Lexapro (Escitalopram): what it does and how to use it safely

Lexapro is the brand name for escitalopram, a common SSRI used for depression and generalized anxiety. People like it because it’s usually well tolerated and works for both low mood and persistent worry. If you’re reading this because someone prescribed Lexapro or you’re thinking about it, here’s what you need to know in plain terms.

How Lexapro works and who it’s for

Escitalopram boosts serotonin in the brain, which helps stabilize mood and reduce anxiety. Doctors prescribe it for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder; it’s also used off-label for panic disorder and social anxiety. It doesn’t act like a sedative or a sleeping pill — improvement shows up over weeks, not hours.

Expect to wait 2–6 weeks for noticeable improvement. Some sleep or appetite changes can happen earlier. If you don’t feel better after eight weeks at an effective dose, talk to your prescriber about changing therapy rather than increasing the dose on your own.

Practical tips: dosing, side effects and stopping

Typical starting dose is 10 mg once daily. Many people stay on 10 mg; some need 20 mg for full effect. Older adults or people sensitive to medications may start at 5 mg. Take it at the same time every day, with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next one — don’t double up.

Common side effects: mild nausea, dry mouth, sleep changes, and reduced libido. These often ease after 1–3 weeks. Sexual side effects can persist; tell your prescriber if that becomes a problem. Rare but serious issues include serotonin syndrome (symptoms: high fever, rapid heartbeat, confusion) and increased suicidal thoughts in people under 25. If you notice anything worrying, seek medical help right away.

Avoid mixing Lexapro with MAO inhibitors or triptans without medical advice. St. John’s Wort and some herbal remedies can raise serotonin too — check with your pharmacist. Alcohol won’t block Lexapro, but it can make side effects worse and slow recovery, so keep drinking to a minimum while starting treatment.

Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal-like symptoms (dizziness, electric-shock sensations, flu-like feelings). If you and your doctor decide to stop Lexapro, taper the dose slowly over days or weeks depending on how long you’ve been on it. Don’t stop cold turkey.

Practical safety checklist: 1) Tell your doctor about other meds (prescription and OTC). 2) Report mood changes or suicidal thoughts quickly. 3) Stick to the prescribed dose and timing. 4) Avoid sudden stopping. 5) Use trusted pharmacy sources and ask the pharmacist questions if you buy online.

If you want clear, personalized advice, bring a list of your medicines and a one-week symptom log to your appointment. That makes conversations with your prescriber faster and safer. Lexapro helps many people, but sensible monitoring and honest talk with your clinician make the difference.