Highlights
- Lexapro (escitalopram) belongs to the SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) class of medication.
- Lexapro raises serotonin levels in the brain, aiding mood regulation and reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Initial improvement can be noticed after the first two weeks while significant improvement may take up to three months.
- If you feel that Lexapro is not working for several weeks or if you experience severe side effects, speak with your healthcare provider.
Lexapro (escitalopram) is an
It takes time for Lexapro to work because it has to build up in your system. So, how long can it take, how to know if Lexapro is working, and when it’s time to ask your doctor about alternative treatment? Read on as all this is discussed below.
What Is Lexapro?
Lexapro works by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin. Normally, there is an adequate amount of neurotransmitters that deliver information to the cells and then
At the same time, depression and some other mental health conditions are associated with serotonin imbalances. So, medications like Lexapro slow down the reuptake process to raise the amount of available serotonin in the brain. Ultimately, this helps improve mood and reduce the symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and some others.
How Long Does Lexapro Take to Work for Different Symptoms and Conditions?
Lexapro can be used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, promoting better concentration and overall cognitive performance. The time it takes for Lexapro to impart its therapeutic effects may vary across different mental conditions:
- Depression: Improvements in appetite, energy, and sleep patterns can be
observed [3*] in patients with major depressive disorder within the first or second week of treatment. - Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Lexapro typically takes about two to four weeks to address anxiety symptoms.
- Panic Disorder:
Studies [4*] suggest significant symptom improvement for panic disorder from the fourth week of Lexapro use. It focuses on reducing excessive anxiety, a key factor in panic attacks. - Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD): Lexapro is occasionally prescribed for OCD. Studies show that its impact on OCD symptoms may become
evident [5*] around the fourth week of treatment.
Note that these time spans may differ from person to person. Consult your healthcare provider if you think your treatment plan should be modified.
How to Know If Lexapro Is Working
According to
When Lexapro starts working, you can feel a gradual relief from your symptoms. These include a more positive mood, decreased pessimistic and suicidal thoughts, improved sleep quality, enhanced concentration, and more. It may take a while for you to get used to the new mental state as serotonin is released in the brain.
When Does Lexapro Peak in Your System
Like other medications belonging to the class of antidepressants, Lexapro takes time to achieve its complete therapeutic efficacy. This medication works on a molecular level in the brain, which is an intricate process that needs time to unfold and stabilize. Therefore, it’s important to adhere consistently to the prescribed medication regimen to attain the intended outcomes. It may take about 6-8 weeks to get the full benefits of a Lexapro treatment.
What Can Affect the Effectiveness of Lexapro
Lexapro might work faster or slower than usual because of the following factors:
- Individual body chemistry
- Other medical conditions
- Drug interactions
Always consult with your healthcare provider on pre-existing conditions and other medications you are taking to get appropriate treatment.
How Does Lexapro Make You Feel: The Timeline
Lexapro may work differently, depending on the various individual factors. However, here’s an overview of this medication’s general timeline.
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Initial days |
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First week or two weeks |
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By two months |
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Beyond two months |
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It’s important to keep taking the medication as directed and keep in touch with your clinician to track your health dynamics and discuss possible side effects or withdrawal symptoms (if considering stopping the medication).
What to Do If You Think Lexapro Is Not Working
Although it may take time for Lexapro to work, you should start noticing improvement in symptoms in a few weeks. If there are no positive effects after this period or you experience severe adverse reactions, consult with your doctor. They will tell you if you have to wait, prescribe another Lexapro dosage, or switch to another medication.
Sometimes, combining medication management with psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can increase treatment efficacy. Other supporting practices include a balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress reduction. It’s important to communicate openly with your healthcare practitioner during your Lexapro therapy to monitor its effects and learn how to improve them.
Effects of Xanax According to Dosage
Xanax is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg dosages. As the dose rises, the effects become more prominent, from mild anxiety relief to strong sedation. Doctors generally advise to start with the lowest dose and then increase it if necessary.
Conclusion
Lexapro can help in managing an anxiety disorder and depression but its effects are not immediate. Also, it may cause side effects, so it is essential to follow the given instructions and be in touch with your clinician.
At MEDvidi, you can receive a personalized treatment plan for depression or anxiety online. A qualified healthcare practitioner will assess your symptoms and health history and offer treatment tailored to your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Lexapro take so long to work?
Lexapro enhances the brain’s biochemistry to help a person deal with mental health issues, but it takes time for the neurotransmitters and receptors to adapt to these alterations. Relief from symptoms usually happens gradually within several weeks as the body adjusts to the medication.
