Can Lexapro make depression worse?
Yes, some people may experience worsening depression while using Lexapro (escitalopram), especially in the initial weeks of treatment or following a dose increase. Although rare, this is a known concern. Escitalopram cost
Among the potential causes are:
- Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness may temporarily intensify while your body adjusts.
- Before the benefits of antidepressants have had time to manifest, mood shifts.
- Early in treatment, there is a higher chance of suicide thoughts or actions in certain individuals, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults. For this reason, careful observation is advised during the initial weeks and following dose adjustments.
Symptoms to watch for
Get in touch with your doctor right away if you observe:
- Depression getting noticeably worse.
- New or worsening anxiety, panic attacks, or irritability.
- Agitation, restlessness, or aggressive behavior.
- Trouble sleeping that is severe or new.
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior.
Description
Depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are treated with escitalopram. It is an antidepressant that is a member of the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications function by making the neurotransmitter serotonin more active.
You can only get this medication with a prescription from your doctor. Escitalopram cost
The following dose formulations are available for this product:
- Tablet
- Solution
- Capsule
Before Using lexapro
The benefits of a medication must be balanced against its hazards before choosing to use it. You and your physician will decide on this. The following should be taken into account when using this medication:
Allergies
If you have ever experienced an odd or adverse reaction to this medication or any other medication, let your doctor know. If you have any other allergies, such as to foods, colors, preservatives, or animals, let your doctor know. Pay close attention to the ingredients listed on the label or container for non-prescription products.
Pediatric
To yet, appropriate research has not shown pediatric-specific issues that would restrict escitalopram’s efficacy in treating depression in children 12 years of age and older. However, among children under the age of twelve, safety and effectiveness have not been proven. Escitalopram may result in decreased appetite or weight loss. Teens who will be taking it for a long time should regularly have their growth and weight assessed.
The association between age and escitalopram’s effects in children with generalized anxiety disorder under the age of seven has not been adequately studied. Efficacy and safety have not been shown. Escitalopram cost
Geriatric
The usefulness of escitalopram in the elderly has not been limited by geriatric-specific issues, according to appropriate research conducted thus far. However, hyponatremia (low blood sodium) and age-related liver issues are more common in older people, therefore patients on escitalopram may need to be cautious and have their dosage adjusted.
Breastfeeding
Research on nursing mothers has shown detrimental impacts on infants. You should either discontinue nursing while taking this drug or be prescribed an alternative.
Proper Use
To help your condition as much as possible, only take this medication as prescribed by your physician. Don’t take more of it, take it more frequently, or take it longer than your doctor prescribed.
There should be a Medication Guide with this medication. Carefully read and adhere to these directions. If you have any questions, consult your physician or pharmacist.
You can take escitalopram with or without food. If your doctor instructs you to take it at a particular time, do what they say.
Before measuring each dose, give the bottle a good shake if you’re using the oral liquid. To measure each dose, use a medicine cup, oral syringe, or marked measuring spoon. The typical household teaspoon might not be able to hold the proper volume of liquid.
Before you start feeling better, you might need to take escitalopram for a month or more.
Dosing
Each patient will receive a different dosage of this medication. Observe the label’s instructions or your doctor’s instructions. Only the typical dosages of this medication are included in the information that follows. If your dose is different, don’t adjust it unless your doctor instructs you to.
The strength of the medication determines how much of it you take. Additionally, the length of time you take the medication, the number of dosages you take daily, and the interval between doses all depend on the medical condition for which you are taking it. Escitalopram cost
For oral dosage forms (solution or tablets):
Take For depression:
- Adults and children 12 years of age and older—10 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken either in the morning or evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mg per day.
- Older adults—10 mg once a day, taken either in the morning or evening.
- Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
We take For generalized anxiety disorder:
- Adults and children 7 years of age and older—At first, 10 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken either in the morning or evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mg per day.
- Older adults—10 mg once a day, taken either in the morning or evening.
Children younger than 7 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Side Effects
The following side effects should be reported as soon as possible to your care team:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, red or dark brown urine, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, small, red or purple spots on skin, unusual bleeding or bruising
- Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
- Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion
- Serotonin syndrome—irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea
- Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
Generally speaking, the following side effects don’t need medical attention; nevertheless, if they persist or become troublesome, let your care team know:
- Change in sex drive or
- performance
- Diarrhea
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea
- Tremors or shaking
- Upset stomach
Not every potential side effect may be included by this list. For medical advice on side effects, give your doctor a call. You can call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report negative effects. Escitalopram cost
