When is the best time to take Lexapro? Morning vs Night Dosing
Lexapro (escitalopram) is usually taken once a day and can be taken either in the morning or at night.
Best time to take Lexapro:
- Take Lexapro in the morning if you experience insomnia, sleep disturbances, or have trouble falling asleep after taking your dose
- Take Lexapro at night if the medication causes drowsiness, fatigue, or sedation during daytime hours
- Switch to morning dosing if you experience night sweats or excessive sweating at night. While daytime sweating may occur, many patients find it more tolerable to sweat during the day.
How to switch Lexapro from nighttime to morning dosing:
If you currently take Lexapro at bedtime and want to change to the morning, simply skip your nighttime dose and begin taking it the following morning. Continue with a morning dosing schedule thereafter.
Key considerations for Lexapro dosing schedule:
- Consistency in timing helps maintain steady medication levels
- Individual side effect profiles determine optimal dosing time
- Consult your healthcare provider before changing your Lexapro schedule.
References
- Rinkunas S. The Cut. Why Do I Wake Up Drenched in Sweat? https://www.thecut.com/2016/12/what-causes-night-sweats.html#:~:text=Commonly%20used%20medications%20which%20can,daytime%20sweating%20from%20these%20drugs.)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro) National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Escitalopram-(Lexapro)
- Does Lexapro Cause Night Sweats? Hers https://www.forhers.com/blog/lexapro-night-sweats
- Lexapro Package Insert / Prescribing Information. https://www.drugs.com/pro/lexapro.html
Read next
Why does Lexapro cause weight gain? Complete Patient Guide
Lexapro weight gain affects up 25 % to 41% of patients who take this antidepressant medication, although weight gain tends to be minimal, with an average gain of approximately 1 % to 3.7%. The weight gain associated with Lexapro occurs primarily due to the drug's mechanism of action on serotonin levels in the brain. When Lexapro blocks the serotonin transporter, it successfully increases serotonin availability to help treat depression and anxiety, but this same action can trigger unwanted changes in appetite and metabolism.
Continue reading
How long does it take for Lexapro to work?
Even though it takes Lexapro only a few hours to increase serotonin levels within the brain, it may take several weeks to start working. Signs that Lexapro has started working include an improvement in your sleep, energy, or appetite. In some, this may happen in as little as 1 to 2 weeks. Relief from symptoms, such as a depressed mood or a lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy, may take up to 6 to 8 weeks to fully improve. Continue reading
Does Lexapro cause night sweats?
Lexapro can cause night sweats and increased sweating overall (night and day) was one of the most common side effects reported with Lexapro, reported by 3% to 8% (depending on the dose) of people. Although night sweats can be worrisome, they usually diminish with time as your body and brain adjust to the medication. Continue reading
See also:
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