Does Lexapro 5 mg Work? (3+ tips)

This article will discuss the effectiveness of a 5-mg dosage of Lexapro. It will also explore factors that can influence its effectiveness. The article will additionally cover what to do if the 5 mg dosage isn’t working.

Furthermore, the article will mention the recommended dosages of Lexapro for different conditions. Moreover, it will explore potential side effects associated with taking 5 mg of Lexapro.

Does Lexapro 5 mg work?

5 mg of Lexapro may be effective for some individuals, especially those who are starting it for the first time. However, it is important to mention that the recommended effective dose of Lexapro is 10 mg per day [1]. 

If your doctor suggests taking 5 mg of Lexapro, they may be planning to gradually increase the dose to 10 mg/day or 20 mg/day. In addition, antidepressants can sometimes lead to unpredictable manifestations, which is why doctors may find it safer to start with a low dose like 5 mg.

It is very important to adhere to the prescribed dosages. You must not make any adjustments to your prescription without your doctor’s approval. 

How can one know if 5 mg is effective?

While 5 mg is not the recommended effective dose of Lexapro, some people with high sensitivity to drugs may respond to this low dose. It is important to be aware of the signs that indicate successful treatment.

For example, if 5 mg of Lexapro is used to treat major depressive disorder, decreased feelings of sadness and increased feelings of happiness, calmness, or joy may indicate effective treatment.

Moreover, effective treatment with Lexapro can result in increased motivation to do things that you didn’t find interesting before. You may also notice being more productive and more sociable due to your improved mood. Most importantly, a reduction in suicidal thoughts is a major indicator of Lexapro’s effectiveness.

In cases where 5 mg of Lexapro is being taken for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, a positive response involves being less worried and tense and less irritated. You may also notice a decrease in the severity or frequency of panic attacks.

How should you administer 5 mg of Lexapro?

Escitalopram is available in dosages and dosage forms. The tablets, for example, come in concentrations of 5 mg, 10 mg (scored), and 20 mg (scored). The oral solution, on the other hand, has a concentration of 1 mg per mL, which means that taking a 5 mg dose is equivalent to taking 5 mL of the solution [1].

You should take Lexapro once at the same time every day to ensure you have consistent levels of the drug in your body. To avoid skipping doses, you may try setting a daily reminder. If you forget to take the dose at its scheduled time, you should take it as soon as you remember during the day and take the following dose after 24 hours [1]. 

However, if you don’t take your dose for a whole day, then it is better to skip the dose and start over the next day.  Moreover, you must not stop taking Lexapro suddenly. Sudden discontinuation can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms.

What are the recommended doses of Lexapro?

Adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder should start by taking a daily dosage of 10 mg. In cases of poor response, the dose can be increased to a maximum dosage of 20 mg per day. However, it is crucial to allow at least 7 days to pass before considering a dosage adjustment [1].

People with generalized anxiety disorder are to initiate treatment with a daily dose of 10 mg. This dose can similarly be raised to a maximum of 20 mg within 7 days or more, under the supervision of a doctor [1].

When it comes to children aged 12 years and older who are suffering from depression, the starting and maximum dosages are 10 mg and 20 mg per day, respectively. It is of utmost importance to wait for at least three weeks before considering a dosage increase for children [1].

What factors can influence the effectiveness of 5 mg of Lexapro?

Various factors can influence the effectiveness of a 5-mg dosage of Lexapro, including:

• Consistency in adhering to the 5 mg dosage of Lexapro is very important, as inconsistent use or missed doses can weaken the drug’s potency.

• Individuals with higher levels of certain enzymes, like CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6, metabolize Lexapro more quickly, reducing its levels in the body and decreasing its effectiveness.

• Age also influences how the body processes medications, so older adults may experience different effects from 5 mg of Lexapro compared to younger people.

• Impaired kidney function can also impact Lexapro’s effectiveness, as it can affect the excretion of the drug, leading to higher concentrations in the body.

• Individuals with impaired liver function or decreased levels of the enzymes mentioned above may experience decreased metabolism of Lexapro. This can potentially lead to an increased concentration and potency of the drug. 

What should one do if 5 mg of Lexapro doesn’t work?

If a 5-mg dosage of Lexapro does not seem to be working, you should discuss this with your doctor. It is not recommended to make changes to your medication without consulting a healthcare professional. 

Your doctor may consider increasing the dosage gradually; they may start by switching to a dose of 10 mg and assessing your response. If this dose doesn’t work for you either, they may suggest waiting for a week before taking 20 mg of Lexapro daily, which is the maximum dose.

Alternatively, your doctor may advise you to wait for the medication to work. It is important to know that Lexapro doesn’t work immediately, and you need to keep taking it as prescribed before noticing its effects.

Furthermore, it is recommended that you aim for a healthier lifestyle to decrease stress levels and complement the effects of Lexapro. To illustrate, you should engage in regular exercise, eat healthier, get enough quality sleep, and avoid nicotine and caffeine.

Consulting with a psychiatrist can also be helpful. You can also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or other types of psychotherapy.

What side effects are associated with taking 5 mg of Lexapro?

While 5 mg of Lexapro is a relatively low dose, it can still cause some side effects. Some of these side effects include [2]:

• Headache
• Insomnia
• Decreased appetite
• Tiredness 
• Sleepiness 
• Excessive sweating
• Heart rhythm problems
• Hypertension
• Nightmares
• Dry mouth 
• Restlessness

In conclusion, based on my knowledge, a 5 mg dosage of Lexapro may not work for most people, but it can be effective for people with high sensitivity to drugs or those who are starting it for the first time.

In my perspective, factors such as adherence to the prescribed dosage, enzyme levels, age, and liver and kidney function can influence Lexapro’s effectiveness.

If you find that 5 mg of Lexapro is not working for you, I recommend consulting with your healthcare provider to explore potential dose adjustments or alternative options. Additionally, I believe that it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and be aware of potential side effects.

References