What time of day is best to take Lexapro (escitalopram)?

From the Guidelines

Lexapro (escitalopram) is best taken in the morning to minimize the risk of insomnia and other adverse effects. The timing of Lexapro intake is crucial to optimize its therapeutic effects and reduce potential side effects. According to the study published in the American Family Physician 1, SSRIs like Lexapro can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatotoxicity, hyponatremia, QT prolongation, sexual effects, and suicidality. To minimize these risks, taking Lexapro in the morning can help regulate its effects throughout the day.

Some key points to consider when taking Lexapro include:

• Consistency is key: take your medication at the same time each day to maintain steady blood levels
• Lexapro can be taken with or without food, though taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset
• The standard starting dose is usually 10mg once daily for adults with depression or anxiety
• If you experience significant side effects, discuss them with your healthcare provider rather than changing your dosing schedule on your own
• The medication typically takes 1-4 weeks to begin showing therapeutic effects, so maintaining a consistent schedule is important for achieving the best results

It's essential to follow the prescribed dosage and schedule to ensure the optimal therapeutic effects of Lexapro while minimizing its potential adverse effects. If you have any concerns or questions, consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

From the FDA Drug Label

Escitalopram tablets should be administered once daily, in the morning or evening, with or without food. The best time to take Lexapro (escitalopram) is either in the morning or evening, as prescribed by your doctor.

• The medication can be taken with or without food. 2

From the Research

Timing of Lexapro Intake

The optimal time to take Lexapro (escitalopram) is not strictly defined in the provided studies, but we can look at the pharmacokinetics and other relevant information to guide our understanding.

• Absorption and Peak Levels: According to 3, escitalopram is rapidly absorbed and reaches maximum plasma concentrations in approximately 3-4 hours after administration. This suggests that taking Lexapro in the morning could help maintain therapeutic levels throughout the day.
• Food Interaction: The same study 3 notes that the absorption of escitalopram is not affected by food, which means that it can be taken with or without meals.
• Half-Life and Dosage: With an elimination half-life of about 27-33 hours, escitalopram is suitable for once-daily administration 3, 4. This long half-life allows for flexible timing of the dose, as the drug will remain in the system for an extended period.
• Comparison with Other Medications: A study on proton pump inhibitors 5 suggests that taking certain medications before a meal can enhance their effectiveness, but this is not directly applicable to Lexapro, as its absorption is not food-dependent.
• Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability: Studies 6, 7 demonstrate the efficacy and tolerability of escitalopram in treating depression and anxiety disorders, but they do not specifically address the optimal timing of intake.

Considerations for Timing

Given the information above, the timing of Lexapro intake can be based on individual preference and lifestyle, as long as it is taken consistently once daily. Morning intake might be preferable to maintain therapeutic levels throughout the day, but this is not a strict requirement. It's essential to follow the prescribing doctor's advice and the medication's label instructions.