Facts About Lexapro - Are There Alternatives to Prescription Anti-Depressants?

Question: I went to my doctor to see about taking something for my anxiety. I’d rather not have to take a prescription medication, but my condition is getting so bad, some days I just cannot go outside. He suggested I try Lexapro. Can you tell me if there would be many side effects?

Answer: Depressive type illness and conditions seem to be more and more prevalent in society and many people are turning to prescription drugs to help out. Lexapro is a fairly common drug and is manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals, and works to balance the chemicals in the brain increasing the amount of Serotonin, the substance vital to good moods. It can be prescribed to those suffering from anxiety and/ or major depression and, unlike some medications, can be given to children between the ages of 12-17.

As with all drugs, a number of side effects can occur, particularly within the first couple of weeks of taking the medication and some people may be more susceptible than others. The most usual side effects are night sweats, nausea, insomnia (leading to fatigue), weight changes and sexual dysfunction. In children the side effects can also include back pain and vomiting and anyone taking this medication must be monitored closely by their physician.

There are some instances where Lexapro should not be taken and these would include during pregnancy or if the patient has a pre-existing liver or kidney condition. If this is the case, the doctor should inform his patient of other possible alternatives, including non-prescription treatments. Anyone embarking on a course of anti-depressant must also bear in mind that all medications take at least a few weeks to begin having an effect, which in this case is approximately between 4-6 weeks.

However, you must remember to follow the recommended use that come with the product in order to achieve maximum results with these products. You'll often find different all natural anti-depressants containing a confusing array of ingredients. You should definitely look for a product that contains ingredients like Kava Kava, 5-HTP, Valerian, GABA, and L-Theanine which have clinical proof supporting their effectiveness. More importantly, not all products contain the quality and/or quantity of necessary ingredients to effectively minimize depression or anxiety symptoms such as fatigue, feelings of hopelessness and sadness, loss of pleasure, feelings of jitteriness or worry. That's why you'll need to do a little bit of research to find the best, most potent brand for your needs.

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