Lexapro is a prescription medication used to treat depression and anxiety. It is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a chemical found in the brain, which helps to improve mood and reduce anxiety. But how long does it take for Lexapro to work?
How Long Does It Take for Lexapro to Start Working?
The time it takes for Lexapro to begin working depends on the individual. Some people may start to feel better within a few days or weeks, while others may take longer to feel the full effects of the medication. In clinical trials, Lexapro was shown to start working as soon as one week after starting the medication. However, it may take up to four weeks for the full effects of the medication to be felt.
It is important to note that it is not recommended to stop taking Lexapro abruptly. If you are considering stopping treatment, always talk to your doctor first. Discontinuing the medication suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and anxiety. Your doctor can help you safely stop taking Lexapro.
What Factors May Affect How Long It Takes for Lexapro to Work?
There are several factors that may affect how long it takes for Lexapro to work. These include:
- Age – Older adults may take longer to respond to Lexapro than younger adults.
- Metabolism – Some people may metabolize the medication at a faster or slower rate, which can affect how quickly the medication works.
- Dosage – The dosage of Lexapro can affect how quickly it starts working.
- Medical History – Certain medical conditions can affect how quickly the medication works.
It is important to talk to your doctor if you are concerned about how long it is taking for Lexapro to work. Your doctor may be able to adjust the dosage or suggest other options to help with your symptoms.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Lexapro
In order to get the most out of Lexapro, there are a few tips that you can follow:
- Take the medication as prescribed – It is important to take Lexapro as directed by your doctor. Do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first.
- Be patient – It can take several weeks for Lexapro to start working, so it is important to be patient and give the medication time to work.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle – Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can help to improve your overall health and may help the medication to work more effectively.
- Talk to your doctor – If you are not seeing any improvement in your symptoms, talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust the dosage or suggest other options to help with your symptoms.
Conclusion
Lexapro is a prescription medication used to treat depression and anxiety. It is a type of SSRI that works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. The time it takes for Lexapro to begin working depends on the individual, but it is usually within one week. Factors such as age, metabolism, and dosage can affect how quickly Lexapro starts working. It is important to talk to your doctor if you are not seeing any improvement in your symptoms. Following a healthy lifestyle and taking the medication as prescribed can help to get the most out of Lexapro.