Lexapro Dosage Guide For MDD, GAD, OCD, & More

Lexapro can be helpful for those struggling with mental health conditions, but this prescription drug requires certain dosages to be effective. The dosage of Lexapro prescribed by your doctor depends on the severity of your anxiety or depression.

Escitalopram oxalate (brand name Lexapro) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and antidepressant medication used in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other mental health disorders.

Lexapro Dosage

Ultimately, your healthcare provider will decide which dosage of Lexapro is helpful in treating the symptoms you are suffering from, such as panic attacks or night terrors. 

Lexapro is offered in tablet forms of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, as well as an oral solution of 1 mg/mL.

Doctors may prescribe lower doses of Lexapro when a person first begins the medication and then increase the dose at a later date. This is the same for adolescents and young adults as well.

Recommended Starting Dose

The starting dose of Lexapro can be 10 mg per day for a week. After this, your healthcare provider can lower or increase the dosage.

The max dose of Lexapro is 20 mg per day.

Dosage By Mental Health Condition

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the dose of Lexapro a person receives can depend on the mental health condition being treated. 

Those being treated for MDD, GAD, or OCD may be prescribed 10 mg or 20 mg daily. Despite the dosage amount, taking this prescription medication can create a number of side effects.

Lexapro Warnings

To be safe while taking Lexapro, it’s important to follow the medication guide which comes with your prescription. You will need to store Lexapro at room temperature and out of reach of children, and take your recommended dose only.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Lexapro may include:

• impairment
• trouble sleeping
• weight loss or weight gain
• nausea
• erectile dysfunction
• constipation
• dry mouth
• agitation
• drowsiness
• difficulty with urination

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states the more serious side effects of escitalopram may consist of a decrease in blood pressure, an irregular heart rate, and confusion.

Drug Interactions

Those who combine Lexapro with other medications have an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome may lead to seizures or tremors due to an increase of serotonin in the brain.

Always seek the medical advice of your doctor before combining medications. Certain drugs and substances to avoid while taking Lexapro include:

• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• St. John’s Wort
• serotonin and norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• ibuprofen
• tricyclic antidepressants
• supplement
• sleeping pills
• citalopram (Celexa)
• opioids
• alcohol
• fluoxetine
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as warfarin
• pimozide
• linezolid
• certain over-the-counter medications
• methylene blue
• tramadol lithium
• tryptophan
• sumatriptan

Lexapro should also be avoided with other SSRIs such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and paroxetine (Paxil).

Serious allergic reactions can occur when Lexapro is combined with other substances. Serotonin syndrome may lead to a person experiencing severe mental health concerns such as hypomania or suicidal thoughts.

There is an increased risk or worsening of anxiety symptoms in those who take Lexapro with other drugs.

Adverse Effects

In addition to drug interactions, adverse effects can occur with those who have certain medical conditions or psychiatric disorders. More specifically, those with bipolar disorder should speak with their doctor before taking Lexapro.

Due to the cardiovascular problems which can occur with Lexapro, those with heart disease may be advised to avoid the drug. In fact, those with glaucoma should avoid Lexapro as well.

Lexapro may pass from women who are breastfeeding to their child through breast milk. If you become pregnant while taking Lexapro, contact your primary healthcare provider as soon as possible.

An abrupt discontinuation of Lexapro may lead to various withdrawal symptoms, including sweating, irritability, and shaking. 

If you live with prescription drug addiction and need help, contact us today to receive information on treatment options from a dedicated healthcare professional.