Lexapro (Escitalopram) for Anxiety: How It Works, Dosage & What to Expect
If you're living in the greater Atlanta area and struggling with persistent worry that won't let up, you may have heard of Lexapro as a treatment option. At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, GA, our team — including Medical Director Dr. Aneel Ursani and physician assistant Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C — frequently prescribes escitalopram (brand name Lexapro) as part of a personalized anxiety treatment plan.
What Is Lexapro?
Lexapro is the brand name for escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It was FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults, and depression in adolescents aged 12 and older. SSRIs work by preventing the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, effectively increasing the amount of this "feel-good" neurotransmitter available to nerve cells.
For many of our patients across Gwinnett County and the Atlanta metro, Lexapro provides meaningful relief from the constant mental tension and physical symptoms that accompany anxiety.
How Does Lexapro Help With Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders involve an overactive fear response in the brain. Serotonin plays a central role in regulating mood, sleep, and emotional stability. When serotonin levels are low or poorly regulated, the brain's alarm systems can fire too easily, leading to excessive worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms like a racing heart.
Lexapro helps by boosting serotonin availability, which calms the overactive neural circuits responsible for anxiety. Clinical studies have shown that escitalopram is one of the most effective and well-tolerated SSRIs for GAD, often producing noticeable improvement within two to four weeks.
Typical Dosage and What to Expect
Most patients start with 10 mg per day, which may be increased to 20 mg based on response and tolerability. At Next Step Psychiatry, we believe in careful titration — starting low and adjusting gradually while monitoring your progress during follow-up appointments at our Lilburn office.
- Week 1–2: You may notice mild side effects as your body adjusts. Full therapeutic benefits haven't kicked in yet.
- Week 2–4: Many patients begin to notice reduced worry and improved sleep.
- Week 4–8: The full effect of Lexapro typically becomes apparent. This is when our team evaluates whether a dose adjustment is needed.
Common Side Effects
Like all medications, Lexapro can cause side effects, though many people tolerate it well. The most commonly reported include:
- Nausea (usually resolves within the first week or two)
- Headache
- Drowsiness or insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Sexual side effects (decreased libido or difficulty reaching orgasm)
- Increased sweating
Serious side effects are rare but should be reported immediately. These include serotonin syndrome symptoms (agitation, rapid heartbeat, high fever) or new or worsening suicidal thoughts, especially in young adults.
Is Lexapro Right for You?
Lexapro isn't the only option for anxiety, and medication isn't always the first step. At Next Step Psychiatry, we take a comprehensive approach — evaluating your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle before recommending treatment. For some patients, combining Lexapro with therapy or lifestyle changes delivers the best outcomes.
If you're in Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Snellville, or anywhere in the greater Atlanta area and want to explore whether Lexapro could help your anxiety, we're here to guide you through that decision.
Take Your Next Step
Living with untreated anxiety doesn't have to be your normal. Contact Next Step Psychiatry at 678-437-1659 or visit us at 4145 Lawrenceville Hwy STE 100, Lilburn, GA 30047 to schedule an evaluation. Our team specializes in medication management for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more — including advanced treatments like Spravato for treatment-resistant depression.