How Long Does It Take for Lexapro to Work?

When you start taking a new medication like Lexapro, one of the first things you want to know is how long it will take to feel better. Lexapro is a common antidepressant that helps balance chemicals in your brain to improve your mood and ease anxiety – it doesn’t work overnight, though.

Waiting for results can feel frustrating, especially when you’re struggling with depression or anxiety. This page explains “how long does it take for Lexapro to work?”, what you can expect during that time, and how to know it’s the right medication for you. You will also learn how to get compassionate and effective treatment for prescription drug misuse.

What Is Lexapro?

Lexapro, also known by its generic name escitalopram, is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). SSRIs work by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that helps regulate mood, sleep, and overall emotional well-being. When someone has depression or anxiety, their brain may not have enough serotonin. Lexapro helps to restore balance, which can improve mood and reduce episodes of anxiety.

Lexapro is commonly prescribed for treating mental health conditions, but it’s not a cure. Instead, it helps manage symptoms so people can feel better and function more easily in their daily lives. However, like most antidepressants, it takes time to start working, and the full benefits aren’t felt right away.

The Common Uses of Lexapro

Lexapro is most often used to treat two main conditions: depression and anxiety disorders:

• MDD (major depressive disorder): People with MDD experience ongoing sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Lexapro can help by improving mood and energy levels, making it easier to engage in daily life.
• GAD (generalized anxiety disorder): GAD is a condition where someone feels excessive worry or fear about everyday situations. Lexapro works by reducing the overwhelming feelings of anxiety, allowing people to feel calmer and more in control.

 Although these are the most common uses, doctors may also prescribe Lexapro for other mental health conditions. Sometimes it is used off-label for conditions like OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder. While it’s not officially approved for these uses by the FDA, studies suggest it may help some people manage their symptoms. [1]

How Long Does Lexapro Take to Work?

“When does Lexapro start working” is a question often asked by those prescribed this medication. It varies from person to person, but it takes 1 to 2 weeks to feel some early changes, with the full effects taking 4 to 6 weeks or more to kick in. 

In the first few weeks of taking Lexapro, you may notice small changes. Some people report improvements in their energy levels, sleep patterns, or appetite before they feel a shift in their mood or anxiety. This is because your brain is slowly adjusting to the increased serotonin. While these early changes are positive, it may take more time for the deeper symptoms of depression or anxiety to improve.

After 4 to 6 weeks, most people begin to feel a more noticeable improvement in their mood and anxiety levels. During this time, you might experience: 

• A reduced sense of sadness or hopelessness
• Less anxiety or worry about everyday situations
• Increased interest in activities you enjoy
• More energy and better focus

Be patient during this time. Your body is adjusting to the medication, so it needs time to make lasting changes. Talk to your doctor if you don’t feel much improvement after 6 weeks. They may need to adjust your dose or explore other treatment options.

Although Lexapro starts working in your brain shortly after the first dose, the therapeutic benefits take time to build up. This is because your brain and body need time to adjust to the increased serotonin levels. Gradually, your mood and anxiety improve as your brain chemistry becomes more balanced.

Everyone’s body is different, so your experience with Lexapro might not be the same as someone else’s. If you’re concerned about how long does it take for Lexapro to kick in, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider. They can give you guidance and support during this period. 

Does Lexapro Work Immediately?

Lexapro does not work immediately. While some medications might provide fast relief, Lexapro is not one of them. Lexapro, like many antidepressants, requires time to build up in your system and start making noticeable changes in your mood or anxiety levels.

Most people will not feel immediate effects after taking their first dose. You may experience small changes in your energy, sleep, or appetite within the first 1 to 2 weeks. It usually takes a few weeks for Lexapro to begin addressing the core symptoms of depression or anxiety. This slow start can be frustrating but keep taking the medication as prescribed and stay in communication with your doctor. Stopping too early can prevent you from seeing the full benefits of the treatment.

How Long Does It Take for Lexapro to Work for Anxiety?

