How Lexapro Makes You Feel in the First Week of Taking It (2024)

Lexapro side effects during the first week of use are typically mild at lower doses. When you start taking Lexapro (escitalopram) for depression and/or anxiety, you may experience things like nausea, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, and drowsiness.

Your body may need days to weeks to fully adjust to Lexapro. However, if side effects persist beyond four to six weeks, your healthcare provider might need to adjust your dose.

In some cases, Lexapro can also worsen depression and increase suicidal thoughts, especially in children and young adults.Speak with your healthcare provider immediately if you experience either of these side effects.

How Will I Feel in the First Week of Starting Lexapro?

When starting Lexapro for depression, you may experience more energy.

But, because Lexapro is a selective serotonin receptor reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, it can trigger side effects.

Side effects, especially during the first week, are common. It may take a few days to weeks for your body to get used to Lexapro.

Side effects may include:

• Dry mouth
• Decreased appetite
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Difficulty sleeping
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Decreased sexual desire (libido)
• Increased sweating

Lexapro and other antidepressants may also worsen depression and increase suicidal thoughts, especially in children and young adults. If you have suicidal thoughts after starting Lexapro, speak with your healthcare provider right away.

Side effects usually occur with higher doses, so you may need a decreased dose if they persist. However, consult your healthcare provider first and never try to adjust your dose on your own.

How Long Will Lexapro Take to Start Working?

Lexapro and other antidepressants usually take a while before you notice any significant changes.

You may experience improvements in sleep, energy, and appetite within the first one to two weeks. On average, it takes about four to six weeks to feel the full effects of Lexapro.

Severe Side Effects

While Lexapro is generally a well-tolerated medication, some serious side effects can occur. Serotonin syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening syndrome that can happen when you have too much serotonin. This usually occurs within 24 hours of having your Lexapro dose increased or if you are given another medication that increases serotonin.

The following are common signs of serotonin syndrome:

• Restlessness or anxiety
• Confusion
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Muscle stiffness
• Shivers

You should seek immediate medical help if you suddenly experience these symptoms.

Lexapro may also increase your risk of bleeding and bruising, especially if you are taking a blood thinner like Jantoven (warfarin) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen sodium).

You should not take Lexapro if you have ever experienced an allergic reaction when taking escitalopram, the active ingredient of Lexapro. An allergic reaction might cause difficulty breathing, a rash, or swelling of the face, tongue, eyes, or mouth.

Another serious side effect is increased suicidal thoughts in children and young adults. This is usually within the first few weeks of starting Lexapro or after a dose change. Lexapro should not be used in children under 12. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any sudden mood changes.

Uses of Lexapro

Lexapro belongs to a large class of medications known as antidepressants. Lexapro is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for short-term and long-term treatment of MDD and short-term treatment of GAD.

This medication works by increasing how much serotonin, a neurotransmitter, is available in the brain. Serotonin is involved in many processes of the body, including memory, sleep, and controlling internal body temperature. How much serotonin you have can also affect your emotions.

Lexapro also has some off-label uses and may be prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder (PD).

Summary

Lexapro is an antidepressant SSRI used to treat depression and anxiety disorder.

Side effects are common, especially in the first few weeks of starting Lexapro. However, as your body adjusts to the medication, side effects like dry mouth, decreased appetite, and nausea, among others, should resolve.

Severe side effects you may experience while taking Lexapro are serotonin syndrome and an increase in suicidal thoughts. You should seek immediately medical care if you notice signs of either.

Lexapro may help improve your sleep, appetite, and energy levels within the first two weeks. However, it usually takes four to six weeks to experience the full benefits of Lexapro. It is important to continue taking your medication as directed unless your healthcare provider tells you to stop.

The author would like to recognize and thank Cody Ryan Thomas for contributing to this article.