Tag: Escitalopram

According to the World Health Organization, continuation of antidepressant treatment for at least six to twelve months after remission is often necessary to prevent a relapse of symptoms. The question of exactly **how long should you be on Lexapro** is not one with a universal answer, but rather is determined by individual factors, symptom severity, and collaborative consultation with a healthcare provider.

While it is a rare side effect, angioedema, a severe allergic reaction that can cause facial swelling, has been reported in patients taking Lexapro. Does Lexapro make your face puffy? For most, it does not, but understanding the difference between a rare allergic reaction and milder forms of fluid retention is critical for proper management and safety.

Studies show that while weight gain is a possible side effect of taking Lexapro, it is not inevitable; approximately 41% of people experience some weight increase, typically modest. Understanding the connection between **Can Lexapro cause weight gain?** is key to managing this aspect of your treatment.

Pharmacological guidelines consistently advise against taking Lexapro (escitalopram) on an every-other-day schedule. While a specific dose is often prescribed for daily treatment, skipping days can cause significant and potentially harmful fluctuations in the medication's level within your body, destabilizing mood and triggering withdrawal symptoms.

According to the FDA, Lexapro (escitalopram) or other antidepressants may precipitate a mixed or manic episode in patients with bipolar disorder. This highlights a crucial risk for individuals with pre-existing or undiagnosed bipolar spectrum disorders when taking this common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Up to 70% of adults experience hypnic jerks, or sleep starts, at some point in their lives [1.9.2]. While often benign, certain medications can increase their frequency. But can SSRIs cause hypnic jerks specifically? The answer is yes, this is a recognized, though relatively uncommon, side effect [1.2.2].

Studies show that combining SSRI antidepressants like Lexapro with oral anticoagulants can increase the risk of a major bleed by approximately 33% [1.4.1, 1.4.5]. So, can you take Lexapro if you are on blood thinners? The answer requires careful consideration and medical supervision.

While Lexapro may not eliminate obsessive thoughts entirely, approximately 40-60% of people with OCD experience significant symptom improvement with SSRI treatment. This medication, known generically as escitalopram, is often prescribed "off-label" to help manage the intrusive and distressing nature of obsessive thinking associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

According to reports, combining antidepressants is a common practice in some medical contexts, but carries inherent risks that must be carefully managed. For many patients, a critical question is: can you take Lexapro and venlafaxine together safely, or does this combination pose a significant threat to your health?

According to a 2018 meta-analysis published in *The Lancet*, all 21 antidepressants studied were more effective than a placebo, yet significant variation exists between medications. This highlights that there is no single best answer to the question of **which antidepressant has the most success**, as individual factors are paramount.