reviews about Lexapro.
Many people share stories like:
“Lexapro helped me feel like myself again after years of anxiety.”
“It took about 3 weeks, but I finally stopped overthinking everything.”
However, others mention mild side effects like tiredness or emotional numbness.
👉 Remember: Everyone’s body chemistry is different. What works for one person may not feel the same for another.
Important Warnings and Precautions
Before taking Lexapro, make sure your doctor knows if you have:
- Liver or kidney problems
- History of seizures
- Bipolar disorder
- Heart issues
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Also, never mix Lexapro with alcohol or other antidepressants without consulting your doctor.
Avoid sudden discontinuation — stopping Lexapro abruptly may cause withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, anxiety, or electric-shock sensations.
How Long Should You Take Lexapro?
Most people take Lexapro for 6 months to a year depending on the severity of symptoms.
Your doctor may recommend continuing longer to prevent relapse.
Once your mood stabilizes, you can slowly reduce the dose under medical supervision.
Tips for Taking Lexapro Safely
Here are a few personal tips from my experience writing about antidepressants:
- Take it at the same time daily.
- Don’t skip doses. If you miss one, take it as soon as you remember (unless it’s close to the next dose).
- Stay hydrated and eat well.
- Exercise regularly — it boosts serotonin naturally.
- Track your mood and side effects in a journal.
These small habits make a big difference in your mental wellness journey.
When to See Your Doctor
Seek immediate medical help if you notice:
- Suicidal thoughts or unusual mood changes
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Severe headache or confusion
- Allergic reaction symptoms
Never adjust your dose or stop Lexapro suddenly on your own.
FAQs About Lexapro
1. How long does Lexapro take to work?
Usually 2–4 weeks, but full benefits may take 6–8 weeks.
2. Can I drink coffee while taking Lexapro?
Yes, moderate coffee intake is fine unless your doctor says otherwise.
3. What happens if I stop taking Lexapro suddenly?
You may experience withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, anxiety, or irritability. Always taper off under supervision.
4. Is Lexapro addictive?
No, it’s not habit-forming, but stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal effects.
5. Can Lexapro be used for sleep?
Not specifically, but it can improve sleep by reducing anxiety and depression.
