How long does it take for Lexapro to work?

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Overview

Lexapro is an antidepressant medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). You can also find it under the generic name escitalopram.

Lexapro belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs block the reabsorption of serotonin in your brain, helping to regulate your mood.

Your healthcare professional may also prescribe Lexapro off-label. This means using the medication for purposes other than the ones the FDA has approved it for. For instance, Lexapro may be prescribed off-label for social anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Lexapro (escitalopram) is available in tablet and liquid form that you take by mouth.

Does Lexapro work immediately?

Lexapro does not have an immediate effect. It typically takes 1 to 2 weeks of consistent use to reach its full therapeutic effect. 

However, the exact time frame to notice symptom relief may vary depending on various factors, such as:

• how severe your symptoms are
• your tolerance to the drug
• the condition being treated
• other treatments you are taking at the same time

For the treatment of depression, Lexapro may take 6 to 8 weeks to work for symptoms like low motivation or sad mood. For anxiety disorders, Lexapro may also take a few weeks to reduce symptoms effectively.

This doesn’t mean you won’t experience relief as you start taking Lexapro. You may start noticing a gradual change within the first 2 weeks. You may need to wait longer to feel the full effects of the medication.

If you feel Lexapro isn’t working for you, talk with your doctor before stopping the medication.

How long does Lexapro’s effect last?

Lexapro’s immediate effects may last for around 24 hours. However, Lexapro’s effects build up over time, so you can’t measure them daily. With long-term use, Lexapro gradually helps balance chemicals in your brain and improves mood.

Your dosage of Lexapro may vary depending on the severity of your condition, your response to the medication, and any potential side effects.

Lexapro (escitalopram) has a half-life of approximately 27 to 32 hours. “Half-life” refers to the time it takes for a medication in your blood to reduce by half. In other words, it describes how long it takes for the drug to leave your body naturally.

It usually takes 4 to 5 half-lives for a drug to completely leave your body. Based on this, Lexapro will typically take about 4 to 6 days (108 to 160 hours) to be removed from your body.

How do you know if Lexapro is working?

Doctors assess how well Lexapro is working by monitoring your symptoms over time rather than after a single use. After several weeks of consistent use, you may notice:

• Improved mood: Lexapro helps regulate your mood by balancing serotonin levels in the brain. As treatment progresses, you may notice changes in your mood and increased motivation.
• Improved daily functioning: As Lexapro starts to take effect, you may find it easier to take part in daily activities, socialize, and pursue hobbies or interests. 
• Decreased anxiety or worry: Lexapro significantly reduces the frequency or intensity of anxiety symptoms, such as racing thoughts, restlessness, or sensations like heart palpitations and muscle tension.

Everybody is different, though. How Lexapro affects you may vary from its effects on other people. In general, with time, you’ll know if Lexapro is working for you if you find some relief from most or all of your symptoms.

If you need help covering the cost of depression and anxiety medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.

Side effects of Lexapro

Lexapro (escitalopram) may have some side effects, including:

• nausea
• dizziness
• headache
• dry mouth
• changes in sexual desire or function

These side effects are usually mild to moderate and mostly disappear within a few weeks of starting the medication as your body adjusts. 

While less common, other side effects are possible. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, rare side effects may include:

• localized or generalized allergic reactions
• severe restlessness or agitation
• serotonin syndrome (a potentially life threatening condition)
• suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• unusual bleeding or bruising

If you experience severe or concerning side effects, it is best to seek prompt medical attention.

Alternatives to Lexapro

If Lexapro or escitalopram isn’t working for you or you’re considering alternative treatments, other medications may be available.

Only a healthcare professional may and decide which other treatments are effective for your condition, symptoms, and other health needs.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Alternative medications in the same drug class as Lexapro may include:

• sertraline (Zoloft)
• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• citalopram (Celexa)

Although all of these drugs are SSRIs, they may have different dosing requirements, side effects, and efficacy.

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This causes an increase in these natural substances.

Medical professionals may prescribe the following SNRI medications to treat anxiety and depression: 

• venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
• duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

SNRIs may be an alternative if you have side effects with SSRIs or have certain symptoms that may benefit from the way these drugs work.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines enhance the effects of a certain type of chemical messenger in your brain that can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. However, these drugs are generally prescribed for short-term use due to the potential for dependence and severe side effects. 

Examples of benzodiazepines include:

• alprazolam (Xanax)
• lorazepam (Ativan)
• diazepam (Valium)

Summary

How long Lexapro takes to work varies from person to person. While some people may experience relief from depression and anxiety symptoms within 2 weeks, it may take longer for others.

It’s important to be patient and consistent with your medication. Be sure to track your progress and let your doctor know if you don’t notice any relief from your symptoms. They may adjust your dose or switch you to a different medication.