Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for. Continuing Lexapro treatment after your symptoms ease can help prevent them from returning. For example, 3 ways to pass a urine drug test if you have depression, current guidelines recommend you continue taking your antidepressant for at least 6 months after your symptoms ease. This decreases the risk of your depression symptoms coming back.
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- The following are evidence-based items that can be discussed with your physician or caregiver that may help speed up your journey back to vibrant wellness and energy.
- I’m normally a very happy person, high energy, can walk & chew gum, etc.
- Rarer, more serious side effects of both medications include allergic reactions.
The right alternative treatment varies from person to person. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on your specific mental health needs and medical history. Lexapro (Escitalopram) is a prescription drug that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of medications. Lexapro helps regulate mood and anxiety by balancing the levels of serotonin in the body. While Lexapro is one of the top antidepressants prescribed for depression and anxiety, it’s not necessarily the right drug for everyone.
Used for the treatment of depression and anxiety, two popular antidepressant options include the orally administered, brand-name Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Lexapro (escitalopram). If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Lexapro, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this mixing shrooms and alcohol effects and risks ark behavioral health option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Lexapro. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost.
With the guidance of your doctor, exploring other medications and therapy options is the best way to find the best alternative for your mental health needs. Lexapro is a common medication used for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Sometimes adding in therapy can make it much more effective.
Lexapro use with other drugs
Both antidepressants can interact with other medicines. Tell your pharmacist and healthcare provider about everything you take, including medications, supplements, and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Common treatments for major depressive disorder include psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. It’s meant to ease or relieve the symptoms of depression. In a clinical trial, certain side effects were about twice as common in people who took a 20-mg dose than in people who took a 10-mg dose. These side effects included trouble sleeping, diarrhea, dry mouth, sleepiness, dizziness, and increased sweating.
When to Avoid Wellbutrin or Lexapro
A 2011 review of previous research studies found that St. John’s wort improved symptoms of depression in ten of the studies. Some studies show that St. John’s wort can treat depression, but the results of these studies are inconsistent. Researchers do not know if St. John’s wort is an effective long-term treatment. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) naturally occurs in the body. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), several studies suggest that SAM-e may help treat depression. However, no conclusive scientific research has shown it works.
The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Lexapro. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
Alternatives to Lexapro – Looking for Advice from Other Patients?
Lexapro is typically covered by both insurance and Medicare Part D, the generic will have a much lower copay, whereas brand name may have a much higher copay or may not be covered at all. Lexapro is available in 5, 10, or 20 mg tablets (brand or generic) and as a liquid in 5 mg/5 ml oral solution (generic). By Patricia Weiser, PharmDPatricia Weiser, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist and freelance medical writer. In addition, Wellbutrin is not recommended for use in people who’ve had an eating disorder.
Coverage and cost comparison of Lexapro vs. Zoloft
Your healthcare provider may instruct you to take your medication differently or for an off-label use not listed above. The table below summarizes the dosage forms, strengths, and typical dosing guidelines for Wellbutrin vs. Lexapro. Note, however, that it does not include all possible doses of Wellbutrin and Lexapro. Lexapro is thought to work by blocking your brain from reabsorbing serotonin after its release.
The condition can have a significant effect on your daily life and personal relationships. Lexapro is FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. Lexapro is approved to treat major depressive disorder in children ages 12 years and older. The typical dosage of Lexapro for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults is 10 mg once per day. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Whatever the case, there are different medications and treatment options other than Lexapro.
Withdrawal symptoms aren’t always related to addiction. Lexapro is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (also called depression) in adults and children ages 12 years and older. While Wegovy is in short supply or is backordered, there are other weight loss medications that may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
If a person thinks they have symptoms of depression, they should speak to a healthcare professional as soon as possible so that they can begin treatment. Natural antidepressants include SAM-e, St. John’s Wort, and omega-3 fatty acids, among others. While these may be effective for some, they can also make medications less effective and can cause some side effects. Combining antidepressants with alcohol can worsen symptoms of depression or anxiety, impair your thinking and alertness, and increase sedation and drowsiness.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Lexapro (escitalopram) come as orally administered tablets. However, escitalopram also comes as an oral solution (liquid). Norepinephrine and dopamine are brain chemicals that regulate and boost mood, among many other functions. This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal.
If your doctor increases your Lexapro dosage, you may have an increased risk of side effects. If you have new or worsened sexual problems while taking Lexapro, talk with your doctor. Or they may suggest switching to a different treatment for your condition. It’s important to note that one of Lexapro’s side effects is reduced appetite.