Lexapro is widely used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, and like with depression, the medication doesn’t work instantly. It can take some time for Lexapro to relieve symptoms of anxiety. For most people, noticeable improvements begin around 1 to 2 weeks after starting the medication. However, the full effect of the treatment often takes 4 to 6 weeks – and sometimes even longer.

In the early stages of treatment, some people may feel calmer or less anxious, as Lexapro is gradually working to balance the chemicals in your brain. You might not see the complete benefit right away. By the 4-week mark, many people report reduced anxiety, fewer panic attacks, and less worry in day-to-day life.

Here’s a rough timeline for how Lexapro works for anxiety:

• First week or two: You might experience mild improvements in your sleep or energy. Your anxiety may begin to ease slightly, but it’s still early.
• 4 to 6 weeks: By this time, most people start noticing a real reduction in anxiety symptoms. You may feel calmer, less tense, and more able to cope with stressful situations.
• Beyond 6 weeks: If your dose is right, your anxiety should continue to improve, and you’ll likely feel more in control. If you don’t notice changes, check with your doctor to ensure the medication and dosage are right.

Stay consistent with your treatment and give the medication time to work. If you feel your anxiety isn’t improving after 6 to 8 weeks, or if symptoms worsen, talk to your healthcare provider. Sometimes, adjustments to the dosage or a combination with other therapies can help.

How Long Does It Take for Lexapro to Work for Depression?

For people taking Lexapro to treat major depressive disorder, the timeline for when the medication starts working is similar to how it works for anxiety. You likely won’t feel immediate relief after starting Lexapro, but early signs that it’s beginning to help may appear within 1 to 2 weeks.

Some early effects could include:

• Improved energy levels
• Better sleep patterns
• A slight reduction in negative thinking

However, for most people, the full antidepressant effects of Lexapro take about 4 to 6 weeks to become noticeable. During this time, you may feel less sadness, more interest in activities you once enjoyed, and an improved ability to cope with daily life.

• First 1 to 2 weeks: Early physical changes may occur, such as better sleep or more energy. That said, it’s unlikely you’ll see a big improvement in mood right away.
• 4 to 6 weeks: By this point, most people begin to feel a noticeable lift in their mood. Sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in activities may start to fade. You may feel more motivated and find more pleasure in your daily life.
• Beyond 6 weeks: If your body has adjusted well to the medication, you should see the full benefits, including a more stable mood and less depressive thinking. If symptoms remain unchanged after 6 to 8 weeks, talk with your doctor about whether the medication is right for you.

Everyone’s response to Lexapro can vary, so give the medication time to start working. Depression is a complex condition, and finding the right treatment often takes some patience. Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider will help track your progress and make any needed adjustments to your treatment plan.

5 Signs Your Lexapro Is Working

When you start taking Lexapro, it can be hard to tell if it’s working right away since the medication takes time to build up in your system. While everyone’s experience is different, here are five common ways to know the medication is starting to make a difference:

1. Improved mood: One of the clearest signs that Lexapro is working is an improvement in your overall mood. You may notice that feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability have lessened. You might begin to feel more positive and have a brighter outlook on life.
2. Reduced anxiety or worry: If you’re taking Lexapro for anxiety, one of the first things you might notice is that you’re feeling less anxious. Situations that used to cause you a lot of stress or worry may seem more manageable. You may feel calmer and more relaxed in everyday situations.
3. Increased energy: Depression and anxiety can drain your energy, making it hard to get out of bed or stay focused during the day. As Lexapro begins to work, you may find that you have more energy to complete tasks and engage in activities you once enjoyed.
4. Better sleep patterns: Many people with depression or anxiety struggle with poor sleep. Whether it’s trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, Lexapro can help regulate your sleep patterns. If you’re sleeping better and feeling more rested, it’s a good sign the medication is starting to work.
5. Interest in activities: Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed is a common symptom of depression. A key sign that Lexapro is working is when you start to regain interest in hobbies, socializing, or other things you used to find pleasurable.

If you notice these changes after taking Lexapro for a few weeks, it’s a positive sign that the medication is working. However, if you haven’t noticed improvements after 6 to 8 weeks, consult your doctor about adjusting your dose or trying a different treatment. 

