I have been on 10mg for 4 weeks now. Anxiety comes and goes. Mood seems to be improving.
Is it normal to have good days and bad days when you start taking escitalopram?
Question posted by Nanics on 16 Sep 2021
Last updated on 2 November 2021
Answers
WildcatVet
16 Sep 2021
Hi, Nanics!
Yes, it's what we call the "roller coaster" effect. Some days are good and then you feel like you're back to square one. The good news is that the improvements you're seeing means that the drug is beginning to work but it just takes time for your metabolism to completely adjust.
It can take 4-8 weeks for that to happen so you're really doing fairly well and those improvements should be coming faster and faster now. Try to stay positive and keep your focus on the good days. Don't dwell on the bad because the anxiety should be subsiding very soon now.
We all want to feel better as soon as possible but that's not how our metabolism works. In effect, your brain needs to "reboot".
Best regards and I think you're well on your way.
Wildcat
WildcatVet
16 Sep 2021
PS, your depression too will be resolving!
Nanics
16 Sep 2021
Thanks for the reply. Yes, some days I feel angry or irritated and some days I don’t. At least my mood seems to be improving slowly
Nanics
9 Oct 2021
If I increased my dose I guess I have to give it at least another 4 to 6 weeks from the increased to get the full therapeutic effects?
WildcatVet
9 Oct 2021
No, since you've already had the drug in your system for a while it shouldn't take that long. Probably within about two weeks you should be feeling the full effect.
WC
Nanics
9 Oct 2021
It been 2 1/2 weeks on 15mg. I have been having bad days but I guess that’s normal the roller coasters!!!
WildcatVet
10 Oct 2021
Try to be patient and look for little signs of improvement. You'll get through this and those bad days and side effects will resolve. :)
WC
Nanics
10 Oct 2021
Thanks Wildcat. My wife has noticed improvements in me. She says I’m calmer and nicer then when I was on Paxil. So it must be working cause the boss said so
WildcatVet
10 Oct 2021
HaHa!!! But it's a good thing...
Nanics
15 Oct 2021
Well it’s been 3 1/2 weeks on 15mg and I am feeling much better. I have been on escitalopram for over 8 weeks now. So I guess it is finally starting to work. I guess I’m one of the slow people to see improvements. It knows they say 4 to 6 weeks for the « average » person but I guess everyone is different.
Thanks WC for all of the great advice and support. Much appreciated. I will keep you posted
WildcatVet
15 Oct 2021
You're more than welcome and this is great news! I know many sources quote 4-6 weeks but 6-8 weeks or longer seems to be more accurate for many people.
Good luck for your future!
WC
Nanics
15 Oct 2021
Yes that’s seems the case. I guess Escitalopram works more slowly that other SSRI but with less side effects
Fgashi
2 Nov 2021
Hi i am on my 6 day of 10 mg started with 5mg for 2 weeks and dose up. I am feeling the improvement with my anxiety. I am having some good hours durning the day. Mornings are still very hard. Reading your progress helps me keep going, thank you for sharing.
Nanics
2 Nov 2021
Hello Fgashi
Glad it helps. I was on Paxil for over 20 years and it just stopped working for me. Escitalopram seems to work but it is very slow process. It can take up to 12 weeks after a dose increase to get the full effect. Be patient it will work
Related topics
depression, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, escitalopram
Further information
- Escitalopram uses and safety info
- Escitalopram prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Escitalopram (detailed)
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