How Long Does It Take for Lexapro to Work for Anxiety
Are you suffering from anxiety? Are you looking for an anxiety medication? If yes, you’re on the right blog because we will look at more information about Lexapro and details like how long it takes to work for anxiety. Contact Therapy Fleet now if you’re looking for an online medicine platform that covers all your mental health conditions needs with one click.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are common. We all suffer from anxiety in our daily lives. But, when it becomes a disorder and requires medical attention, you constantly worry about petty things. When you are always on the edge of a breakdown, anxiety needs to be reported on time; otherwise, it becomes chronic and causes symptoms like anxiety vomiting.
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro is one of the most common prescription drugs used for improving mood (people suffering from mood disorders) and energy while reducing sadness. It works by balancing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which in turn reduces anxiety and enhances mood. Thus, it is commonly used for the treatment of depression as well.
More on Lexapro…
Lexapro, or a generic name, escitalopram, belongs to a class of medication known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Commonly prescribed for anxiety and depression, it works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.
Lexapro is approved to treat major depressive disorders in adults and children between the ages of 12 and 17 years. It is also approved for generalized anxiety disorder. However, Lexapro is not approved for children under 12 years of age for conditions like OCD, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
How Long Does It Take for Lexapro to Work for Anxiety?
Lexapro takes time to reach its full effect. It may take a few weeks for the symptoms to settle down and for the drug to show visible results. The drug works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. According to the International Institute, expect around 4 to 6 weeks for complete effect.
For more information regarding the time taken for Lexapro to work for you, you should take the medicine as directed by your mental health care professional.
Do not take the medicine in higher quantities for immediate effects. Significant change will take time. Make sure you give the complete medical history to your doctor and tell about symptoms of anxiety you feel and if you suffer from panic attacks, too.
Lexapro Timeline for Anxiety
For those of you who want to know how long Lexapro takes to work for anxiety should know that it varies greatly on the person taking the drug. However, the antidepressant starts to show an effect on the CNS and alters the serotonin levels right on the first day.
A small percentage of people see immediate results in the first week, while for others, several weeks ( 4 to 8 weeks of treatment) are needed for the full effects of Lexapro. However, a small percentage will see results after eight weeks. Consult a medical professional for guidance, advice, and individualized treatment plans.
General Timeline for Lexapro to Work
Let’s see a general timeline;
- After the initial dose– after taking the initial dose of Lexapro, expect around a few weeks to see the full effect of the medicine. Initial signs to look out for are better appetite, energy levels, and better sleep. For some, these changes can be noticed within a week.
- By the end of two months, people will notice significant improvements after starting the drug. Their overall mood will be better, their depressive symptoms will be less, and they will be more lively and interested in daily activities.
- For some, the therapeutic effect will take more than eight weeks.
During the entire treatment plan, remain calm and positive. Stay in touch with your doctor and keep them informed throughout the process. Tell them if you notice any positive changes, and discuss any side effects you feel. At times, the medicine takes time, so stop stressing about how long it takes for Lexapro to work for anxiety.
If you don’t feel better after eight weeks, your healthcare will adjust the dosage or switch the drug. There are other treatment options, too;
Alternate Treatment for Anxiety
Your doctor will then try Zoloft, which is another SSRI, or if it fails, then switch to another class of antidepressants called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SSRI, or Wellbutrin, which is an NDRI, norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor.
If the anxiety is getting difficult to live with, then Xanax or Ativan might be given for a short period.
Other treatment options;
Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of Lexapro
Certain factors affect or reduce the effectiveness of Lexapro. Let’s view them in detail.
| Factors | Description |
| Genetic Makeup | The genetic code impacts the response of the drug |
| Lifestyle Habits | Smoking, diet, and alcohol influence the effectiveness of the drug |
| Health | Current health, including medical conditions, plays a huge role in the effectiveness of the drug |
| Age | Metabolic changes influence the effectiveness, too. Elderly patients are given a lower dose |
| List of Drugs You Take | Lexapro interacts with certain drugs. If you are on other medications, the effectiveness will change. |
How Do You Know if Lexapro is Working?
You will know that the drug is working when you feel happier and your anxiety levels are reduced. It might take a couple of days for it to happen. However, for some, it might take longer. Overall, you will notice the following;
- Better sleep
- Appetite increase
- reduced anxiety symptoms
- Reduction in depressive mood (major depressive disorder)
- Not feelin’ hopelessness
- Increased interest in life
- Better able to concentrate and focus
- improvement in symptoms of depression
What to Do When Lexapro Is Not Working?
Lexapro sometimes does not work for some people or stops showing effect after some usage time. The reasons why this happens include pregnancy, use of alcohol, drug interactions, overuse, misuse, and new stressors. If you have been taking Lexapro for a month now and don’t feel better, contact your doctor. Do not stop the drug abruptly, as it can lead to a withdrawal effect.
The medical professional will adjust the dosage or maybe switch to another medicine like Wellbutrin for social anxiety. Or perhaps they will recommend some support groups for you to join or recommend CBT or self-care. Remember, all mental health conditions take time to resolve, so be patient.
Potential Side Effects of Lexapro
Although Lexapro is tolerated by many, some severe side effects to look out for are;
- Serotonin syndrome
- Anxiety and agitation
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Confusion
- Shivers
- dry mouth
- Muscle stiffness and
- Sweating
Rare and Severe Side Effects
- Suicidal thoughts behaviors
In case of an emergency, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention, or call suicide prevention for medical help in case the individual showcases suicidal behavior.
Lexapro Risks
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Allergic reaction- swelling of face, tongue and eyes
- Breathing difficulty
- rashes
Lexapro and Alcohol
Regardless of how much time it takes for Lexapro to work for anxiety, it would be best if you avoided alcohol when on Lexapro. Find out more about the side effects of mixing Lexapro and alcohol.
When to Contact Therapy Fleet
Some side effects are expected and will subside with time and usage. However, if the side effects do not resolve and you feel sick, contact a doctor. Look out for severe reactions and suicidal behaviors. Anxiety can cause insomnia, too. For severe sleep problems, sleeping pills like Mirtazapine or Ramelton may be given. For online Lexapro prescriptions, contact us today.
The Bottom Line
Lexapro is an SSRI antidepressant prescribed for MDD and GAD. Side effects are common but not severe. How long it takes Lexapro to work for anxiety depends on the individual. When you notice an improvement in your sleeping pattern, feel less anxious and happier, and know that the drug is working, wait for noticeable results for two months. Only stop the medicine with prior consultation with your doctor.
Even on tough days, remember that every small step forward is progress. Stay strong, and keep moving forward.
FAQs
1. Who should not take Lexapro?
Avoid using Lexapro if you have ever had an allergic reaction to escitalopram. Do not give the medicine to children under the age of 12
2. What can I do to manage the side effects of Lexapro?
If Lexapro is causing insomnia, try changing the time of the medicine. If you need more information, discuss the concern with your doctor.
3. Can I stop the drug if I feel worse?
Never stop the drug on your own. If you feel sick or worse, seek medical attention and immediately contact the prescribing doctor. They can guide you better.
4. How long can you take Lexapro if you have anxiety?
There is no definitive answer to that. Usually, the defined period for depression and anxiety is up to one year. But if someone has chronic stress, the drug can be given for years at a time.
