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Main to remember
- Lexapro is an antidepressant drug which is also taken to treat anxiety. It is taken once a day, in the morning or in the evening.
- There is no better universal time to take Lexapro. The most important thing you can do is take it in a coherent way – almost at the same time every day.
- Discuss with your health care provider the best time for you to take it. Certain factors that can affect this decision may include side effects, dosage and your lifestyle.
Lexapro (Escitalopram) is a selective drug on the seotonin recovering inhibitor (ISRS) frequently prescribed for depression and anxiety. The best time of the day to take Lexapro for anxiety will depend on several factors that are specific to you and your needs.
Morning dosage against evening: what works best
Lexapro is taken once a day, with or without food. Depending on your lifestyle and how the drug affects you, you can choose to take it in the morning or in the evening. It is essential to take it almost at the same time every day so that the levels of medication in the body remain consistent.
Although there is no optimal time for everyone, you may want to consider the following advantages for each dosage calendar.
- Morning:: The advantages include having maximum medication levels in your system while you are awake. Lexapro levels are the highest three to four hours after taking it through the mouth.
- Evening: The advantages include management of side effects such as nausea or diurnal drowsiness.
Because you can take Lexapro in the morning or in the evening, choosing a moment that works with your schedule and that you will remember is essential.
If your health care provider prescribes Lexapro, discuss your dosage calendar with them.
Best time to take Lexapro according to side effects
Lexapro’s side effects vary from person to person and will often dictate the best dosage calendar for an individual.
| If you feel this side effect | Take your dose |
| Diurnal sleeping | Evening |
| Nausea | Evening |
| Other side effects that interfere with daily activities | Evening |
| Difficulty sleeping | Morning |
| Sexual side effects (for example, low libido, erectile dysfunction | Separated from sexual activity (for example, take it in the morning to improve the desire and the ability to have sex in the evening) |
Sleep disorders are common side effects from Lexapro. These effects are most likely to occur in the first weeks after starting to take it and are probably (but not guaranteed) to upgrade over time.
Sometimes your health professional can recommend another medication to help you sleep in the first weeks of Lexapro treatment.
How long until Lexapro starts to work?
Keep in mind that Lexapro or other SSRIs can take up to six weeks to improve symptoms of anxiety. In fact, the increase in nervousness or agitation during the first two weeks of taking Lexapro is common.
That said, if you do not notice any improvement in your anxiety or if you feel worse in about a month to start Lexapro, let your health care provider know. This could mean that you need a higher dose or a different medication.
Tips for taking Lexapro
Some tips for taking Lexapro include:
- Keep up: Take it almost at the same time every day. Take it at the same time as other drugs or define an alarm as a reminder to make sure you take it in time.
- Consider individual factors: Consider factors such as your sleep model, your work schedule and your social life when you determine your dosage schedule. For example, if you work a quarter night and Lexapro makes you sleep, try to take it in the morning rather than the night.
- Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol with Lexapro can increase the risk of side effects.
- Be aware of drug interactions: Talk to your health care provider potential interactions. For example, the antidepressants of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) and other drugs that increase serotonin should not be taken with Lexapro.
When to consult your health care provider
If you feel excessive drowsiness, insomnia or other side effects of Lexapro which have a negative impact on your daily life, inform your health care provider so that they can help you decide to stick to it or try a different medication.
Lexapro can increase suicidal thoughts in people under the age of 25. This will most likely occur during the first months of treatment or after a dose increase.
Look for a doctor immediately if you or a loved one experience one of the following warning panels while taking Lexapro:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Acting violent or aggressive
- New or aggravating depression
- New or aggravating anxiety
- Panic crises
- Irritability
- Mood or behavior changes that are alarming
Let your health care provider know if you feel other serious side effects from Lexapro, which include:
- Serotonin syndrome (too much serotonin in the brain, which can cause a quick heart rate, sweat or dizziness)
- Seizures
- Maniac episodes (very high energy periods that can be accompanied by risky behavior)
- Low sodium levels
- Excessive bleeding or bruising
- Vision problems
Regular follow-up meetings are essential to manage anxiety. Use them to discuss your progress, challenges and treatment effects. Your health care team can help adapt drugs and therapies to your lifestyle and your goals.
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