Starting a new medication like Lexapro can lead to many questions about the best time to take it for maximum effect. If you’ve recently been prescribed Lexapro, you might be wondering whether there is an optimal time of day that will work best for its effectiveness. The good news is that Lexapro is quite flexible when it comes to timing. Unlike some medications that require specific dosing schedules, Lexapro can be taken at any time of day, with or without food, as long as you take it consistently.
Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about taking Lexapro, including the ideal time for taking it, whether it should be taken with meals, and if it’s better to take it in the morning or evening. Understanding how Lexapro works and how to optimize its effects will help you get the most benefit from your treatment.
How Lexapro Works and What Influences the Timing of Its Dosage
Lexapro (escitalopram) is a commonly prescribed antidepressant used to treat anxiety, depression, and other related conditions. It belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which also includes other well-known medications like Prozac and Zoloft.
The Science Behind SSRIs
SSRIs, including Lexapro, function by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, happiness, and emotional well-being. In people suffering from depression or anxiety, the brain struggles to maintain adequate serotonin levels, leading to mood swings, excessive worry, and other emotional symptoms. Lexapro helps restore the serotonin balance, improving mood, reducing anxiety, and promoting emotional stability.
This adjustment in serotonin levels typically leads to significant improvements in symptoms related to both anxiety disorders and depression. Lexapro is FDA-approved for treating both conditions and is generally considered safe and effective.
However, just like any other medication, Lexapro can have side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Lexapro include:
| Common Side Effects of Lexapro | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Mild |
| Drowsiness | Moderate |
| Insomnia | Mild |
| Headaches | Moderate |
| Sweating | Mild |
Important: If you experience severe side effects such as dizziness, difficulty breathing, or a rash, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
When Should You Take Lexapro — Morning or Night?
The best time to take Lexapro depends on your personal preferences and how your body responds to the medication. While the timing can vary from person to person, the key factor is consistency. It’s important to take your medication at the same time every day to help maintain stable serotonin levels and achieve the maximum therapeutic benefit.
Taking Lexapro in the Morning
Many people prefer to take Lexapro in the morning. This could be a good choice for you if:
| Reason for Taking Lexapro in the Morning | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| You have trouble sleeping at night | Lexapro can cause insomnia for some individuals. Taking it in the morning may help prevent it from interfering with your sleep. |
| You experience night sweats | If Lexapro leads to night sweats, taking it in the morning can help you manage sweating during the day, rather than at night. |
| You feel nauseous when taking it with food | Some people experience nausea when they take Lexapro with food. Taking it before breakfast might help alleviate this. |
Taking Lexapro at Night
Alternatively, some people may prefer to take Lexapro at night. This is particularly helpful if:
| Reason for Taking Lexapro at Night | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Lexapro causes drowsiness | If Lexapro makes you feel sleepy or fatigued, taking it at bedtime can help you avoid feeling drowsy during the day. In fact, research has shown that Lexapro may help manage sleep disturbances in people suffering from depression and anxiety. |
| You experience nausea on an empty stomach | If you feel nauseous when taking Lexapro on an empty stomach, taking it after dinner may alleviate this discomfort. |
Switching Between Morning and Night Dosing
If you want to switch your Lexapro dosing schedule from morning to night or vice versa, it’s important to follow the correct procedure to avoid potential side effects. Here’s what you need to do:
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Morning to Night: If you want to switch from taking Lexapro in the morning to taking it at night, skip your morning dose and take the medication at night.
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Night to Morning: If you want to switch from evening to morning dosing, skip your night dose and take it the following morning.
Important: Never take a double dose of Lexapro within a 24-hour period. Always check with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication schedule to ensure that you are making the best choice for your needs.
Maximizing the Effectiveness of Lexapro
Like many medications, Lexapro may take some time to show its full effects. It can take up to three months to fully experience the benefits of Lexapro. Therefore, it’s essential to be patient and give the medication time to work. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel immediate relief; the medication will begin to show results as your body adjusts to it.
Consistency in Timing Is Key
Lexapro can be taken at any time of day — in the morning, afternoon, or evening — but the most important factor is consistency. Taking your medication at the same time each day ensures that you maintain stable levels of serotonin, which is key to the medication’s effectiveness. Consistent timing also helps you remember to take your medication regularly.
Adjusting the Dose
Your healthcare provider will likely start you on a lower dose of Lexapro, which may gradually be increased depending on how your body responds. This gradual increase can help reduce potential side effects. The maximum recommended dose of Lexapro is 20 mg per day. Your healthcare provider will determine if an adjustment is necessary based on your response to the medication.
Important: Always follow the prescribed dosage exactly. Never attempt to adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider, as altering the dose can lead to uncomfortable side effects or other risks.
Taking Lexapro With or Without Food
Lexapro can be taken with or without food, and it generally doesn’t affect its effectiveness. However, nausea is a common side effect, affecting approximately 18% of people who take Lexapro. Some individuals find it easier to take Lexapro on an empty stomach, while others may prefer to take it with food to reduce nausea.
| Food Consideration | Impact on You |
|---|---|
| Take Lexapro on an empty stomach | Some people find it easier to tolerate when taken on an empty stomach. |
| Take Lexapro with food | Others may find taking Lexapro with food helps reduce nausea. |
You can experiment with different options to see what works best for you. In most cases, food won’t affect the medication’s overall effectiveness.
What to Do if You Miss a Dose
If you forget to take your Lexapro dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you’re unsure about what to do, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
Avoid Stopping Lexapro Suddenly
Never stop taking Lexapro suddenly without your healthcare provider’s approval. Abruptly discontinuing an SSRI like Lexapro can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including:
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Digestive issues
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Tremors
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Agitation
Stopping suddenly can also cause your depression or anxiety symptoms to return more strongly. Always consult your healthcare provider before discontinuing Lexapro, and they can help you taper off the medication gradually and safely.
When to Consult Your Healthcare Provider
You can switch the time of day you take Lexapro without prior approval from your doctor. However, if you experience significant side effects, have questions about the timing of your medication, or are considering switching to another medication, always consult with your healthcare provider. Making adjustments to your medication regimen without professional guidance can be risky.
Having a conversation with your healthcare provider ensures that you’re making the safest choices for your health.
Next Steps for Managing Anxiety and Depression
If you think you might have depression or anxiety, Lexapro—or another antidepressant—could be part of your treatment plan, especially when combined with therapy. Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are treatable, and they don’t have to control your life. If one treatment doesn’t work, there are many other options available.
It’s crucial to work with a licensed healthcare provider who listens to your concerns and develops a treatment plan tailored to your needs. At MEDvidi, you can access online consultations with providers who offer personalized treatment for anxiety and depression.
