Overview
Escitalopram is a brand name Lexapro that can be used in the treatment of anxiety and depression. It does this by increasing the levels of serotonin in your mind, a chemical that puts you in a good mood. But a big question many people have is: When can Lexapro for anxiety be taken? Does it make better to take it in the morning or before going to bed? It is best if we will divide it pros and cons so that it will be easier for you to determine what will suit you best.
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro belongs to the family of drugs referred to as an SSRI which stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It is used to control its ability to stabilize your mood and also decrease anxiety level through increasing the serotonin level in the brain. Doctors commonly prescribe Lexapro to treat:
- The primary disorder of the specific research study is known as Generalized Anxiety Disorder or GAD.
- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
- Clinical depression commonly known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
The timing which is appropriate for the consumption of Lexapro may determine how effective it will be, and how much you will tolerate the effects.
What to Consider When Deciding on the Right Time to Start on Lexapro
1. How Your Body Reacts
Morning: If you have drowsiness as an effect of Lexapro, taking this drug in the morning would brighten up your day.
Night: If it causes you to get sleepy or even dizziness then taking it in the night will ensure that you will be sleeping when the side effects are at their worst.
2. Side Effects
Lexapro can cause different side effects, such as:
- Feeling sleepy
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Feeling ill or sick or you have nausea
- Low energy or fatigue
This would be better if, indeed, Lexapro causes drowsiness, to taking it at night than during the day. But if it keeps you awake, morning is the way to go.
3. Your Daily Routine
They also should not take any form of this drug at different time of the day if they want to derive optimum dose from it. Choose a time of day that would not cause you much inconvenience.
What Science says about It
1. Is There Any Difference When Taking It At The Right Time?
After 27-32 hours, Lexapro is half eliminated from your body , and it is safe to say that Lexapro has a relatively long half-life. This balances your serotonin levels regardless of the time you will have consumed it. Thus, the time you pick to work will not affect the effectiveness of your work. More importantly, timing is all about managing its attendant side effects and where to squeeze it into your scheme of things.
2. Handling Side Effects
According to research, those patients who experience weakness together with vomiting usually can manage Lexapro better at night.
If the problem is insomnia, saying it was taken in the morning may help your sleep at night.
3. What Do Other People Say?
People’s experiences vary widely:
‘I pop it in the morning because it keeps me all day calm’
Regarding the side effects she said, “Nighttime is fine for me because I do not observe the side effects of the medication as much when I am asleep.”
How to Find Your Best Time
1. Ask Your Doctor
Your doctor may then recommend starting on morning or night depending on your symptoms and schedule.
2. Track How You Feel
Keep a journal to record:
- How anxious or calm you feel
- Your sleep quality
- Any side effects you notice
3. Make Adjustments if Needed
In case you end up with the first choice, which doesn’t seems quite right, discuss with the doctor to switch. Slow changes should be made to your diet or exercise regimen to prevent your body ph levels from tipping.
How to Take Lexapro the Correct Way
1. Be Consistent
Swallow Lexapro whole; do not chew, crush or break the medication, as the tablet shell may accidentally release the medicine and cause more serotonin to build up in your body.
2. Pair It with a Habit
- Morning: Avoid it if you are on anticoagulant agents and consume it with your breakfast to minimize nausea.
- Night: Use it together with brushing your teeth or any other habit you have at night.
3. Watch for Side Effects
If you are troubled by side effects, don’t hesitate to report them to your physician. They can change your dose or just offer suggestions to help.
Debunking Common Myths
Myth 1: Most Doctors Recommend to Take Lexapro in the Morning
- Truth: Some people are okay with it in the morning while to others, it is better to take it at night. It depends on your body.
Myth 2: ‘Taking Lexapro at Night Makes You Sleepy’
- Truth: Though some people get drowsy with Lexapro, others experience the opposite by suffering from insomnia. Everyone reacts differently.
Myth 3: Shortly prior to this Lisa would turn into a completely different person because switching times would mess everything up.
- Truth: This is preferable because altering the time taken when taking Lexapro may lead to withdrawal symptoms and discomfort during transition, but the frequency can be changed with the doctor’s help.
True Life Tales of those Who Take Lexapro
Jane’s Morning Routine
Jane, 34, began treatment with Lexapro in the morning. Initially, she used to feel nauseated, but that was not for more than a few weeks. Morning doses helped her to cope with stress at the workplace and everyday bears.Mike’s Nighttime Plan
A 42-year-old man named Mike uses Lexapro at night. This way, he sleeps through side effects such as dizziness, among others. Later, a person’s social phobia changed, and he began to feel more comfortableFAQs About Lexapro Timing
Q: Is Lexapro dosage flexible, and can I adjust when I take it?
A: Yes, but make sure you consult with your doctor before you start. When switching times gradually, it also tends to minimize side effects.
Q: What if I forget a dose?
A: You should have it as soon as you become aware that it is time to take it. If you are not a day away from the time when you are supposed to take your next dose, then do not take the one you have missed. Don’t double up.
Q: In reference to the last question, how soon does Lexapro start working?
A: Approximately 4-6 weeks; most patients experience positive changes, while some have remarked they start feeling better earlier.
Q: Should I take it with food?
A: It is taken with or without food, as eating food may help to reduce nausea that comes with the drugs.
Final Thoughts: Morning or Night?
Taking Lexapro for anxiety depends on the body and its rhythm, but you can take it in the morning. It could be morning if it sets you up, or then it could be night if it knocks you out. If you discuss the topic with your health care provider, pay attention to how you feel and stick with the exercise routine.
Give it some trial and error, and you’re bound to come up with the kind of schedule that is suitable for you. Coming to live relaxed is at least a plus to take Lexapro. Always consult your doctor and also allow the medication to take its course. You’ve got this!
