What Lexapro Tablets Look Like - Dosage, Benefits, Side Effects

What Lexapro Tablets Look Like

Lexapro is a commonly prescribed antidepressant medication. It contains the active drug escitalopram, which belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro tablets help treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, in the brain.

Lexapro comes in tablet form. The tablets are available in different strengths, including 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg doses. The tablets are oval-shaped and white, though generic versions may be a different color. They are scored with a line down the middle so they can be broken in half easily.

Strengths and Doses

When you are first prescribed Lexapro, your doctor will typically start you on a low dose and increase it slowly over time. The most common starting dose is 10mg per day. The maximum recommended dose is 20mg per day.

Here is an overview of the different tablet strengths:

• 5mg tablets - usually the starting dose
• 10mg tablets - the most common dosage
• 20mg tablets - the maximum recommended dose

The 10mg tablet is the one most people taking Lexapro will take. The 5mg dose is often prescribed for the first week or two to give your body time to adjust to the medication. After starting with 5mg, your doctor may increase the dosage to 10mg if needed to provide symptom relief.

How to Take Lexapro Tablets

Lexapro tablets are meant to be taken orally once per day, preferably in the morning. You can take Lexapro with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole - do not crush, break, or chew it.

It's important to take Lexapro at around the same time each day. Setting a daily reminder can help you remember your dose. Never take more than your prescribed dose of Lexapro in one day.

When first starting treatment, your doctor may have you take Lexapro every other day or at a lower dose to allow your body to adjust to the medication. This helps minimize side effects.

Recognizing Lexapro Tablets

As mentioned above, Lexapro tablets come in different strengths - 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg. But all tablets are oval and white, regardless of their strength. This is how you can recognize genuine Lexapro tablets:

• Oval/elliptical shape
• White color
• Scored with a line down the middle on one side
• Imprinted with dosage strength (5, 10, or 20) on the scored side
• May have "FL" imprint on reverse side

Lexapro tablets manufactured by various companies will look slightly different but should always match this general description. Compare your tablets against an image online to verify they look right.

How Lexapro Works in the Brain

To understand what Lexapro tablets do, it helps to first understand a bit about brain chemistry. Here's a basic overview of how Lexapro works in the brain:

Role of Serotonin

Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that allow communication between brain cells (neurons). When levels of serotonin are optimal, you feel positive emotions like happiness and contentment.

People with depression often have lower serotonin levels. Lexapro helps restore normal serotonin function in the brain by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into neurons. This leaves more serotonin available to be released and bind to receptors, improving communication between brain cells.

How Lexapro Increases Serotonin

Lexapro tablets contain the active drug escitalopram, which belongs to the SSRI class of antidepressants. SSRIs work by inhibiting the serotonin transporter, which is responsible for reabsorbing serotonin into neurons after it is released.

By binding to the serotonin transporter, escitalopram blocks the reuptake of serotonin. More serotonin remains available in the spaces between neurons. This enhances serotonin signaling between brain cells.

With continued use, Lexapro helps restore normal serotonin function. The result is an improvement in mood and a relief of depression symptoms.

Additional Effects on Other Neurotransmitters

In addition to its effects on serotonin, Lexapro may also enhance levels of other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine. The combination of effects leads to a boost in mood and emotion regulation.

Lexapro may also reduce overactivity in certain areas of the brain like the amygdala, which are involved in processing fear and anxiety. This leads to a decrease in symptoms of anxiety.

Lexapro Benefits and Uses

Lexapro is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. It can benefit people with these conditions in several ways:

Benefits for Depression

• Improves depressed mood
• Increases interest and motivation
• Boosts energy and decreases fatigue
• Helps regain feelings of joy or happiness
• Improves concentration and focus
• Normalizes sleep patterns
• Helps restore appetite

Benefits for Anxiety

• Reduces overall anxiety levels
• Lessens worrying thoughts
• Decreases irrational fears
• Minimizes panic attacks
• Improves ability to relax
• Eases muscle tension and nervousness

Lexapro takes 4-6 weeks to reach full effect. Symptoms should start improving within 1-2 weeks. It is important to take Lexapro regularly as prescribed even if you feel better.

