How and When to Take Lexapro for Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are common and can affect your daily life, relationships, sleep, and overall well-being. Sometimes, lifestyle changes or therapy are not enough to manage symptoms, and medication may be needed. Lexapro, also known as escitalopram, is one of the medications often prescribed for anxiety.
If your doctor has prescribed Lexapro or you are thinking about taking it for anxiety, you may have questions about how it works, when to take it, what side effects to expect, and how to pay for it over time.
This guide explains when and how to take Lexapro for anxiety, what you can expect during treatment, and how a free prescription discount card like WiseRX® can help lower your medication costs.
What Is Lexapro?
Lexapro (escitalopram) is a prescription antidepressant that belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). While originally developed to treat depression, Lexapro is widely prescribed for anxiety disorders, including:
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Anxiety associated with depression
Lexapro works by raising the level of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a chemical that helps control your mood, emotions, and how you handle stress. By balancing serotonin, Lexapro can help lower feelings of worry, restlessness, irritability, and some physical symptoms of anxiety.
How Lexapro Helps with Anxiety?
Anxiety is not just overthinking. It involves changes in brain chemistry, stress hormones, and how your nerves send signals. In people with anxiety, the way serotonin works in the brain may be out of balance.
Lexapro helps by:
• Increasing serotonin availability in the brain
• Reducing excessive fear and worry
• Improving emotional regulation
• Supporting better sleep and concentration over time
Lexapro does not give quick relief like some anti-anxiety medicines. It works slowly over time to help balance your brain chemistry.
How Long Does Lexapro Take to Work for Anxiety?
You need to take Lexapro regularly and be patient. Most people do not feel better right away after starting this medicine.
Typical timeline:
• First 1–2 weeks: Mild side effects may appear; anxiety symptoms may feel unchanged or slightly worse
• Weeks 3–4: Early improvements in sleep, energy, or mood
• Weeks 6–8: Noticeable reduction in anxiety symptoms
• After 8 weeks: Full therapeutic benefit for many individuals
Because of this gradual onset, it’s important to continue taking Lexapro exactly as prescribed, even if you don’t feel better right away.
Best Time to Take Lexapro for Anxiety
Many people wonder about the best time to take Lexapro for anxiety. The answer depends on how your body reacts to the medicine.
Morning vs Evening Dosing
You can take Lexapro in the morning or at night, but it is important to take it at the same time every day. Pick a time that works for you and stick to it.
Many people prefer morning dosing because:
• Lexapro can cause mild insomnia in some individuals
• Morning dosing may reduce sleep disruption
• It fits easily into daily routines
Others prefer evening dosing because:
• Lexapro may cause drowsiness
• Taking it at night can reduce daytime fatigue
• Side effects may be less noticeable while sleeping
There is no single best time for everyone. The best time to take Lexapro is when it causes the fewest side effects and fits your daily routine. If you have trouble sleeping or feel tired during the day, your doctor may suggest changing the time you take it.
How to Take Lexapro Properly?
To get the most benefit from Lexapro:
• Take it once daily at the same time each day
• Swallow the tablet whole with water
• It can be taken with or without food
• Do not skip doses
• Do not stop suddenly without medical guidance
If you stop Lexapro suddenly, you may get withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, nausea, irritability, or feeling like you have the flu.
Lexapro Dosage for Anxiety
The dose of Lexapro depends on your age, your needs, and how you respond to the medicine.
Common dosing guidelines:
• Starting dose: Often 5 mg or 10 mg once daily
• Typical maintenance dose: 10–20 mg once daily
• Maximum dose: Usually 20 mg per day
Your doctor may start with a low dose to reduce the risk of side effects, then gradually increase it if needed.
Common Lexapro Side Effects
Like other medicines, Lexapro can cause side effects. Most side effects are mild and go away after the first few weeks.
Common Lexapro Side Effects Include:
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness or insomnia
• Increased sweating
• Digestive discomfort
These side effects usually improve as your body adjusts to Lexapro.
Less Common but Serious Side Effects
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
• Severe mood changes
• Worsening anxiety or depression
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Irregular heartbeat
• Severe allergic reactions
While rare, these symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Is Lexapro Addictive?
A frequent concern is whether Lexapro is addictive. The short answer is no — Lexapro is not considered addictive.
Lexapro does not:
• Cause cravings
• Produce a “high”
• Lead to compulsive use
• Create dependency like benzodiazepines or opioids
But if you stop Lexapro suddenly, you can get withdrawal symptoms. This is not addiction, but your body adjusting to changes in serotonin. Your doctor can help you stop the medicine slowly to avoid these symptoms.
