If you have been diagnosed with OCD, you know that it can be a difficult condition to live with. The good news is that there are treatments available that can help lessen the symptoms. Lexapro is one of those treatments. In this blog post, we will discuss how Lexapro can help treat OCD and the benefits of taking this medication.
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What Is Lexapro?
Lexapro belongs to a class of drugs called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). These drugs work by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood and anxiety. By increasing the level of serotonin, Lexapro can help to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
How Does Lexapro Help Treat OCD?
Lexapro is prescribed to help treat OCD by reducing the symptoms of anxiety and improving mood. For people with OCD, worry and anxiety can be all-consuming. This can lead to compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors that a person feels they must do in order to relieve the anxiety. These compulsions can interfere with daily life and make it difficult to function. Lexapro can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and improve mood, which can in turn help to lessen compulsions.
Dosage Information
The usual starting dose of Lexapro is 20 mg once daily. If you are 65 years of age or older, your doctor may start you on a lower dose of Lexapro. The maximum recommended dose of Lexapro is 60 mg per day. This is greater than the doses utilized for depression. In order to function, OCD medications need higher dosages, which must be gradually increased by your doctor.
When starting Lexapro treatment, it’s important to be patient as it can take several weeks for the full effects to be felt. Be sure to keep your doctor updated on how you’re feeling and if you experience any changes in your symptoms.
You should take Lexapro at about the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew, divide, or crush it. If you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole, you can ask your doctor about other ways to take the medication.
Benefits Of Taking Lexapro For OCD
There are many benefits of taking Lexapro for OCD. In addition to reducing anxiety and improving mood, Lexapro can also:
- Help you sleep better
- Reduce fatigue
- Increase concentration
- Improve energy levels
- Decrease irritability
Side Effects Of Taking Lexapro
A lot of people experience no side effects when taking Lexapro. However, the most common side effects include:
- feeling anxious or restless,
- headache,
- drowsiness, feeling dizzy or lightheaded,
- nausea,
- trouble sleeping
While most of these side effects are mild and will go away on their own, it’s important to contact your doctor if you experience any severe side effects. Although severe side effects are rare, they can include:
- serotonin syndrome,
- mania,
- angle-closure glaucoma
- seizures.
If you experience any of these side effects, be sure to contact your doctor immediately. Lexapro is a safe and effective medication when used as prescribed by a doctor. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Lexapro. If you have any questions or concerns about taking Lexapro, be sure to speak with your doctor.
Things To Know Before Starting Lexapro
If you or someone you know is considering starting Lexapro treatment for OCD, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to understand that Lexapro is not a cure-all and that it may not work for everyone. However, many people who have tried Lexapro have found it to be an effective treatment for their OCD symptoms. Here are a few things to keep in mind before starting treatment:
Interaction With Other Medicines
Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as Lexapro can interact with some drugs. Lexapro interacts with a variety of medications, therefore it does not work well with a variety of drugs. It should not be combined with prescription medicines, over-the-counter pills, or herbal supplements without consulting a doctor or pharmacist first.
It’s important never to combine Lexapro with Orap (a drug used to treat Tourette’s), Celexa, or MAOIs. Because of the risk of serotonin syndrome, you should not use Lexapro together with other SSRIs.
Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
Lexapro is not considered safe for use during breastfeeding if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your doctor before starting Lexapro as it may not be recommended for you. Or you may be advised to take a lower dosage. The infant receives the medication via breast milk. When a nursing mother is taking Lexapro, there have been several reports of weight loss and decreased feeding.
Missed Dosage
If you forget to take a dosage of Lexapro, take it as soon as possible. And simply continue with your regular schedule. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule. Do not take more than one dose of Lexapro per day.
Lexapro Alternatives
There are many alternatives to Lexapro, which is an SSRI used to treat OCD. Some people may prefer to take a different SSRI, such as Zoloft or Prozac. Others may prefer to take a different type of antidepressant altogether, such as an SNRI. Still, others may prefer to try a natural remedy or supplement. Here are some of the most popular alternatives to Lexapro:
Zoloft
Zoloft is another SSRI that is sometimes used to treat OCD. It can be effective, but it may also cause some side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and headaches.
Prozac
Prozac is an older antidepressant that is also sometimes used to treat OCD. It can be effective, but it may also cause some side effects, such as dry mouth, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.
Venlafaxine
It belongs to a class of drugs called SNRIs (Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors). SNRIs are a newer type of antidepressant that is sometimes used to treat OCD. They tend to be more effective than SSRIs, but they may also cause more side effects, such as nausea, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction.
Natural Remedies
Many natural remedies can be effective for treating OCD. Some of the most popular ones include omega-three fatty acids, magnesium, probiotics, and herbs such as St. John’s wort and lavender.
If you are considering taking Lexapro for OCD, be sure to talk to your doctor about all of your options. There are other options available for treating OCD. Some people may respond well to therapy, while others may require medication.
Conclusion
If you are considering taking Lexapro for OCD, it is important to speak with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits. This medication can cause side effects, so it is important to be aware of them before starting treatment. Overall, Lexapro is a safe and effective treatment for OCD that can help to improve your quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, please reach out for help. There are many resources available, including hotlines, support groups, and therapy.
If you need help finding resources for OCD, you can reach out to Therapy Mantra. We are a team of highly professional mental health experts offering online therapy services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved ones. Visit our website to book an online therapy or you may also download our free OCD treatment app on Android or iOS for more information.
