

What other side effects can occur when taking Lexapro? However, no recent scientific evidence has tested when the best time to take Lexapro might be. If a person develops insomnia, taking it earlier in the day might reduce symptoms.

Lexapro takes time to begin working and does not immediately elevate serotonin levels, so people can try taking it before bed. Typically, a doctor may introduce new medications at a low dose and gradually increase them until the person reaches the ideal dose.Īny changes made to how a person takes a drug should only occur under the guidance of a doctor.īelow are some common questions and answers on using Lexapro for depression. Switching medications may require a person to gradually taper off and completely stop taking a medication. If they do not, and the insomnia is severe, a person may have to try a different medication. This may involve waiting to see if side effects improve. People taking antidepressants often have to experiment - for example, trying different doses. For people whose insomnia predates their use of Lexapro, treating depression may treat insomnia and other symptoms - often after several weeks.ĭoctors may need to determine whether insomnia is occurring due to the medication someone is taking or if it is a recurring issue before commencing treatment. Insomnia is one of the most common depression symptoms. However, there is limited scientific evidence that side effects go away or that they go away after a specific time after stopping the medication. However, insomnia remains a common issue.

And Lexapro may help ease the sleeplessness that many people with depression experience.īy regulating serotonin levels, Lexapro could even improve sleep in some people. Some people may find that insomnia improves over time. Serotonin is also a precursor to melatonin, a hormone that regulates a person’s sleep-wake cycle. This may explain why people either have insomnia or feel sleepy after taking an SSRI. That said, if high serotonin acts on a certain part of the brain, such as the dorsal raphe nucleus, it can also induce sleep. One theory is that an SSRI, such as Lexapro, can increase serotonin and induce wakefulness contributing to the insomnia. In people with depression, insomnia is already a common symptom, which may partially be due to low serotonin from depression. Serotonin levels play a role in determining sleep or inducing insomnia. The relationship between serotonin, the brain, and sleep is complex, with many factors to consider. Studies on the topic have reached mixed - and sometimes contradictory - results. While researchers know Lexapro raises serotonin levels in the brain, they do not fully understand how this might affect sleep. People in the placebo group do not receive an active form of the drug. In one trial, 9% reported insomnia on Lexapro, compared to 4% on placebo.
INSOMNIA HELP SLEEP TRIAL
What is the link between Lexapro and insomnia?Ĭlinical trial data show that people using Lexapro were more likely to report insomnia. Read on to learn about the best time to take Lexapro to avoid insomnia. There is no direct scientific evidence that the timing of the daily dose affects insomnia, but some users may prefer to take their medication early in the day.
INSOMNIA HELP SLEEP FULL
It can take up to 6 weeks to get the medication’s full effect.Ī small number of people who use Lexapro can develop insomnia, where people may find it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get good quality sleep. This means the timing of the daily dose is unlikely to affect how a person feels. However, it does not work immediately and needs around 2 weeks to reach steady and consistent concentrations in the blood. Lexapro reaches peak concentration in the blood about 5 hours after taking it. Taking Lexapro every day is more important than the specific timing. Lexapro, the brand name for the antidepressant escitalopram, is a daily medication. However, a person experiencing insomnia may want to schedule Lexapro for the morning. There is no specific time that is best to take it.
