What is the best time of day to take Lexapro (escitalopram) 10 mg?

Best Time of Day to Take Lexapro 10 mg

Lexapro (escitalopram) 10 mg should be administered once daily, in the morning or evening, with or without food, according to the FDA drug label. 1

Administration Recommendations

The FDA-approved drug label for escitalopram provides clear guidance on the timing of administration:

• Escitalopram can be taken either in the morning or evening
• It can be taken with or without food
• The medication should be administered once daily 1

Factors to Consider When Choosing Time of Day

Morning Administration Benefits:

• May help prevent sleep disturbances if you experience insomnia as a side effect
• Aligns with the pharmacokinetic profile showing maximum plasma concentrations in approximately 3-4 hours after administration 2
• Easier to remember as part of morning routine

Evening Administration Benefits:

• May help manage side effects like nausea or drowsiness that occur shortly after taking the medication
• Could be beneficial if you experience daytime drowsiness as a side effect
• May help with sleep if anxiety or depression causes sleep disturbances

Pharmacokinetic Considerations

Escitalopram has favorable pharmacokinetic properties that support once-daily dosing:

• Elimination half-life of approximately 27-33 hours 2
• Steady-state concentrations are achieved within 7-10 days of administration 2
• Absorption is not affected by food 2

Common Side Effects and Timing Considerations

The timing of administration may be adjusted based on side effects experienced:

• If experiencing insomnia: Morning administration may be preferable
• If experiencing drowsiness: Evening administration may be preferable
• If experiencing nausea: Taking with food or in the evening may help minimize this side effect

Important Considerations

• Consistency is key: Whatever time you choose, it's important to take Lexapro at approximately the same time each day to maintain stable blood levels
• The long half-life of escitalopram (27-33 hours) means that the exact time of day is less critical than consistency 2
• Individual responses to medication can vary, so the optimal time may differ between patients

Special Populations

For most elderly patients and those with hepatic impairment, 10 mg/day is the recommended dose, but no specific time of day is recommended over another 1

Summary

While the FDA label allows flexibility in choosing between morning or evening administration, the most important factor is consistency in timing. The choice between morning and evening should be based on your daily routine and the side effect profile you experience. If you notice problematic side effects, discuss with your healthcare provider about potentially adjusting the timing of your dose.