Lexapro for Anxiety: All You Need to Know

Does Lexapro Help with Anxiety?

Yes, numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of Lexapro in treating several types of anxiety disorders. As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, Lexapro prevents the reuptake of serotonin to increase levels in the brain, which can reduce common anxiety symptoms like excessive worry, fear, and restlessness.

Lexapro is an antidepressant medication in the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Research shows that SSRIs help rebalance levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is partially responsible for mental balance and mood control, so increasing levels can effectively offer relief from anxiety symptoms in some people. 

Here, we’re exploring how Lexapro and anxiety work by looking at efficacy, potential Lexapro side effects, and other important considerations. Read on to learn more about this effective drug.  

Types of Anxiety Disorders Lexapro Can Treat

In research, most people have shown Lexapro to be well-tolerated. It can be effective in treating symptoms of multiple types of anxiety disorders, including: 

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Social phobia 

How Fast Does Lexapro Work for Anxiety?

On average, it can take between 2 – 6 weeks for Lexapro to fully impact anxiety symptoms, but how fast it works depends on many things, including: 

• Other mental health conditions
• Other medications being taken
• Personal and family history
• Age and weight
• Severity of symptoms

Not all drugs work the same way for every person, so there isn’t a single definitive timeline for how quickly Lexapro can begin working to treat anxiety. Some people can experience improvement and symptoms within just a few days to a few weeks. For others, though, it can take longer. The full effect of Lexapro for anxiety might not be felt until you’ve taken the drug consistently for several weeks. This is because, like most antidepressants, Lexapro builds up in the system over time.

Side Effects to Expect When Taking Lexapro for Anxiety

Every drug has a risk of adverse effects. Lexapro side effects are usually mild and tolerable and often disappear after being on the medication for a couple of weeks.

Common side effects

Common side effects you might experience when you start taking Lexapro include:

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Change in sleep patterns, including insomnia
• Sexual dysfunction
• Increased sweating

Less common side effects

There are also some less common adverse but potentially severe side effects of Lexapro, like:

• Increased agitation
• Change in appetite that causes weight loss or weight gain
• Restlessness
• Unusual behavioral changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fever or chills
• Rapid heartbeat
• Seizures

Increase thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Lexapro Dosage for Anxiety

Appropriate dosing for Lexapro will depend on factors like condition and severity of symptoms. Always follow your doctor’s dosing instructions carefully and talk to them before changing any part of your recommended dose. Lexapro is most often prescribed as an oral tablet that can be taken daily with or without food. 

For anxiety, dosage considerations include:

• Starting dose of 10 mg per day
• Dose may be increased to up to 20 mg per day
• Dosage will likely only be increased after 1 or more weeks of the minimal dose
• Long-term use of Lexapro for anxiety is monitored by your healthcare provider or psychiatrist

Lexapro should be swallowed whole and never chewed, crushed, or broken. If you accidentally forget to take Lexapro, take your missed dose as soon as you realize (unless it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, in which case you should just wait and take your normal dose at the next scheduled time). 

Never double up on a dose of Lexapro. Taking too much of this drug increases the risk of developing a condition known as serotonin syndrome (aka serotonin toxicity). Serotonin syndrome is a serious condition that can be life-threatening. It’s also important not to stop taking Lexapro until you consult with your doctor and get an appropriate and safe taper schedule so you don’t experience Lexapro withdrawal symptoms.

Considerations for Taking Lexapro for Anxiety

Lexapro can offer effective relief for symptoms of anxiety, but there are things to know before you take it. For example, there’s the potential for drug interactions with other medications and warnings that you should keep in mind while you’re on Lexapro.  

Drug interactions

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Other drugs that impact serotonin levels
• Parkinson’s disease medication
• Migraine medication
• Some herbal products
• Stimulants
• Opioids

Warnings

• Inform your doctor if you’ve been on an MAOI within the last 2 weeks of either starting or stopping Lexapro
• Let your doctor know if you’ve ever had health conditions like liver or kidney disease, seizures, high blood pressure, addiction issues, or suicidal thoughts
• Do not take Lexapro if you already take Pimozide
• Pay attention to side effects like gastrointestinal issues or increased anxiety

*Note: This list is not inclusive or exhaustive — it’s crucial to share a list of all medications you currently take (both prescription as well as over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements). Share any concerns you have about taking Lexapro with your doctor – they can decide if an alternative to Lexapro might be more appropriate.

Find Relief with Online Anxiety Treatment

Therapy and medication can be essential components of any anxiety treatment plan. Most studies find that talk therapy — like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — and anxiety medication like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are effective in offering relief from anxiety-related symptoms. 

Talkspace connects you with an online psychiatrist to discuss anxiety medication. Your Talkspace psychiatrist can help you determine if a Lexapro prescription or another medication might be right for you and your symptoms.

Learn more about how to get anxiety medication online from Talkspace by reaching out today.