How to Treat Anxiety With Lexapro

Lexapro is a medication often prescribed to treat depression and anxiety -problems that seem to co-exist. It's primary use is for the treatment of depression, through it's action as an SSRI ( selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor), but it has been approved for use with social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and obsessive- compulsive disorder. Speak with your health-care provider to find out how you can treat your anxiety with Lexapro. Here is an overview of how it may help with anxiety.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take Lexapro, (escitralopam) which is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or SSRI, one of a major class of pharmaceutical drugs currently on the market. Serotonin is a naturally occurring hormone and neurotransmittor, found in several places in in the body and it's responsible for nerve transmission between cells that affect appetite, mood, sexual desire, sleep and other social behaviors.Scientists believe that genetic variations exist that lead to individual tendencies toward anxiety and depression. Situational events, such as physical abuse, trauma, chronic illness, job stress or death of a loved one, may alter the way your brain functions.Lexapro works by increasing levels of serotonin in the body at a cellular level and is believed to promote balance and decrease anxiety.

2. Discover what works. Short-term medication use can often help when we find ourselves in situations that promote feelings of anxiety. The first step toward successful treatment is recognizing symptoms. Lexapro may take up to 4 weeks before full effect is noticed, with the onset in 1 to 2 weeks.

3. Recognize the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder which include, worrying excessively about every day events. Worry about finances, job performance, family matters, or school may become all pervasive, making it difficult to function properly. Feelings of irritability and being "on edge" are common. Sleep may become difficult. You may find that you are easily startled and may feel "tense".

4. Speak with your physician to see if Lexapro may help. It's important to discuss prescriptions with your physician before taking any medication. Underlying disorders, such as liver disease, pregnancy, breast feeding, or previous drug allergies should be discussed to make sure Lexapro is right for you. Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking.

5. Take your medication regularly. Be patient and discuss the effects with your doctor. Report any side effects, such as dry mouth, nausea, restless or worsening anxiety. Sometimes an adjustment in the dosage is needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn to manage stress through meditation, hypnosis and guided imagery. Exercise can naturally increase endorphin levels in the body, and help with anxiety. Speak with friends and family about your feelings, and seek professional counseling if you feel overwhelmed.
• Drowsiness can occur. Blood pressure changes may cause fainting with positional changes. It's important to sit, then stand when taking Lexapro to avoid injury. Tell your employer if you are taking medication. Safety concerns involve driving and operating machinery until you become familiar with your response to Lexapro.
• Avoid alcohol when taking Lexapro.
• Never stop taking Lexapro suddenly. Weaning is required to prevent untoward side effects of withdrawal.
• Rare side effects of Lexapro that require immediate attention and should be reported as soon as possible include:
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Rash
• Hallucinations
• Dizziness
• Rapid speech and excitability
• NEVER double up on your dose. Serotonin toxicity is dangerous, and individual susceptibility to serotonin toxicity varies.
• Common side effects that should be discussed with your doctor include:
• Weight changes
• Changes in taste sensations
• Increased sweating
• Appetite changes
• Tremor
• Fever
• Dry Mouth
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Blurred Vision
• Excessive urination
• Sexual dysfunction

Resources

• Serotonin - 9 Questions and Answers
• Escitralopam tablets
• Serotonin Toxicity

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.

[dmill]

on 7/29/2008 anxiety disorder, those symptoms are what my wife has been suffering from for years. Thanks for the eye opener.