How long before Lexapro starts to work

Hi Danshamar,

Welcome to the forum!

What milligram of Lexapro are you on?

It often takes six to eight weeks for antidepressants to reach full potential though you can start feeling better sooner.

I started lexapro awhile back and noticed it right away. That is why I ask what milligram you are on.. You may need more.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

We all know what you are going through.

Hugs, Karen...

I am on 5 mg. Never been on meds before

I agree with Karen, 5mg is low, I also suggest you contact your doctor.

Sharon

They just upped it to 10 mg

Hi

Welcome to the forum.

Lexapro is a good medication it's the strongest of the SSRI medications and is very activating so it's best to take it first thing in the morning. 10mg is the target dose for anxiety disorders and it can take between 6-8 weeks to fully kick in and the first few weeks can be rough whilst you are getting used to the medication. Any start up side effects usually settle within a couple of weeks so stick with it and you should see some improvements.

I used to take it and found it really effective on both anxiety and depression and I did not get many side effects so I hope it works well for you so keep us posted.

It's important to remember that antidepressants will not cure you they will only help ease your symptoms so it's important to combine them with self help we have some good links in our resources section so take a look. I would also speak with your doctor about getting a referral for talking therapy such as CBT as this is very effective probably more so than medication.

I am pleased you have found us you will find good support here from others who can relate to what you are going through.

Hibee.

I am glad that the 10mg is helping you Danshamar. My husband takes melatonin 10mg at 6:00 at night and goes to bed about 9:00 or 10:00. That is how his doctor said to do it. Take it early as it takes time to work.

I am glad you are going to therapy. It really does help, especially if you have a good therapist. I been going to the same therapist for about 15 years. I have always needed therapy along with medications. I only go every other month now, but it still helps.

I hope you have a good day and that the Lexapro continues to help.

Hugs, Karen...

PS let us know how therapy goes...

Still having problems sleeping. Mornings are full of anxiety and unable to function for hours. Been on Lexapro now for 12 days. Need to have hope that things will get better.

keep going -took 6 weeks for me .

danshamar said...
The 10 mg seem to be a better dose. The nights seem to be the worst and at first they were giving me Ativan to calm down a bit. I am also no Metoprolol for PVC's. She added Klonopin for nights instead of Ativan and I tried it last night but it didn't help me sleep. I tried the Melatonin instead for nights. Trying to find the right fit for me. I will meet with a therapist on Tuesday to start therapy to help.

You sound like you have a doctor who is really engaged in treating you, I haven't found that in a doctor in a while though. I wonder if this medicine can help me with anxieties and depressions.