what is the best alternative to lexapro

By contrast, the benefits of statins in people at risk of heart disease almost invariably outweigh the risks. These side effects are more likely in older adults who take multiple drugs or have liver or kidney disease. In people able to achieve an erection, sexual arousal triggers the rush of blood to the penis, causing it to become engorged and stiff.

Comparing Bupropion vs Lexapro

what is the best alternative to lexapro

Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home. If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Lexapro, contact your insurance company. The actual understanding alcohol use disorder national institute on alcohol abuse and alcoholism niaaa price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. If you’re breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your child while taking Lexapro.

Lexapro side effects

  1. Lexapro (escitalopram) is an effective selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat symptoms of anxiety and depression.
  2. Lexapro can sometimes lower the level of sodium in your blood.
  3. The SNRI Effexor XR may provide both reliefs of depression symptoms and prevention of migraine.

This would be for a short period of time to help relieve these symptoms. Continuing Lexapro treatment after your symptoms ease can help prevent them from returning. For example, 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. If you and your doctor determine that Lexapro is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term to manage your mental health condition.

Serious side effects

The use of Viibryd or Lexapro should be monitored while taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or anticoagulant. Taking these drugs together may increase the risk of bleeding. Both Viibryd and Lexapro can also cause sexual side effects. The use of either antidepressant alcohol use: weighing risks and benefits may cause a decreased sex drive (libido). Viibryd and Lexapro can also cause sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, and problems with ejaculation. Because Viibryd also acts as a partial 5-HT1A receptor agonist, it may have a lower risk of sexual side effects than Lexapro.

what is the best alternative to lexapro

Lexapro use with other drugs

By altering serotonin levels in the brain, Celexa can help manage depression and is used off-label to treat several additional conditions. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are antidepressant medications. Bupropion prevents SAD, while escitalopram is often used to treat GAD. This risk is highest when treatment is first started or after the dosage is increased.

“This work has potential to make treatment for depression more efficient and effective.” As antidepressants, Wellbutrin and Lexapro carry a boxed warning that alerts users to the possibility of severe risks or side effects. Lexapro may rarely cause serotonin syndrome, a condition caused by too much serotonin in the body. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening and include sweating, fever, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), hallucinations, confusion, or rigid muscles. Your healthcare provider may instruct you to take your medication differently or for an off-label use not listed above.

Viibryd (vilazodone) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are brand-name prescription drugs used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). Both drugs can help treat symptoms of depression, which may include prolonged feelings of sadness, loss of energy, and sleep changes. Viibryd or Lexapro may be prescribed after a medical evaluation by a healthcare provider who specializes in psychiatry. Beyond SSRIs, there are several options you might be interested in. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are often the following choices, offering the potential to increase synaptic levels of two neurotransmitter brain chemicals. In other circumstances, atypical antidepressants and serotonin modulators are two different options that could make sense.

A 2011 review of previous research studies found that St. John’s wort improved symptoms of depression in ten of the studies. Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

When comparing Lexapro vs. Zoloft, Zoloft works similarly by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain to stabilize mood and emotions. “Because of this, there is a need for tests that provide precise diagnoses that are based on the biological underpinnings of the symptoms to enable personalized treatments.” While both medications are typically safe if taken properly, several serious side effects are rare but possible. Talk to a healthcare provider to see if one of these medications might be right for you. All antidepressants have a boxed warning due to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adults under the age of 24.

The most common side effects of Viibryd are diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, headache, and increased sweating. Other possible side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, and joint pain (arthralgia), among others. Lexapro can be taken unequal pupils symptoms, causes, and treatment as an oral tablet in strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg. Lexapro reaches peak blood levels within five hours and has a half life of up to 32 hours. Viibryd comes as a 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg oral tablet that is taken once daily with food.

There is currently no generic version available on the market. In addition to being classified as an SSRI, Viibryd is also a partial 5-HT1A receptor agonist. If your anxiety symptoms are interfering with your daily life and causing significant distress, consider reaching out to a mental health professional.

Prozac has been FDA-approved to treat several mental health conditions for years. Another type of SSRI, Prozac, can block serotonin reuptake to help balance levels. For many people, Prozac is highly effective in helping to increase energy and balance emotions. Lexapro is a popular choice for treating depression, but other options are available in the same class of drugs. Studies show that trying a new drug in the same family — for example, a different SSRI — can often be as effective as changing to an entirely different class of drugs. Consulting your doctor or mental healthcare provider is crucial when considering alternatives to Lexapro, as they can provide expert advice and ensure a safe transition between medications.

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