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What Are The Side Effects Of Lexapro?

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Posted on Thu, 7 May 2015
Question: I was started on Lexapro 2 days ago at 20mg daily. The dose is making me nauseated, dizzy and tire. Is this the usual starting dose? I am 68 years old and weigh 126 lbs.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No starting dose is 5 to 10 mg per day

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

For the drug naive patient starting dose of lexapro is 5 mg and it can be increased to 10 mg after couple of weeks and minimum interval of one week.

In case you were already on lexapro in that case it can be started at 10 mg per day.

In elderly population there is well known principle of start low and go slow. It mean that ideally 5 mg of esitalopram should be started in majority of patients above 60 years.

I hope this answers your query.
If you have any more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3355 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Lexapro?

Brief Answer: No starting dose is 5 to 10 mg per day Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for using healthcaremagic. I read your query and understand your concerns. For the drug naive patient starting dose of lexapro is 5 mg and it can be increased to 10 mg after couple of weeks and minimum interval of one week. In case you were already on lexapro in that case it can be started at 10 mg per day. In elderly population there is well known principle of start low and go slow. It mean that ideally 5 mg of esitalopram should be started in majority of patients above 60 years. I hope this answers your query. If you have any more questions feel free to write back to me. Thanks and regards