Off-Label Uses

Doctors may sometimes prescribe Lexapro for off-label uses including:

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety disorder

However, Lexapro is only FDA-approved for major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Discuss potential off-label use with your doctor.

Side Effects of Lexapro

Lexapro is generally well-tolerated, but some side effects are possible. Mild side effects that may go away with continued use include:

• Nausea
• Insomnia or drowsiness
• Increased sweating
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue
• Sexual dysfunction

Talk to your doctor if any side effects become bothersome. Taking Lexapro with food may help reduce upset stomach. Taking it earlier in the day could prevent sleep issues.

More serious side effects are rare but require prompt medical care. These include suicidal thoughts, seizures, extreme agitation, or serotonin syndrome. Discontinue Lexapro and call your doctor right away if you experience any serious reactions.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Lexapro does not generally cause dependence. However, stopping suddenly after long-term use can trigger withdrawal symptoms. Common Lexapro withdrawal symptoms include:

• Dizziness, vertigo, nausea, or vomiting
• Flu-like achiness and chills
• Excessive sweating and night sweats
• Insomnia or vivid dreams
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Changes in mood including depression or anxiety
• Irritability and crying spells
• "Brain zaps" - strange electrical sensations in the brain

These symptoms are not dangerous but can be very uncomfortable. To minimize withdrawal, work with your doctor to gradually taper your Lexapro dosage over several weeks when stopping. This gives your brain chemistry time to readjust.

Lexapro Dosage Information

Lexapro dosage must be determined by your prescribing doctor based on factors like your health status, other medications, and treatment goals. Here are some basics about Lexapro dosing:

Initial Dosing Schedule

The recommended starting Lexapro dosage is 10mg once daily. However, your doctor may have you start at 5mg for the first week before increasing to 10mg. This helps your body adjust to the medication.

Lexapro tablets come in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg strengths. So your doctor can easily adjust your dosage based on response and tolerability.

Maintenance Dosing

Once at a well-tolerated dosage, most people take 10mg or 20mg Lexapro once per day. The maximum recommended Lexapro dosage is 20mg daily. Take Lexapro at the same time each morning for the most consistent effect.

Elderly Patients

For those over 65 years old, doctors typically start with Lexapro 5mg daily. The lowest effective dose is used in elderly patients to minimize side effects and interactions with other medications.

Children and Adolescents

Lexapro has only been approved for use in adolescents aged 12-17 for major depressive disorder. The starting dose range for teens is 10-20mg daily.

Lexapro has not been studied in children under 12 years old and is not recommended. Talk to your child's doctor about antidepressant use.

Special Populations

People with certain medical conditions like liver or kidney impairment may need adjusted Lexapro doses. Your doctor will determine the right dosage based on your specific condition and needs.

FAQs About Lexapro Tablets

How long does it take for Lexapro to work?

It takes 4-6 weeks for Lexapro to reach its full antidepressant effects. However, some improvement in symptoms should be noticeable within 1-2 weeks of starting treatment.

Can you cut or crush Lexapro tablets?

Lexapro tablets can be safely split or crushed. They have a score down the middle to facilitate splitting if needed to achieve lower doses. The medication can then be mixed into water or food.

Can you drink alcohol while taking Lexapro?

It is recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Lexapro. Drinking can worsen side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Lexapro and alcohol both affect serotonin levels as well, so combining them changes brain chemistry in unpredictable ways.

Does Lexapro cause weight gain?

Lexapro is less likely to cause weight gain than some other antidepressants, but moderate weight gain of 5-10 pounds is possible. Work with your doctor on nutrition and exercise plans to help maintain a healthy weight.

What happens if you suddenly stop taking Lexapro?

Quitting Lexapro abruptly after regular long-term use can cause withdrawal symptoms. To avoid this, work with your prescriber to gradually taper your Lexapro dose before discontinuing it completely.

The Takeaway on Lexapro Tablets

Lexapro is available in tablet form to treat depression and anxiety. Tablets come in strengths of 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg. They are oval white tablets that can be split if needed. When taken daily, Lexapro helps restore normal serotonin function in the brain and improve mood.

Lexapro takes several weeks to reach full effect. Starting at low doses and increasing gradually minimizes side effects. While generally well-tolerated, potential side effects include nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and more. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Lexapro tablets.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.