Missed Lexapro Dose: Should You Take It Later or Skip It?

Lexapro is a common antidepressant prescribed to help manage anxiety and depression. Taking your dose at the right time is essential for its effectiveness. But what if you miss a dose, is it better to take it the next morning, afternoon or should you skip it altogether?

General Guidelines for Handling Missed Doses

If you miss taking your prescribed 15mg evening dose of Lexapro, the general advice suggests you take it as soon as you remember, provided it's still within 16 hours of your next scheduled dose. It's all about striking a balance between getting the medication back into your system and not interfering with the next scheduled dose.

Pharmacy vs. Physician Advice

While pharmacists are a great resource for medication information and can offer immediate advice, it's ultimately important to consult your treating physician for the best course of action. Your pharmacist can provide guidance on general advice for most medications, but specific treatment recommendations should come from your healthcare provider.

Lexapro's Specific Guidelines

According to the package insert for Lexapro, if you miss a dose, you have the option to take it as soon as you remember. If it's close to the time for your next dose, it's best to skip the missed dose. However, the exact timing can be crucial. If you're anywhere within a 16-hour window, you can take it.

What If the Next Dose Is in the Morning?

If you realize you've missed a dose and your next scheduled dose is early the next morning, you have a bit more flexibility. You can take the missed dose in the evening or early the next morning, as Lexapro is a daily dose with 24-hour intervals. This gives you the option to take it a bit early if you're not sure if you'd still be within the 16-hour window. It's always advisable to consult your physician for their specific recommendation, as they understand your unique health situation.

Exceptions and Specific Cases

Not all medications follow the same guidelines. For example, birth control pills have a much stricter schedule. If you miss a birth control pill, you should take it as soon as you remember and resume your regular routine. If you miss two or more pills, the consequences can be more severe, including starting a new pack and using backup contraception.

For Lexapro, these stringent timing rules are not as critical. Nonetheless, it's always best to check with your treating physician for personalized advice. The period of 16 hours is generally considered safe, but global circumstances can vary, and your physician is the best person to guide you.

Conclusion

If you miss your Lexapro dose at night, it's generally better to take it earlier the next morning rather than skipping it. However, it's always a good idea to consult your physician for specific guidance tailored to your health needs. Remember, consistency is key to the effectiveness of Lexapro, and irregularities can impact its efficacy.