Lexapro users, how long before I feel effects of drug?

Question

I've been on Lexapro for anxiety for almost 2 weeks. I'm still not feeling any improvment in my anxiety. I've had several panic attacks and still just feeling nervous all day , everyday. I read that some people feel the effects of the drug after 1 week, but it can take up to 6 weeks to feel the full effects. My question is for those who have used this for anxiety, how long did it take you to feel the effects of this drug? I'm just praying that I can live a normal life w/o anxiety and I'm waiting for this to kick in and help me out. Any advice would be great.

Answer 1

I started on 10 mg and felt nothing. After about 4 weeks, I was bumped up to 20 mg. 2 weeks later I felt it working. So, it took me about 6 weeks.

Answer 2

Before taking this medicine

It is dangerous to try and purchase Lexapro on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. Samples of escitalopram purchased on the Internet have been found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a potent antipsychotic drug with dangerous side effects. For more information, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or visit www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide.
You should not use Lexaproif you are allergic to escitalopram or citalopram (Celexa), or if:
- you also take pimozide; or
- you are being treated with methylene blue injection.
Do not use Lexapro if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. After you stop taking Lexapro, you must wait at least 14 days before you start taking an MAOI.
To make sure Lexapro is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver or kidney disease;
- seizures or epilepsy;
- diabetes;
- narrow-angle glaucoma;
- heart disease;
- bipolar disorder (manic depression); or
- a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Lexapro. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Taking an SSRI antidepressant during pregnancy may cause serious lung problems or other complications in the baby. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Lexapro. Do not start or stop taking this medicine during pregnancy without your doctor's advice.
Escitalopram can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Lexapro should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.


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Answer 3

The way that a body reacts to a drug, specifically a SSRI, is different for every person. It very well may take up to 6 weeks for you to feel the effects of the Lexapro. This is what I would reccomend you do.

Talk to your general practioner (family doctor) and let he or she know that you're still struggling with anxiety and ask if there is something that you can take in the mean time while you are wating to feel the full effects of the Lexapro. Just something very tempory to help you "get over the hump". Also, re-evaulate wheter or not this is the drug for you. I myself tried several different SSRI's before I found one that suited me. Sometimes it's the dosages... maybe you need to be upped? Talk to your doctor... they are there to help you, utilize that.
I hope this helps.

Answer 4

For all antidepressants used to treat depression, results typically are noticeable within 2-3 weeks, and reach their full effect within 6-8 weeks, assuming you are on an adequate dose.

For antidepressants used to treat anxiety, there is much less known about the time frame than for depression. Much of the research out there suggests that for anxiety, the initial effect is within 3-4 weeks, but the full effect may take 3-6 months. In addition, it also suggests higher doses than that used for treating depression are helpful. However, psychiatrists are less confident about these numbers than those in the previous paragraph.

As always, discuss these and any questions with your doctor.

Answer 5

My son took Lexapro and was feeling better within days, though it usually takes longer. Two weeks seems like enough that if you are truly feeling no improvement at all, it's time to consult with your prescribing doctor, for a possible dosage increase or alternate medication.

Answer 6

Everyone's body chemistry is different. It took me a good month before I started to feel better, but others I know less time. Ask your doctor about a second prescription to help you until the Lexapro kicks in. Mine suggested Xanax. Hope you start feeling better soon.:) P.S. I take Celexa, from which Lexapro was derived.

Answer 7

For me it was about 4/5 weeks before I determined it wasnt right for me. I felt some effects but not enough to continue use....

They say give it at least 6 weeks though before you make a choice..... so I would try waiting it out and also maybe try slowly increasing your dosage..... might just need a little higher mg's.

Answer 8

I like the first answer..."Everyone's body chemistry is different.....

I can tell if an anxiety medication is going to work for me in about two weeks...(but that's individual, I'm sensitive to medications and need only a little).

The only change I would make to the recommendation in teh first answerer is pehaps not go on XANAX (which only lasts about 4 hours) (I've tried it), but first try Ativan (Lorazepam), which is longer-acting 6-8 hours. And start with a low dose (0.5 mg) because it can get really addicting . (I hate taking meds, so my doctor had no problem prescribing it for me).
You will find the right medicine for your individual chemistry and feel much better.

Answer 9

4-6 weeks

Answer 10

It took me about 2 weeks, but if it's not showing any effect on you then maybe you need a higher amount of it. Talk to your doctor.