escitalopram (Lexapro)

Most SSRI medications like escitalopram take up to 8 weeks of regular use to be fully effective, with some people beginning to feel symptom relief as quickly as 1-2 weeks after starting.

Escitalopram is a medication used to treat anxiety, depression, and other related disorders. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, that works by increasing the availability of serotonin in your brain.

While weight gain can occur with the use of SSRIs, escitalopram is thought to have less influence on weight than some other SSRIs. If you have concerns about managing your weight while taking medication for anxiety, consult with your provider.

Because everyone's bodies and brains are different, medication side effects affect different people in different ways. While escitalopram's side effect burden is usually low, you may experience headache, diarrhea, or nausea in the first few days as your body gets used to the new medication. Long-term side effects such as fatigue or sexual side effects can occur but are usually managed by making changes to timing or dosage. If you're experiencing negative side effects of any medication, speak with your provider — they may advise trying a new medication, changing when you take your medication, or coping strategies.

As with all medications, side effects can occur (or not) for everyone differently. While escitalopram may cause fatigue or drowsiness in some people, this side effect is typically easily mitigated by taking it at night.

When taking a medication to support your mental health, drinking alcohol is not advised. With escitalopram, it can worsen existing side effects and cause new ones. You may feel intoxicated faster and may feel significantly unwell the following day. If you have questions about alcohol or other substance use while taking this or any other medication, consult with your provider.

As with any medication, the goal is to balance reaching the medication's maximum effect at the lowest dose necessary. A “low” or “high” dose isn't as relevant as what dosage is most helpful for you. If you have questions about increasing or decreasing your medication dosage, discuss them with your provider.

You can meet with a licensed provider at Thriveworks, in person or online depending on your state. If it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe medication for a diagnosed mental health condition. Your provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication your provider prescribes, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your plan to confirm your medical and prescription coverage.

Schedule a session with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After discussing your symptoms and treatment goals, your provider may recommend medication and/or additional services to help you get where you want to be.

Yes. Thriveworks is LegitScript-certified, meaning we’ve been reviewed and verified by one of the most trusted compliance organizations in healthcare. This certification confirms that our services meet high standards for legality, safety, and transparency.