Lexapro and Wellbutrin Together: Is It Safe?
Some patients are prescribed Lexapro and Wellbutrin together. This combination is relatively common and can be beneficial in certain cases.
Why doctors may combine them:
• Lexapro helps with anxiety and mood stabilization
• Wellbutrin may improve energy, focus, and motivation
• Wellbutrin may reduce sexual side effects caused by SSRIs
• The combination targets multiple neurotransmitters
If you take more than one medicine, your doctor should watch you closely. The dose may need to be changed, and you should be checked for side effects or interactions.
Who Should Be Careful When Taking Lexapro?
Lexapro may not be suitable for everyone. Inform your healthcare provider if you:
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a history of bipolar disorder
• Have liver or kidney conditions
• Take other antidepressants or mood stabilizers
• Are sensitive to SSRIs
Your doctor will decide if Lexapro is right for you.
Long-Term Use of Lexapro for Anxiety
Many people use Lexapro for a long time to manage ongoing anxiety. Taking it long-term is usually safe if your doctor checks you regularly.
Benefits of long-term treatment may include:
• Stable anxiety control
• Improved daily functioning
• Better sleep quality
• Reduced risk of relapse
Seeing your doctor regularly helps make sure Lexapro is still working well for you.
Managing the Cost of Lexapro
Even the generic form of Lexapro, called escitalopram, can be costly, especially if you do not have insurance or your copay is high. It is important to take your medicine regularly, so finding ways to make it affordable is important. A free prescription discount card can help lower the cost of your medicine.
How a Free Rx Discount Card Can Help?
A free Rx discount card allows patients to access lower prices on prescription medications at participating pharmacies. These cards are not insurance and can be used by anyone.
Benefits include:
• Lower out-of-pocket costs
• No enrollment fees
• No insurance requirements
• Immediate savings at the pharmacy counter
If you take Lexapro for a long time, these savings can add up and make a big difference.
Why WiseRX® Is a Trusted Option?
WiseRX® is a well-known prescription discount card that helps people get their medicines at a lower cost.
WiseRX® offers:
• Free access with no hidden costs
• Discounts on generic and brand-name medications
• Broad pharmacy acceptance
• Easy use for individuals and families
• Support for patients managing chronic conditions like anxiety
Using a discount card like WiseRX® can help make sure that cost does not stop you from getting your medicine.
Tips for Taking Lexapro Successfully
To get the most out of Lexapro:
• Take it consistently at the same time each day
• Give it time to work
• Track side effects and improvements
• Communicate openly with your healthcare provider
• Do not adjust your dose without guidance
• Use cost-saving tools to stay consistent
It is important to be consistent with taking your medicine and seeing your doctor for follow-up care.
Conclusion
Lexapro can be a good and well-tolerated choice for managing anxiety if you use it the right way and your doctor is supervising your treatment. Knowing how and when to take Lexapro, what side effects to watch for, whether it is addictive, and how it can be combined with other medicines like Wellbutrin can help you feel more confident about your treatment plan.
It is also important to make your treatment affordable. With a free prescription discount card from WiseRX®, you can focus on your mental health instead of worrying about the cost of your medicine.
Managing anxiety takes time, but having the right information, support, and resources can make it easier and help you stick with your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time to take Lexapro for anxiety?
The best time to take Lexapro for anxiety depends on how your body responds to the medication. Some people find it helpful to take it in the morning to avoid trouble sleeping, while others may prefer to take it at night if it makes them feel tired. It is important to take Lexapro at the same time each day to help your body adjust and get the most benefit from the medication.
2. How long does Lexapro take to work for anxiety?
Lexapro usually takes about 4 to 8 weeks to show its full effects for anxiety. You may notice some small improvements earlier, but it is important to take the medication every day as prescribed to get the best results over time.
3. What are the most common Lexapro side effects?
Some common side effects of Lexapro are nausea, headache, feeling tired, dry mouth, sweating more than usual, and changes in your sleep. These side effects are often mild and tend to get better as your body gets used to the medication.
4. Is Lexapro addictive?
Lexapro is not considered addictive and does not cause cravings or dependence. However, if you stop taking it suddenly, you may have withdrawal-like symptoms. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication so they can help you stop safely if needed.
5. Can Lexapro and Wellbutrin be taken together?
In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe Lexapro and Wellbutrin together to help improve your mood, manage anxiety, and increase your energy. It is important to only use this combination under the close supervision of a healthcare professional, as they can monitor for any side effects or interactions.
