Are you going through an emotional and mental health condition, and you have been using Lexapro for a few weeks now? You might have seen some improvement, but your symptoms of depression and anxiety are still there. Now your doctor believes increasing your Lexapro dosage is necessary, and you wonder why and how it works.
Understanding what to expect when increasing your Lexapro dosage can help you feel more in control and less anxious. This blog post will help you understand why changes may happen in your body and how to manage the side effects effectively after using Lexapro.
Preparing for a Lexapro Dosage Increase
Doctors do not recommend increasing Lexapro dosage without a clear reason. And typically, increasing a dose is required in the following cases:
- You have been on the same dose for five to six weeks, but it does not show improvement.
- A mild side effect that appears in your body.
- Your current dose isn’t controlling your depression and anxiety symptoms.
Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases the serotonin level in your brain. This chemical is linked to mood, sleep, and stress levels. If your dose is low, you might not feel the full benefit. If your dosage of Lexapro is higher, you might feel good, better, and relaxed.
Before adjusting Lexapro dosage, your doctor may need to consider a few things:
- Ask about your symptoms.
- Check your sleep patterns and appetite.
- Review your cognitive health progress.
- Evaluate any side effects you’re experiencing.
Consider the interaction of Lexapro with other medicines. The doctor should start with the lowest effective dose, which ranges from 5 to 10 mg per day, and can gradually increase to avoid strong side effects experienced by the individual. The National Library of Medicine provides reliable patient instructions about the dosage of Lexapro, how it works, considerations before dosage, and dosage adjustments.
Common Side Effects of Lexapro Adjustments
When you change the dose, it may affect your body and how you feel. However, when you increase the Lexapro dose, individuals experience temporary side effects as their serotonin levels in the brain need to adjust to the new level.
Common side effects of Lexapro during the adjustment of dosage include:
- Headache. A very common early symptom.
- Nausea or Upset Stomach. It happens mainly in the first few days.
- Dizziness. It often occurs when standing or doing any task quickly.
- Fatigue or Drowsiness. Some individuals feel sleepy, while others feel sleepy during the daytime.
- Enhanced Anxiety. It may seem odd, but it happens because your brain is reacting to the new level of serotonin.
Most side effects are mild to moderate and disappear within 1–2 weeks of usage.
What to Watch For?
When you increase the dose of Lexapro medication, it causes side effects. Although some rare side effects need medical attention, ensure to involve your physician if you experience the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Agitation.
- Severe confusion.
- Suicidal thoughts.
- Mood changes.
These are uncommon, but you must know each rare symptom and check it with your healthcare professional.
The Lexapro Dosage Adjustment Process
Here is a step-by-step plan to reduce the risk of side effects caused by Lexapro dosage adjustment. Typical steps involve the following:
- The first step is to start low and go slow. Your doctor may increase your dosage from 10 to 15 or 20mg.
- Next, monitor your body. Your doctor might ask about symptoms, side effects, energy levels, and overall health.
- During the treatment period, you are likely to return for the check-up after or within 2–4 weeks.
- If re-adjustments are required, your doctor will adjust your medication based on how Lexapro reacts to your body.
You should always take Lexapro at the same time each day. This helps maintain a steady level of serotonin in your bloodstream, making the medication more effective.
Timeline of Side Effects After Lexapro Dosage Change
Here is a table that will indicate what to expect when increasing Lexapro dosage and also help you better understand the Lexapro side effect timeline. Here is the general idea of what will happen and what you should expect:
| Timeframe | What You Might Experience |
| Days 1–3 | Headaches, slight nausea, maybe a jittery or “wired” feeling. |
| Days 4–7 | Sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, and increased anxiety. |
| Week 2 | Some side effects fade, and emotional stability begins. |
| Weeks 3–4 | Mood may start to improve, and side effects usually lessen. |
| After 4 Weeks | The full benefit of the new dose may be felt. |
The improvements after increasing the dosage of Lexapro vary from person to person. Some people feel better sooner, while others take longer. However, you must be patient, stick to your plan, follow the schedule, and follow the doctor’s advice.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has provided a clear, patient-friendly explanation of Lexapro, which includes possible side effects of treatment and adjustments.
Managing Side Effects During Lexapro Dose Escalation
If you are dealing with side effects that come with Lexapro dose escalation, then here are a few things that can help your body adjust to its dosage more frequently and comfortably.
- Eat in small portions so you don’t feel nauseous.
- Drink water and stay hydrated to reduce dizziness.
- Avoid caffeine to prevent restlessness.
- Before going to bed, practice deep breathing and relaxation exercises.
- Light activity, such as stretching, walking, or running, can improve your mood and help you sleep.
- Talk to your doctor about anything that feels strange.
Your doctor may suggest slowing down entries or even a short-term add-on like a sleep aid to ease the transition.
Consulting Professionals for Lexapro Changes
The most important rule when taking any medicine on prescription is not to make changes without your doctor’s advice. In case of a Lexapro dosage change, always consult your healthcare provider first.
Why does professional health matter the most when changing the dosage of medication? Here are a few facts below:
- They will identify how your body will respond to a specific dosage of medicine based on your medical history and records.
- They will adjust your dosage by considering side effects and symptoms based on your experience.
- They will provide complete guidance on what is normal and not, and evaluate your progress.
- If Lexapro doesn’t help you with symptoms, they will recommend another SSRI for the combination therapy to help you reduce anxiety and depression.
Mental health treatments are always personalized. Having a medical professional guide you in your Lexapro dosage adjustment is crucial for your safety and well-being.
Find Guidance About Lexapro at Shine Mental Health
We completely understand that changing the dosage of a medicine can be challenging for the individual and their loved ones. Still, at Shine Mental Health, we provide full support at every step. Whether you want to increase the Lexapro dose, change medication, or combine it with SSRI therapy, we are here to help you.
Our team of experts, psychiatrists, and medication management experts collaborate to provide you with a personalized plan that meets your requirements. Now you do not need to adjust your medicine all alone. Consider Shine Mental Health today and connect with our experts for a seamless journey and experience.
FAQs
What factors should be considered before increasing my Lexapro dosage?
Several factors can help and should be considered before increasing your Lexapro dosage. The doctor will consider your symptoms, current situation, history, and how Lexapro has contributed to your betterment. Last, whether to take any other medication along with Lexapro or not.
What potential side effects can occur when increasing my Lexapro dose?
There are many side effects of using Lexapro, including increased anxiety, nausea, dizziness, and headache. It might sound off to you, but because the brain adjusts to a new level of Lexapro after increasing, most of these changes are temporary.
How does the Lexapro dosage adjustment process work?
Adjusting Lexapro dosage usually involves a few small steps. The doctor may increase your dose by 5 mg to 10 or 20 mg and monitor any changes or side effects within the next 2 to 4 weeks.
What is the timeline for side effects after a Lexapro dosage change?
The mild side effects of Lexapro appear in the first few days and last for a week or two. The complete benefit of using Lexapro can usually be seen by the fifth or sixth week.
How can I manage side effects during Lexapro dose escalation?
Managing the side effects of Lexapro during escalation is not tricky. Always drink water to stay hydrated, avoid caffeine to prevent sleep cycle disruption, and exercise well to stay active when needed. You can discuss with your doctor how strong and long-lasting the side effects have been. They can help you adjust your dosage or plan.
