Lexapro dosage (Escitalopram)

When you are prescribed Lexapro for treatment of your anxiety or depression, it is very important that you make sure that you follow the dosage instructions very carefully. They are a number of side effects and even Lexapro overdose, that can happen when you improperly take this SSRI. Use the following information as a guideline only and always defer to your physician and pharmacist for their professionally trained medical opinion.

There are a number of different tablet doses that Lexapro comes in but the most common are: Lexapro (escitalopram) 5 mg, Lexapro (escitalopram) 10 mg, and Lexapro (escitalopram) 20 mg. Lexapro can also be prepared as a solution with the dose: 1 mg/ml.

Lexapro (escitalopram) dosage

Again as a general guideline only, the usual dosage that is prescribed to begin, for treatment of depression in adults is one tablet of Lexapro 10 mg in the morning and one before bed. The dosage may then be increased to Lexapro 20 mg, twice daily, or decreased after about a week of consistent use; based on how the person reacts to the initial dose. As with other SSRIs the effectiveness usually takes a few weeks to reach its full potential.

For anxiety the dosage usually begins closer to one Lexapro 10 mg tablet once a day, and then is adjusted up or down from there. This medication can be taken with or without foods, and usually has little to no negative effect on the stomach.

How should I take Lexapro?

You should take your daily dose of Lexapro as directed by your physician and you can ask questions about these instructions either with them or a pharmacist. Do not attempt to adjust or cease taking you prescribed dose without the direction of your doctor as this can increase your chances of side effects, Lexapro overdose, or withdrawal symptoms.

If you miss a dose it is important that you take it right away, unless it is within 6 hours of your next scheduled dose. If this is the case then you should just continue with your regular schedule and not double the dosage. By taking the medication at the same time everyday you can minimize the chances of missing a dose, or accidently doubling the dose, which could cause a Lexapro overdose. If you believe that you have taken too much and might be at risk for a Lexapro overdose, than you should call poison control and seek emergency medical attention.