Understanding How Lexapro Works
Lexapro, also known by its generic name escitalopram, is a common antidepressant medication. It belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of antidepressants. Lexapro works by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, in the brain.
When starting Lexapro, many people wonder - how long does it take Lexapro to work? Like most antidepressants, Lexapro does not have an immediate effect. It takes time for the medication to build up in your system and influence serotonin levels. Most people notice some effects within 1-2 weeks, but the full effects may not be evident for 4-6 weeks or longer.
Getting Through the Initial Period
During the first 1-2 weeks on Lexapro, some people actually experience a temporary worsening of mood or anxiety. This is because the medication causes changes in neurotransmitter levels fairly quickly, but it takes time for your brain to adjust to these changes. Having patience and persisting through this initial period is important.
You may also experience some mild side effects like nausea, headache, fatigue, insomnia or diarrhea when first starting Lexapro. These adjustment effects usually lessen within a couple weeks.
Signs Lexapro Is Beginning to Work
After powering through the first couple weeks on Lexapro, you should start noticing some initial positive effects including:
- Improved mood
- More interest and motivation
- Less feelings of sadness or worthlessness
- Less anxiety and worry
- Better sleep
These signs indicate the Lexapro is starting to positively influence serotonin levels and improve depressive symptoms. But most people continue seeing progression of benefits over the next several weeks.
Evaluating the Full Effects
Lexapro typically takes 4-6 weeks to exert its full antidepressant effect. Some people may feel totally back to normal within a couple months, while others find they need to remain on Lexapro long-term to manage depression symptoms.
Signs of Full Effectiveness
Signs that Lexapro is working well for managing your depression include:
- Consistently improved mood and outlook
- More engagement and interest in activities
- Feeling calmer and less anxious
- Better concentration and productivity
- Healthier sleep patterns
- Improved self-confidence
If Lexapro has been effectively treating your depressive symptoms for at least several months, it is a sign your body and brain have fully adjusted to the medication.
Long-Term Considerations
Many people need to continue taking Lexapro long-term to prevent depressive symptoms from returning. Never abruptly stop taking Lexapro without talking to your doctor, as this can cause withdrawal effects.
Over time, it's possible for Lexapro to become slightly less effective. Signs of this include gradual return of depressive symptoms. If this happens, talk to your doctor - they may recommend adjusting your Lexapro dosage or adding another medication.
What If Lexapro Isn't Working?
While Lexapro is very effective for some people, others find they do not get significant relief of symptoms even after taking it for several months. There are several signs that indicate Lexapro may not be the right antidepressant for you:
Continued Depressive Symptoms
If feelings of sadness, emptiness, worthlessness or loss of interest continue persisting more than 6 weeks after starting Lexapro, its a red flag. Other people notice improved mood and interest by this point.
Worsening Anxiety
Some people find that Lexapro causes increased feelings of anxiety, panic, agitation or racing thoughts. This side effect tends to appear early on and persist even with longer treatment.
Unmanageable Side Effects
Side effects like nausea, drowsiness, insomnia, headache and fatigue usually resolve within 1-3 weeks on Lexapro. But occasionally they persist and remain very bothersome.
Rarer side effects like blurred vision, sweating, confusion, tremors or mood swings while on Lexapro also warrant attention from your doctor.
If any side effects are intolerable or having a major negative influence on your quality of life, it may be time to try a different antidepressant.
Emergence of Suicidal Thoughts
All antidepressants come with an increased warning of suicidal thoughts and behavior, especially among younger adults. If you experience emergence or worsening of suicidal thoughts soon after starting treatment, get emergency help right away.
When to Reach Out to Your Doctor
If any of the above warning signs emerge that Lexapro may not be working or causing problems for you, promptly discuss it with your doctor. There are many other antidepressant medications and mental health treatments to explore.
Finding the most effective depression treatment that minimizes side effects can take patience. But don't lose hope - there are plenty of options out there to get your symptoms successfully under control.
FAQs
How long does it usually take for Lexapro to work?
Most people notice some initial effects within 1-2 weeks of starting Lexapro, but it typically takes 4-6 weeks to reach the full antidepressant effect. Some people continue seeing improvement over months.
What are common side effects when first starting Lexapro?
Common temporary side effects when first starting Lexapro include nausea, headache, fatigue, insomnia, and diarrhea. These adjustment effects usually resolve within 1-3 weeks.
Can Lexapro stop working overtime?
It is possible for Lexapro to become less effective after working well initially. Signs include gradual return of depressive symptoms. Consulting your doctor about dosage adjustments or adding medications can help.
How long should I wait before considering Lexapro ineffective?
If significant depressive symptoms continue persisting more than 6 weeks after starting Lexapro, it likely means Lexapro is not the right medication for managing your depression effectively.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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