Lexapro (Escitalopram) Benefits, Risks and Uses

When is Lexapro used?

Lexapro is used as the first option for treatment in MDD, all anxiety disorders such as GAD, social anxiety and specific phobias, panic disorder, agoraphobia, PTSD, OCD, intermittent explosive disorder and eating disorders. It can be used as an option to reduce premature ejaculation in men, and in women it can be used for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It can be used second-line as a treatment for symptoms of menopause.

What are Lexapro’s main benefits?

Lexapro can be very helpful in depressive disorders, to help reduce symptoms such as feeling low, drained of energy, not enjoying activities, isolating, irritability, trouble eating and trouble sleeping. It can be helpful to reduce anxiety symptoms such as racing thoughts, tension, restlessness, sweats, shakes and full-on panic attacks. It can reduce the anxiety associated with past traumas in PTSD. It can help reduce obsessions and compulsions of OCD, as well as to reduce the anxiety related to exposure therapy for OCD. It can help reduce binging and purging in bulimia. It can help with anger outbursts related to intermittent explosive disorder.

What are Lexapro’s most common side effects?

Lexapro’s most common side effects include gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea and nausea, headaches, and sexual dysfunction. Gastrointestinal upset and headaches may go away after the first week of use. Sexual dysfunction, including trouble getting in the mood and trouble climaxing or ejaculating, are possible and may require a change in medication.

How does Lexapro work?

Lexapro is considered a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and works by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin between neurons in the brain. It does this specifically by inhibiting reuptake proteins that would normally remove serotonin from the synaptic cleft between neurons.

How is Lexapro commonly dosed?

Common dosing of Lexapro ranges from 5mg to 20mg once per day, although in some situations it may be increased up to 30mg per day. Dosing depends on the patient’s specific situation and should always be discussed with their physician.

What are other common names for Lexapro?

Other common names for the brand name Lexapro include the generic name, escitalopram.