The well-known selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) Lexapro, also marketed under the generic name escitalopram, is prescribed to treat mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It functions by raising serotonin levels in the brain, which elevate mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. “What is the best time to take this medication?” is a question that many people who take Lexapro ask themselves. Although Lexapro is often taken once daily, a number of factors, including as lifestyle, personal preferences, and side effects, will determine whether it is preferable to take it in the morning or at night.
The Impact of Lexapro on Anxiety
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and other anxiety-related disorders like panic disorder and social anxiety disorder are the main ailments for which Lexapro is given. It helps lessen the excessive worry, dread, and nervousness that define anxiety by raising serotonin levels in the brain. After a few weeks of regular use, many people report fewer symptoms of anxiety, while it may take longer to see the full benefits.
However, Lexapro may have adverse effects, particularly during the early phases of treatment, much like any other medicine. Sleeplessness, exhaustion, nausea, lightheadedness, and nocturnal sweats are some of these adverse effects. Many people wonder if it’s better to take Lexapro in the morning or at night because the time of your dose may affect how you experience these adverse effects.
Taking Lexapro in the Morning or at Night
The way your body responds to Lexapro will determine whether it’s preferable to take it in the morning or at night. Because Lexapro keeps them aware and active all day, some people find that taking medication in the morning works best. Others, on the other hand, would rather take it at night in order to prevent any possible negative affects while they are awake.
It can be wise to take Lexapro in the morning for people who have trouble falling asleep or experiencing insomnia after taking it. Taking Lexapro early in the day can help the jitteriness and restlessness that it occasionally causes to subside by bedtime, which will make it easier to fall asleep at night.
However, taking Lexapro at night can be a better choice if you suffer from weariness or drowsiness as a side effect. You can let the sedative effects help you fall asleep and possibly prevent feeling overly exhausted during the day by taking it before bed. Because everyone’s body reacts differently, it’s important to determine the time that works best for you.
Handling Sweating at Night and Other Adverse Reactions
One of Lexapro’s known side effects is night sweats, which some individuals find annoying. It can be beneficial to try taking Lexapro in the morning if you get night sweats after taking it. By doing this, you can avoid having your sleep interrupted by night sweats. Some people, however, discover that this change results in more controllable perspiration during the day. It can be worthwhile to speak with your healthcare physician about potential solutions or methods to ease the discomfort if perspiration during the day becomes a problem.
Headaches, lightheadedness, and nausea are some of Lexapro’s other frequent adverse effects. It could be beneficial to take Lexapro with food if you feel queasy after taking it, or you could try taking it after dinner. This relieves the stomach pain that some people get when they first start taking the drug. In a similar vein, taking the drug at night if you get dizziness might help you rest and steer clear of potential risks like operating machinery or driving during the day.
Getting Started with Lexapro: Advice for Novice Users
It’s critical that you adhere to your doctor’s dosage recommendations when beginning Lexapro. To assist your body become used to the drug, a lower dose is normally provided at first. After a few weeks, the dose is usually increased. It may be wise to begin taking Lexapro at night if you’re taking it for the first time, as this can lessen the likelihood of any early adverse effects like weariness or lightheadedness. You can try taking the medication in the morning to see if that works better for you as your body gets used to it.
It’s also crucial to keep in mind that Lexapro may not start to significantly reduce anxiety for a few weeks. As your body adjusts, you can have minor side effects during this time. For the medication to be successful, it must be taken consistently at the same time every day. To avoid missing dosages, attempt to include taking it into your daily schedule, whether it’s in the morning or at night.
Talk to Your Healthcare Professional
It’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare physician about when Lexapro is appropriate for you in your particular situation. Based on your symptoms, the recommended dosage, and your general health, they can offer customized guidance. If you’re experiencing problems with the medicine, your doctor might propose different therapies or make some changes to help you better control side effects.
As you continue taking the medicine, your healthcare practitioner can also keep an eye on your progress and change your dosage as needed. For a more thorough approach to treating anxiety, they can suggest taking Lexapro in addition to counseling or other forms of treatment.
The Value of Reliability
Lexapro works best when taken consistently, regardless of when you decide to take it. To keep consistent levels of Lexapro in your system, it is usually advised to take the drug at the same time each day, whether that be in the morning or at night. Its effectiveness in treating anxiety symptoms may be diminished if dosages are skipped or taken sporadically.
It’s crucial to adhere to your healthcare provider’s recommendations if you miss to take a dose. Generally speaking, unless your next dose is almost due, you should take the missing dose as soon as you remember. Instead of doubling up in that situation, it is usually advised to avoid the missed dose because doing so may result in undesirable side effects.
Extended-Duration Aspects
Lexapro works well as a long-term anxiety medication for a lot of people. It can lower anxiety levels, offer long-lasting symptom alleviation, and enhance mental health in general. As with any drug, though, it’s crucial to periodically assess both its efficacy and any potential negative effects.
If Lexapro is no longer giving you the same advantages, your doctor may advise changing your dosage over time or stopping it altogether. In certain situations, your treatment plan may include counseling or additional drugs to help you better control your anxiety.
In conclusion
The way your body reacts to Lexapro will determine when it’s ideal for you to take it for anxiety. Some people may find that taking it at night helps control daytime weariness, while others prefer to take it in the morning to avoid evening side effects like sleeplessness. Working collaboratively with your healthcare practitioner to modify the schedule, dose, and possible treatment plan to best meet your needs is crucial, as is maintaining consistency. Managing anxiety with Lexapro can be a highly effective strategy, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle, therapy, and regular medical check-ups.