What Is the Best Time to Take Lexapro for Anxiety?

Lexapro (escitalopram) is the most commonly prescribed medication to treat anxiety and depression in the U.S.A. If you are also taking this medication, you might be wondering, "When is the best time to take Lexapro for anxiety for maximum relief"? This is a common question, and knowing the timing can make a huge difference in deciding how you feel the entire day. Whether you are struggling with morning anxiety or want a quality sleep at night, understanding the timing can help get the most out of the medicine. Let's explore the blog and learn about the right timing along with other tips.

Best Time to Take Lexapro for Anxiety

There is no universally best time to take Lexapro (escitalopram) to manage anxiety symptoms; you can take it in the morning as well as in the evening, but once a time. Moreover, be consistent for the better effectiveness of the medications. You can consider these factors when deciding the timing to take the medicine:

• Individual Preference: You might have personal routines that impact your medicine schedule. Hence, it's crucial to select the time that basically aligns with your everyday routine and even helps you remember to consistently take the medicine.

• Symptom Pattern: If you notice more symptoms of anxiety in the morning or evening, adjusting the time might help target those symptoms based on the specific timing.

• Side Effects: Understanding Lexapro's possible side effects can also help decide the timing of the medicine. If it causes insomnia (difficulty sleeping), take it in the morning and if it causes drowsiness, the evening might be the suitable time.

Note: Pick the timing that is easy to remember. Taking the medicine at the same time of the day helps maintain the level of the drug in the system. 

Morning vs. Evening: Know the Benefits of Timing

Both morning and evening administration benefits depending on the circumstances of a person:

Benefits of Morning Dose:

• More Energy Levels: Increased energy and focused mind for the entire day, which is particularly beneficial if you experience anxiety symptoms like difficulty concentrating or fatigue.

• Improved Mood: Stabilizing emotions helps deal with the challenges and improve the mood for the day.

• Better Sleep Quality: As the effect of the medication starts decreasing by bedtime, you can take it in the morning if you have insomnia, allowing sound sleep at night.

• Consistency with everyday Routine: Morning administration is easy to add to your daily routine. This makes it much easier to remember and consistently take the medicine. 

Benefits of Evening Dose:

• Improved Sleep: Take Lexapro in the evening, if drowsiness is the side effect you experience, making you fall asleep and enjoy quality sleep.

• Minimized Daytime Drowsiness: If you feel tired in the morning after taking it, you are alert and refreshing the entire day.

• Consistent Drug Levels: As Lexapro has about 27-32 hours, evening dosing makes sure that its levels remain steady throughout the day, offering consistent relief from symptoms. 

Can You Take Lexapro With Food or Without Food?

You can take Lexapro (escitalopram) with food as well as without food. However, having it with food might help reduce the stomach discomfort if you have any. One clinical study shows that taking Lexapro on an empty stomach can cause nausea for up to 18%, during the initial few weeks. So, if you also feel nauseated after taking the medication, a better option is to have it with food. 

Dosage Guidelines

It's very important to stick to the recommended dosage of Lexapro to boost its effectiveness and reduce side effects.

Starting Dose:

• Adults: 10 milligrams (mg) once daily; either in the morning or evening and with or no food.

• Children (7 years and above): 10 milligrams (mg) once daily.

Maximum Dose:

• Adults: 20 milligrams (mg) once daily.

• Children (7 years and above): 20 milligrams (mg) once daily.

Note: Maximum dose is prescribed by the doctors if the starting dose doesn't provide enough relief from the symptoms. A dosage over 20 mg in a day is not advised.

Dose Adjustments

Based on your tolerance level and response, the healthcare providers may adjust the dosage.

• For adults: In an interval of 1 week

• For Children: In an interval of 2 weeks.

Considerations for Special Populations

• Elderly Patients: For elderly people, the recommended dose of Lexapro is typically 10 mg per day.

• Patients with Liver Disease: The low dose of 10 mg per day.

• Patients with Kidney Disease: No dosage adjustment is important for people living with mild to moderate kidney impairment.

What If You Miss Lexapro Dose?

In case you miss or forget to take the medicine, follow these guidelines:

• Do not take the dose twice to compensate for the missed one.

