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If Lexapro (escitalopram) is not right for you, your doctor might suggest an alternative medication and/or therapies to treat your symptoms. One way to find out whether or not Lexapro is right for you is to track any side effects you experience upon starting treatment with the medication. Also, you can track your symptoms to see if they have improved over time with a Lexapro prescription.

Before starting treatment with an antidepressant, it is critical to discuss with your doctor your full range of symptoms, as well as your medical history and any other medication(s) you take. Additionally, Mayo Clinic outlines the following important points to consider before starting treatment with an antidepressant:

  • Your symptoms/diagnosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Side effects
  • Interactions
  • Other health conditions
  • Cost

Potential Alternatives to Lexapro

Different Medicines

Lexapro is only one type of antidepressant, and it may not be effective in treating symptoms for everyone. There are multiple other antidepressants available that range in dose, symptoms and conditions they are able to treat, side effects, and interactions. Such alternative antidepressants with a similar mechanism of action include but are not limited to:

  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)

Please note that the alternative medication your doctor prescribes will depend on your symptoms, diagnosis, any additional medication(s) you take, and other personal health details. This list is not complete, and your doctor will be able to provide detailed information about all of your options in terms of an alternative medication.

Therapy

Along with medication, your doctor might suggest you pursue a type of therapeutic treatment to help your symptoms, based on their severity and type. Therapy is a common treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. Sometimes, medications, such as Lexapro, can assist in the effectiveness and pace of therapy.

Depending on your symptoms, you may benefit from a very specific type of therapy. In the early stages of looking for a therapist, you will notice that therapists outline their counseling approaches and methods to inform potential clients of how they can help. Various types of therapy include but are not limited to:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Emotion-Focused Therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Mindfulness-based therapy
  • Integrative therapy

If you are unsure which type of therapy would best support your needs, you can discuss your options with your doctor or ask for more information from the therapist(s) you hope to receive help from. Some therapists offer a free consultation to determine whether or not they can properly help you. During the consultation, you can discuss your symptoms, their counseling methods, and your goals for therapy and ultimately determine whether or not their professional methods will be helpful to your individual needs.

An Important Note

Please note that Lexapro treatment will look different for everyone. In some cases, patients may only take Lexapro as part of their treatment, while in other cases, they may seek help from a mental health professional in a therapeutic setting. Alternatively, if Lexapro does not seem to improve the patient’s symptoms, that person, along with their doctor’s guidance, may seek treatment from a different medication altogether or decide to seek help from a mental health professional first. Also it is important to follow a taper regimen when stopping this medication (similar to other medications). Never stop taking your lexapro without talking to your doctor or else you may experience withdrawal side effects.

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.


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