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(Escitalopram) Lexapro Addiction An Antidepressants Addiction

Lexapro is a common antidepressant medication that is used to treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. While Lexapro is not physically addictive, it can be psychologically addictive. This means that people who take Lexapro for a long time may become dependent on the medication and experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it suddenly.

One study found that 23% of people who take Lexapro for the long term (or for more than 12 months) become addicted to the medication. This means that out of every 100 people who take Lexapro for more than a year, nearly a quarter of people will become addicted to it.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be addicted to Lexapro, there are a few things you can do. First, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if you are addicted to Lexapro and develop a treatment plan. There are also a number of resources available online and in your community that can help you learn more about Lexapro addiction and treatment options.

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(Escitalopram) Lexapro Explained

What is Lexapro?

Lexapro is a brand name for the medication escitalopram, which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help to improve mood, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Lexapro is approved by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is also sometimes used to treat other conditions, such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What is Lexapro for?

Lexapro is a medication used to treat depression and anxiety disorders by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain, which helps regulate mood and reduce symptoms of these conditions. To be specific, Lexapro is for:

  • Treatment of major depressive disorder
  • Management of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Relief from panic disorder
  • Reduction of social anxiety disorder symptoms
  • Assistance in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

How Does Lexapro Work?

Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which means that it works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood, anxiety, and sleep. Lexapro works by preventing the reuptake of serotonin by the brain’s nerve cells. This means that more serotonin is available to bind to receptors on other nerve cells, which can help to improve mood and reduce anxiety.

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How Lexapro is Addictive

Is Lexapro Addictive?

The question of whether Lexapro is addictive is a commonly asked one. It is important to understand that Lexapro belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of medications, which are generally considered non-addictive. However, it is possible for individuals to develop a dependence on Lexapro when it is misused or used for a prolonged period.

While the risk of addiction is relatively low compared to substances with a high abuse potential, it is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage, avoid self-medication, and communicate any concerns or changes in response to the medication with a healthcare professional. It is always recommended to consult a medical professional for personalized guidance and to discuss any questions or concerns regarding Lexapro and its potentially addictive properties.

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Dangers of Using Lexapro

Can Lexapro Be Abused?

Lexapro, as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is not typically considered a medication that is commonly abused for recreational purposes. Its mechanism of action does not produce the euphoric effects or the intense high associated with substances that are commonly abused.

However, it is important to note that any medication can be misused or abused by individuals seeking to self-medicate or alter their mental state. In rare cases, individuals may misuse Lexapro by taking higher doses than prescribed or using it in combination with other substances. Such misuse can lead to adverse effects and potentially increase the risk of dependence. It is crucial to use Lexapro only as directed by a healthcare professional to ensure its safe and appropriate use.

Negative Effects of Lexapro

Some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions to Lexapro, characterized by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, and rash. Immediate medical attention is necessary if these symptoms occur.

Taking Lexapro with other medications that increase serotonin levels can lead to serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, fever, and muscle stiffness. It is crucial to inform healthcare professionals about all medications being taken.

Abruptly discontinuing Lexapro can result in withdrawal symptoms, including flu-like symptoms, dizziness, irritability, insomnia, and mood swings. Gradual tapering off the medication under medical supervision is recommended.

Common side effects of Lexapro include nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. It is important to discuss any persistent or concerning side effects with a healthcare provider.

Do People Abuse Lexapro?

While Lexapro abuse is relatively rare, certain groups of individuals may be more prone to misuse the medication. These include:

Individuals with a history of substance abuse

People who have previously struggled with substance abuse disorders may be more susceptible to misusing Lexapro or other prescription medications.

Individuals seeking self-medication

Some individuals may attempt to alleviate emotional or psychological distress by using Lexapro outside the prescribed guidelines, leading to potential abuse.

Polydrug users

People who engage in polydrug use, combining multiple substances for various effects, may misuse Lexapro as part of their substance use patterns.

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Using Lexapro As Therapy

Using Lexapro as therapy involves taking the medication consistently as prescribed by a healthcare professional, as it typically takes time to achieve the full therapeutic effects. Regular check-ins with the prescribing physician allow for monitoring the progress, adjusting the dosage if necessary, and discussing any emerging concerns to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

It is crucial to maintain open communication and adhere to the recommended treatment plan to maximize the benefits of Lexapro in managing depression and anxiety disorders effectively. Abruptly stopping Lexapro without medical supervision can disrupt the balance of serotonin levels in the brain and may lead to withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of symptoms.

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Lexapro Rehab Near Me

Finding treatment for Lexapro addiction can be overwhelming. There are several different types of treatment that can help with Lexapro addiction, but the type of treatment that you or your loved one may need will depend on their specific situation.

The Hope House is a comprehensive addiction rehab in Arizona that offers effective treatment programs and therapies for opioid addiction, along with comprehensive support and resources to help you succeed in recovery.

The Hope House’s two luxury rehabs are located in the desert mountains of north Scottsdale. During your stay, you will receive the highest quality of care as our masters-level clinicians work to treat your addiction.

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Lexapro Abuse Statistics

  • 52 million or 18.4% of Americans over the age of 12 have deliberately misused prescription drugs at least once in their lifetime.
  • There was some variation in the unadjusted incidence of study endpoints among the individual SSRIs. The incidence of sudden unexpected death is 58.8 per 10,000 person-years for escitalopram.
  • Prescription drug abusers constitute 5.76% of Americans over the age of 12.