How Long Does It Take For Lexapro To Work? The Typical Timeline

How Long Does It Take For Lexapro To Work?

Lexapro (escitalopram) is a commonly prescribed SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant medication. It is used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. When starting Lexapro, a common question people have is "how long does it take for Lexapro to work?"

The answer is that it varies from person to person. For most people, Lexapro will start having positive effects in 1-2 weeks. However, the full effects of Lexapro may not be felt for 4-6 weeks or longer.

What To Expect With Lexapro

Here's an overview of what you can expect in the first 1-2 months of taking Lexapro:

• Week 1: When first starting Lexapro, you may notice some adverse effects like nausea, trouble sleeping, headache, and fatigue. This is normal as your body adjusts to the medication.
• Week 2: The adverse effects should start improving. You still may not notice much improvement in your depression or anxiety.
• Weeks 3-4: This is when you will likely start noticing Lexapro working. Your mood, anxiety, energy, and concentration should start to gradually improve.
• Weeks 6-8: By this time, the full therapeutic effects of Lexapro will have kicked in. Your depressive and anxiety symptoms should be markedly improved.

Of course, this timeline can vary from one person to another. Some people may feel better in just a few days, while others may take up to 6-8 weeks to get the full benefits.

Factors That Influence How Long It Takes For Lexapro To Work

There are several factors that play a role in determining how long it takes Lexapro to reach its maximum effectiveness:

• Dosage: It may take longer to see improvement if you are on a lower dose of Lexapro. Higher doses tend to provide relief faster.
• Severity of symptoms: People with more severe depression or anxiety may take longer to experience benefits than those with milder symptoms.
• Age: Younger adults tend to respond more quickly to Lexapro than older adults.
• Medication history: If you have never taken an antidepressant before, it may take longer for Lexapro to work compared to if you have taken a similar medication in the past.
• Individual differences: The rate at which Lexapro takes effect can vary significantly from person to person based on the individual biological and physiological makeup.

Signs That Lexapro Is Working

How can you tell if Lexapro is starting to work for you? Here are some of the most common signs that the medication is having a positive effect:

• Improved mood - feeling calmer, less depressed, less anxious
• More interest and motivation to participate in activities
• Increased energy and less fatigue
• Clearer thinking and concentration
• More restful sleep
• Healthier appetite
• Less pessimistic outlook, more optimism

Of course, you may not experience all of these. But an overall gradual improvement in several symptoms is a sign the Lexapro is working well.

What If You Feel No Improvement On Lexapro?

It's important to give Lexapro an adequate trial before deciding it's not working. That means taking it for at least 6-8 weeks at the proper dosage. If you don't experience any changes in your mental health during that time frame, there are a few options:

• Give it more time. Some people need to be on Lexapro for 10-12 weeks before feeling a benefit.
• Increase the dose. Your doctor may decide to gradually increase your Lexapro dosage if the starting dose is not effective.
• Switch medications. Another SSRI or a different class of antidepressant may work better for you.
• Add psychotherapy. Starting regular counseling or therapy can enhance the effects of Lexapro.
• Assess for other conditions. Mood disorders like bipolar or medical causes may need different treatment.

Do not abruptly stop taking Lexapro without medical supervision. A doctor can help safely taper your dosage to prevent withdrawal effects.

Is It Working TOO Well? Possible Side Effects of Lexapro

While most people take Lexapro for symptoms of depression and anxiety, occasionally some users experience effects like:

• Feeling emotionally numb or detached
• Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue, lethargy
• Increased sweating
• Sleep disturbances
• Decreased sex drive
• Difficulty reaching orgasm

These kinds of side effects may be a sign the dose of Lexapro needs to be adjusted. It's important to let your doctor know if you experience any worrisome reactions while taking Lexapro.

Tips For Giving Lexapro The Best Chance To Work

Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of Lexapro treatment:

• Take it consistently: Don't skip doses or alter your schedule. Take it at the same time each day.
• Give it time: Be patient through the first few weeks of starting Lexapro before judging if it works.
• Stay in contact with your doctor: Report any concerning side effects and request dosage adjustments if needed.
• Consider psychotherapy: Counseling combined with Lexapro may enhance benefits.
• Avoid drug/alcohol use: These substances can decrease Lexapro's effectiveness.
• Maintain healthy habits: Proper diet, exercise, and sleep will help Lexapro work optimally.

The Bottom Line

How long it takes for Lexapro to work varies between individuals. Most people start to experience beneficial effects in 3-4 weeks but the full therapeutic results make take 6-8 weeks. Give Lexapro at least 6 weeks at the proper dosage to adequately determine if it's working for you. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor promptly. With patience and adherence to the treatment regimen, Lexapro can be an effective medication for many people dealing with depression and anxiety.

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.