Prepare a list of your symptoms and their severity. Rate your anxiety or depression on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst. This provides your doctor with quantifiable data.
Discuss your medical history, including any past mental health treatments, current medications (prescription and over-the-counter), and allergies. Mention any family history of mental illness.
Clearly explain your expectations for Lexapro. Are you hoping for symptom reduction? Complete remission? What constitutes success for you?
Addressing Potential Side Effects
Ask your doctor about common side effects and how to manage them. Inquire about less common but serious side effects and what to watch for. Discuss a plan for addressing any side effects that arise.
Long-Term Treatment and Monitoring
Discuss the expected duration of treatment. Understand the process for adjusting your dosage and the signs that indicate a need for a dosage change. Ask about regular follow-up appointments for monitoring progress and potential adjustments.
Don’t hesitate to ask about alternative treatments if Lexapro proves ineffective or causes unacceptable side effects. Explore other medications or therapeutic approaches.
