Can Lexapro Help You With Focus? (3+ Factors)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 05/02/2024 | Next review date: 05/02/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

View More north_east

In this article, we will discuss whether Lexapro improves your focus or not. We will also discuss what research suggests on this, how Lexapro affects your brain chemistry, what factors may contribute to improved focus and alternatives to Lexapro for improving focus.

Can Lexapro help you with focus?

Yes, Lexapro can improve focus and concentration in some individuals. While Lexapro is not specifically indicated for improving focus, some individuals may report improvement in their cognitive functions as a result of managing depression and anxiety. (1,3)

Lexapro is an antidepressant which belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is primarily prescribed for the treatment of depression and anxiety by balancing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin. (1)

It’s important to remember that people react differently to medications, while some individuals may experience improved focus as a result of better mental health, others may not notice a significant impact on their cognitive functions. Other antidepressants like fluoxetine and sertraline (Zoloft) also improve a person’s focus by improving their mood.

How can Lexapro improve your focus?

The mechanisms behind these cognitive effects, such as improved focus and concentration from Lexapro (escitalopram) are not fully understood and individual responses to these medications can vary. (4)

However, it is believed that Lexapro works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain to help regulate mood, this increased presence of serotonin positively impacts focus and concentration. (1,4)

SSRIs like Lexapro may influence the ability of the brain to adapt and recognise itself. This process is essential in learning and memory, by modulating the levels of serotonin Lexapro could affect cognitive functions positively. (1,3)

Lexapro is known to alleviate the symptoms of stress and chronic stress can negatively impact cognitive functions like memory and focus. So by reducing stress, Lexapro may indirectly support improvements in focus and concentration. (1)

What does research suggest?

According to a research study, a trial was conducted in which researchers studied 54 people with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 46 healthy individuals. The MDD group took escitalopram for 12 weeks. (2)

They used different tests to check attention, memory and logical thinking. The patients were evaluated for depression, anxiety and sleep quality at various points. (2)

Results showed that in people with MDD who had issues with attention, memory and alertness, after 4 weeks of escitalopram treatment, there were improvements in their logical thinking, control and focus. Hence, they found that escitalopram helped improve their thinking and attention after 4 weeks. (2)

What factors contribute to improved focus while taking Lexapro?

The factors contributing to improved focus while taking Lexapro are not fully understood and can vary among individuals. However, a few potential factors may play a role which include: (5)

Mood Improvement: Lexapro is mainly used to make people feel less sad or worried. When your mood improves it can have a positive effect on your ability to focus.
Stress reduction: Lexapro can also help reduce stress. When you’re less stressed it becomes easier to concentrate on things.
Neuroplasticity: Lexapro might help the brain to adapt and change. This ability is crucial for learning and memory and it could contribute to better focus.
Balancing neurotransmitters: Lexapro works by balancing certain chemicals in the brain. This balance may support better communication between nerve cells, which could be good for focus.
Individual response: Each person’s response to medication is different. Factors such as genetics, overall health and lifestyle may influence how a person responds to Lexapro. Some people may notice improvements while others might not see a big difference.

What are the alternatives to Lexapro for improving focus?

While Lexapro (escitalopram) is generally prescribed for depression and anxiety, other medications and non-pharmacological approaches can be considered to address focus-related concerns. Here are some alternatives you may consider: (3,4,6)

Other SSRIs or antidepressants: If Lexapro is not suiting you well, other SSRIs like fluoxetine, sertraline or antidepressants from different classes can be explored.

Non-SSRI antidepressants: Certain non-SSRI antidepressants like bupropion may have a different mechanism of action and it may be used for individuals with focus-related concerns.

Psychotherapy and Counselling: Talking to someone like a therapist can help you with focus. They teach you ways to handle things that might be affecting your concentration. (6)

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness and meditation can improve your focus and attention by promoting mental clarity and reducing stress. (6)

Lifestyle modifications: Simple lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on focus. Start doing things like regular exercise, a balanced diet, proper sleep hygiene and techniques to manage your stress like yoga or meditation. (6)

Nutritional Supplements: Sometimes your body needs certain nutrients to work well such as Omega 3 fatty acid and vitamin B complex, as deficiencies in such nutrients can also affect cognitive functions. (6)

Always consult with your healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication or starting a new treatment.

Conclusion:

In this article, we have discussed the effect of Lexapro (escitalopram) on the focus and concentration of a person. We have also discussed the contributing factors that improve focus while using Lexapro and some other alternatives to enhance concentration like behavioural therapies and counselling.

In my opinion, Lexapro is not specifically designed to improve focus, so any changes in cognitive function are considered secondary effects. If you’re having trouble with focus or other cognitive issues, it’s essential to talk to your doctor.