Question 1

i decreased my lexapro dose from 10mg to 5mg on 3/19 ... the 10mg was just too much for me. i'm wondering if i need to give the new 5mg dosage 6-8 weeks to fully work just like you have to do with an increase?

Accepted Answer

: It is curious why the 10 mg was too more for you. If it was effective then it likely was the correct dose. You probably have been on the 5 mg long enough to see if it is effective for you. It sounds not. You could start by increasing to 7.5 mg daily to see if that is of good benefit and follow-up with your doctor.

Question 2

is 30 mg of lexapro (escitalopram) a very large dose?

Accepted Answer

Yes: This is a high dose.
Your doctor may explain why this is necessary in your case.

Question 3

dr is 20mg lexapro (escitalopram) a strong dose for g a d thanks?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is: Lexapro (escitalopram) can be effective from 5mg to 30mg.  Some take even more but I have not found that to be effective.  Many need 20mg, which is a strong and effective dose.

Question 4

is 10mg of lexapro (escitalopram) the best and lowest starting dose?

Accepted Answer

Lexapro (escitalopram) treatment: 10 mg of Lexapro (escitalopram) is considered to be the lowest starting dose for an adult.  It may be the best therapeutic dose if you have mild anxiety or depression or if you are typically sensitive to medications.

Question 5

how do you know if your lexapro (escitalopram) dose needs to be increased?

Accepted Answer

Lexapro (escitalopram): If you are tolerating the current dose without having side-effects, have been on the current dose for over 4 weeks, but still having symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Question 6

is it ok to split lexapro (escitalopram) 10 mg in two and take it as a morning and an evenig dose?

Accepted Answer

Lexapro (escitalopram): Yes. Of course. But the pill lasts more than 24 hours once one is on the medication for awhile. The daily dosing is to keep the blood level steady once it achieves a therapeutic level.

Question 7

any side effects from reducing my lexapro dose from 30mg-25mg. i couldnt handle the side effects at 30?

Accepted Answer

: It is best to discuss medication with your Psychiatrist who knows your medical history for a thorough evaluation and recommendations for treatment. If you are not confident with your Doctor please see another for a 2nd opinion. Have a physical exam to rule out illness and see a Clinical Psychologist with expertise in multiple forms of psychotherapy .

Question 8

does 2.5mg dose of lexapro cause side effects the same as the higher doses? or lower doses cause fewer side effects?

Accepted Answer

: It varies a lot. Most side effects are less with a smaller dose but some may be the same. In general, side effects are dose dependent except allergic reaction. Take care.

Question 9

dr increased my lexapro from 10 to 20mg, is it possible to experience side effects again until my body adjusts to higher dose?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Any time the Lexapro is increased your body has to get used to the new dosage again. Biggest side effects from a dose change are stomach upset (nausea, diarrhea typically), dizziness, headaches. It should improve in 3-5 days.  If it doesn't, see your doctor because you just may not tolerate that dose.

Question 10

took 5mg lexapro (escitalopram) for 3 weeks, dr upped dose to 10mg a week ago.  should i wait 4-6 weeks on the 10mg to see results or is it 4-6 wks altogether?

Accepted Answer

Ask the Dr: But you can also ask yourself. If at 6 wks you are not liking what you see, going longer only increases the length of time to taper off. If you are pretty pleased but hope for more, you might wait another week or so - but not if you're not happy. Discuss this sort of thing w/ Dr and in therapy. Best!

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Lethal dose of lexapro

A member asked:

I decreased my lexapro dose from 10mg to 5mg on 3/19 ... the 10mg was just too much for me. i'm wondering if i need to give the new 5mg dosage 6-8 weeks to fully work just like you have to do with an increase?

A member asked:

Is 30 mg of lexapro (escitalopram) a very large dose?

A member asked:

Dr is 20mg lexapro (escitalopram) a strong dose for g a d thanks?

A member asked:

Is 10mg of lexapro (escitalopram) the best and lowest starting dose?

A member asked:

How do you know if your lexapro (escitalopram) dose needs to be increased?

A member asked:

Is it ok to split lexapro (escitalopram) 10 mg in two and take it as a morning and an evenig dose?

A member asked:

Any side effects from reducing my lexapro dose from 30mg-25mg. i couldnt handle the side effects at 30?

A member asked:

Does 2.5mg dose of lexapro cause side effects the same as the higher doses? or lower doses cause fewer side effects?

A member asked:

Dr increased my lexapro from 10 to 20mg, is it possible to experience side effects again until my body adjusts to higher dose?

A member asked:

Took 5mg lexapro (escitalopram) for 3 weeks, dr upped dose to 10mg a week ago. should i wait 4-6 weeks on the 10mg to see results or is it 4-6 wks altogether?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?