• If you missed the dose of the day before bedtime, take it straight away. Continue with the regular dosing schedule the next day.

• If you remember about the dose late at night or the right next day, don't take the missed dose and take the dose of that day only.

• If you often miss doses, set an alarm for a reminder. Also, you can discuss with your pharmacist for tips on helping you remember the time to take the medication. 

How Long to Take Lexapro for Anxiety?

Here's how long you should take Lexapro to manage the symptoms of anxiety:

• If you are dealing with the initial episode of anxiety or depression, take it for a defined time, e.g., between 6 months to 1 year. This duration helps the symptoms to stabilize.

• If you have recurring episodes or chronic anxiety, the doctor may prescribe it for a long period- for several years.

Hence, it is crucial to always follow the recommended dose by the doctor. In addition, never stop it suddenly without their guidance as it can cause withdrawal symptoms and increase the chances of recurring anxiety symptoms. Regular follow-up is important to determine the right duration. 

Potential Side Effects and Timing Adjustments

Be aware of these possible side effects as they will help adjust the timing of the medicine.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Dry mouth

• Insomnia or drowsiness

• Diarrhea

• Sexual problems

See a doctor if you experience these side effects. They may help adjust the dose.

• For Anxiousness or Restlessness: The doctors may recommend taking the medication in the morning to avoid feeling anxious or jittery.

• For Tiredness or Drowsiness: If drowsiness or tiredness throughout the day is a problem, have the medication in the evening.

Severe side effects (rare but possible):

• Bleeding

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

• Serotonin syndrome (excessive serotonin levels in the body)

• Seizures

• Manic episodes

• Low blood sodium levels

• Closed-angle glaucoma

• Altered heart rhythm

• Sexual dysfunction

In case of severe side effects, immediately visit the nearest emergency department or call 911.

In case of overdosing (symptoms include increased sweating, gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, large bowel sounds, blurred vision, or dilated pupils), call 1-800-222-1222, poison control center. 

Warnings and Risks

While Lexapro is generally safe, be aware of these potential risks: 

1. Serotonin syndrome

Potentially life-threatening but rare syndrome marked by the excess amount of serotonin in the system. Taking Lexapro and other antidepressants together can raise the risk of high levels of serotonin, developing symptoms like:

• Rapid heart rate

• Fever

• Nausea

• Hallucination

• Diarrhea

• Confusion

• Sweating

• Stiffness

• Muscle spasms

Seek immediate medical help if you experience these symptoms.

2. Withdrawal symptoms

Never stop the use of Lexapro suddenly without consulting the doctor as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms which appear for a few days and slowly subside in one or two weeks. Those symptoms include:

• Flu-like symptoms, including diarrhea, muscle aches, or tiredness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Feeling on edge or anxiety

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Difficulty sleeping

• Electric shock sensations

3. Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns about the "Boxed warning" of Lexapro says it has an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in adults, adolescents, and children. So, always monitor the signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors such as sudden changes in behavior, mood, and feelings when taking the medication.

When to See a Doctor?

Take immediate action, if you or your loved ones experience:

• New or worsening symptoms such as panic attacks or more anxiety

• Severe side effects like unusual thoughts or suicidal thoughts

• Physical symptoms such as dizziness or unexplained heart rate changes

• Signs of serotonin syndrome like fever, or muscle stiffness

• Difficulty sleeping or disturbed sleep

• Unusual bleeding or bruising

• Sexual issues like low libido or trouble achieving orgasm

• Signs of overdose such as loss of consciousness, nausea, or vomiting

Final Thoughts

The best time to take Lexapro for anxiety depends on how this medication makes you feel throughout the day and your everyday routine. For some individuals, it works ideally in the morning while for others in the evening. The key is to keep a watch over the response of the medicine and identify the timing that perfectly works for you. If you experience any side effects, regularly speak with your doctor that help adjust your treatment plan.

There is no standard answer, but with consistent timing and appropriate adjustments, Lexapro can efficiently address anxiety symptoms.

Read Also: Find Effective Alternatives to Lexapro for Treating Anxiety