The medication used to treat depression called Lexapro (escitalopram) is usually prescribed from the type of drugs known as SSRIs. Many physicians use antidepressants to control anxiety and depression by adjusting the serotonin in the brain. When it comes to using Lexapro effectively, one of the most frequent questions patients have is about timing—what is the best time to take Lexapro for anxiety?
Because everyone is different, learning about Lexapro’s action in the body can assist you in deciding. Because of factors such as a person’s condition, daily activities and how the medicine affects them, doctors let them know when to take it: morning or night. In this article, we will explore in depth the best time to take Lexapro for anxiety, helping you better manage your condition.
Key Points:
- Anxiety and depression can be treated with Lexapro.
- The time at which you take the medicine affects both the outcome and the likelihood of getting side effects.
- Talk to your doctor before adjusting when you take your medicines.
What Is The Drug Lexapro Intended To Do In The Body?
By hiking your brain’s serotonin level, Lexapro supports better mood and emotions. Serotonin in the brain is responsible for regulating feelings, thoughts, and how we sleep. Anxiety, depression, and mood swings can occur when someone’s serotonin levels are insufficient. Lexapro prevents serotonin from being used back by neurons, which increases serotonin in the brain.
It takes a few weeks for Lexapro to fully work in your body. Some patients find relief fairly quickly, but others might take up to four to six weeks or even longer. When you take Lexapro may affect both your tolerance and the success of the medicine for treating anxiety.
So, if you find yourself feeling drowsy from Lexapro, if may be best to take it near bedtime. When the medicine leads to insomnia, morning dosing can be better. When you use medication depends on your habits, sleeping cycle and if there are any unwanted side effects.
Talk to your doctor first before you adjust your medication timing.
Is it better to use Lexapro before or after breakfast?
Many people starting Lexapro have this question. Everyone experiences a drug differently and this determines the right choice for you.
If you find that morning is the best time for you, taking Lexapro in the morning could be right.
- You notice you either get a rush of energy or start to feel restless after taking it.
- Taking melatonin at night can interfere with your sleep.
- You follow the same routine during the day which makes it consistent.
Lexapro might work better for you if you take it before you sleep:
- You get tired or sleepy after you have taken it.
- Anxiety keeps you from being able to get to sleep.
- You prefer to take your blood pressure pills at night so you can sleep through possible side effects.
| Time of Day | When It’s Better |
|---|---|
| Morning | If Lexapro makes you restless or causes insomnia. |
| Night | If Lexapro causes drowsiness or fatigue. |
People learn at different paces, so you may have to observe for some days or weeks to pick the right time for you.
Start keeping a record of your feelings and symptoms which can guide you and your doctor in choosing the right timing.
Anxiety improvements from Lexapro can be noticed within 2 to 4 weeks.
Lexapro works gradually and not in a hurry. Unlike drugs like benzodiazepines which can help in hours, Lexapro is not effective right away. nearly everyone has a noticeable improvement in symptoms within 1–2 weeks, but reaching the best results usually needs 4–6 weeks.
You might experience a worsening of symptoms for the first several weeks. Many people have this happen at first and it often does not indicate that the medicine is bad. Try to take the medication in the same way every day.
How long Lexapro takes to work is not changed by the time of day you use it, but can change your feelings. As an example, in the morning, it might keep you awake if difficulty staying alert is not an issue, but if it makes you sleepy, taking it at night can help.
| Week | What to Expect |
| 1–2 | Possible side effects; mild changes in mood |
| 3–4 | Decrease in anxiety symptoms begins |
| 5–6 | Noticeable improvement in mood, sleep, and anxiety management |
What Commonly Occurs As Side Effects Of Lexapro?
Learning about side effects can guide the time of day when is best for your dose. People occasionally deal with:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
If Lexapro makes you feel tired, taking it before bed might be best. When you have trouble sleeping or notice dreaming vividly, it’s better to take the coffee in the morning. Although side effects generally decrease with time, how badly they affect you can help you make your decision.
Some people may find that their eating habits, weight, or sexual activities are different. Write down any side effects you notice and always inform your doctor, especially if they do not improve or worsen within the first weeks.
Can the Time You Take Lexapro Be Adjusted?
It is possible to adjust the time, but you should be careful about it. Moving drug administration times quickly may influence how your body reacts to it. Shifting your dose from morning to night or the other way round is safer with the supervision of your doctor.
An easy way to switch over time could look something like this:
- On the first day, take your medicine 2 hours before or after your regular time.
- Keep moving your sleep schedule by 2 hours daily until you get to your new bedtime.
Such a method aims to cut down the chance of experiencing side effects such as nausea or weariness. Be attentive to signs your body gives and speak with your doctor if you notice anything new.
Conclusion
The best time to take Lexapro for anxiety depends on your body, your lifestyle, and how the medication affects you. For some, starting the day with a dose helps them sleep better, however, others might sleep better and have little daytime tiredness when taking it at night. What plan works for you might not work for someone else and it often takes trials, keeping records and talking with your doctor to find the right one.
Do not adjust how much or when you take Lexapro before consulting a doctor.
FAQ’s
1. Is it safe to have Lexapro without eating any food beforehand?
Lexapro is safe to use with or without a meal. It’s possible that taking it with a snack can reduce the feeling of queasiness.
2. What should I do if I skip a dose of Lexapro?
Take your missed dose as soon as you notice. Do not take it if your next planned dose is coming up soon. do not take the same medicine more than once.
3. Does drinking coffee with Lexapro affect the treatment?
Yes, but pay attention to signs of increased anxiety or jitteriness. Sometimes, caffeine can make some of the side effects stronger.
4. Is it allowed to drink alcohol while taking Lexapro?
People usually shouldn’t do it. Drinking alcohol can lead to more side effects and lowers the effectiveness of the medicine.
5. How can I see if Lexapro is making a difference?
A few weeks on CBD will make you feel better, improve your sleep and reduce stress. Monitor modifications by keeping a record.
