For those of you that had a great experience on Lexapro or found it to be your "miracle drug," about how long did it take for you to start seeing/feeling those results? I currently take 15 mg of Remeron at night along with a regimen of 1 mg clonazepam at night and 0.5 mg of clonazepam in the morning. I just started taking 10mg of Lexapro last week and the idea is to build that up and see if I can then begin tapering off of the clonazepam. However, I am seeing a bit of rebound anxiety this past week and wondering if that is common on Lexapro and if that will go away with continued use. I also know that going up to 20mg of Lexapro is an option. I've read numerous positive reviews about this medication on here but some have said to stick with it through the first couple of difficult weeks and I am wondering if this what they are talking about. Any advice or helpful insights would be much appreciated. Thanks!
How long does Lexapro take to work?
Question posted by gsauls4 on 30 March 2021
Last updated on 31 March 2021
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Answers
Hi, gsauls!
"Side effects have been reported to be generally mild and transient. They are most common during the first 2 weeks of treatment and decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment. They generally do not lead to treatment cessation."
"Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood, anxiety, and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve."
New or increased anxiety is a very common side effect when initiating treatment with antidepressants including Lexapro. It should resolve quickly now for you but if it persists or becomes too troublesome let your doctor know.
Everyone responds a little differently to these medications so there's no specific timeline as to when you'll start feeling better. Being a week in already you can start looking for improvements any time but you probably won't feel it overnight because it's a gradual process as your metabolism adjusts to the drug. You might have a bit of the "roller coaster" effect where you start to feel much better and then have a few bad days. This is normal.
For many people it's difficult for the first couple of weeks but as the medication is kicking in you'll probably be amazed at how quickly your symptoms begin to subside.
I was on Lexapro for over 7 years and, like many others have said, it was a game changer for me.
Unfortunately, I can't take antidepressants any more but I'd give anything to have my Lexapro back! BTW, I only took the "brand name" for a few months because of cost factor but all the different generics I took (escitalopram) worked equally well.
Best regards and I hope it works as well for you.
Wildcat. you are spot on. It took 3 weeks for me and I started feeling better each day. it got better. Little by lil the side effects quiet down. Looking forward to the full effect of escitalopram. Some people dont think anxiety is a real sickness but it truly is. I no longer take xanax and I am glad the escitalopram is helping. 2 thumbs Up Wildcat... :-)
Anxiety is a disorder due to a medical condition... and don't believe anyone who says differently. Some people have what's called situational anxiety from a traumatic event but clinical anxiety disorder is real.
I'm so glad you're doing so much better and I wish you well as you continue your journey.
My bad, yes it is a disorder. I used the wrong word when I said sickness. U are absolutely right! My apologies...
Related topics
lexapro, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, drug
Further information
- Lexapro uses and safety info
- Lexapro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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