When Do the Effects of Lexapro Wear Off?

Once Lexapro starts working, many people wonder how long its effects will last. Lexapro has a long half-life [2], meaning it stays in your system for quite some time after your last dose. It takes 1 to 2 days for the medication to start wearing off after you stop taking it, but this can vary depending on your metabolism, dose, and how long you’ve been using it.

However, just because Lexapro is still in your system doesn’t mean you’ll continue feeling its effects. For most people, the symptoms of depression or anxiety may start to return a few days to a week after stopping the medication. This is why it’s preferable to not stop taking Lexapro suddenly. Quitting the medication without tapering off can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, or irritability.

If you feel like Lexapro isn’t working as well as it used to or you want to stop taking it, always consult your doctor first. They can guide you through the best way to safely taper off the medication [3] to avoid unwanted side effects.

Risks of Lexapro

Like all medications, Lexapro can cause side effects in some people. Most side effects are mild and go away, but some may require medical attention.

Some common risks include:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness or insomnia
• Sexual side effects – decreased sex drive or difficulty achieving orgasm

These side effects usually improve as your body adjusts to the medication, and you should talk to your doctor if they don’t. In some cases, altering the dose or switching medications can help.

Another important risk to consider is serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can occur if too much serotonin builds up in your brain. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and muscle stiffness. This is more likely to happen if you are taking other medications that increase serotonin, such as certain pain medications, migraine drugs, or supplements like St. John’s Wort.

Severe Side Effects of Lexapro

While most side effects of Lexapro are mild, some more serious side effects need immediate attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away: 

• Suicidal thoughts or worsening depression: Some people, especially young adults, may experience increased thoughts of suicide when first starting Lexapro [4]. If this happens, seek help immediately.
• Severe allergic reactions: Symptoms like swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, as well as difficulty breathing, may indicate a severe allergic reaction and require urgent medical care.
• Serotonin syndrome: As outlined above, this is a potentially dangerous condition that can happen if too much serotonin builds up in your system. It requires immediate treatment.
• Severe mood swings or mania: In some cases, people with bipolar disorder may experience a switch from depression to mania when taking Lexapro.

Seek medical advice if these severe side effects occur when you take Lexapro.

Interactions With Alcohol & Other Medications

Be cautious about mixing Lexapro with other substances. Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of Lexapro, which may lead to dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired motor skills. Drinking alcohol while on Lexapro can also worsen depression or anxiety symptoms, which defeats the purpose of the medication.

Lexapro can also interact with other medications. For example, mixing Lexapro with other antidepressants that affect serotonin levels can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Additionally, pain medications, migraine treatments, or even over-the-counter supplements may interfere with Lexapro. Always tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you take to avoid harmful interactions.

Is Lexapro Addictive?

Lexapro is not considered addictive in the way that drugs like opioids or alcohol are. It does not cause cravings or the high feeling that leads to addiction. However, that doesn’t mean you can stop taking it abruptly. If you’ve been on Lexapro for a while and suddenly stop, you could experience withdrawal symptoms, such as dizziness, irritability, or mood swings. This is why doctors recommend tapering off the medication slowly rather than stopping it all at once.

While Lexapro doesn’t cause physical addiction, your body can become dependent on it to regulate your serotonin levels. This is why you must follow your doctor’s advice. If you feel like Lexapro isn’t working for you or you want to stop taking it, talk to your healthcare provider first to avoid unwanted side effects.

Get Your Life Back on Track with Compassionate Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

If you need to recalibrate your life from prescription drug misuse, we can help you at Renaissance Recovery in California and Florida. We treat addictions and mental health conditions in an outpatient setting, providing the most flexible and affordable path to sustained recovery. 

Every addiction is different, so we personalize treatment plans at our luxury beachside facilities. Therapies include:

• Counseling
• Holistic treatments
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Talk therapies
• Motivational therapies
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Aftercare

Begin your recovery from Lexapro misuse by calling 866-330-9449.

Sources

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26971233/

[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17375980

[3] https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/how-to-taper-off-your-antidepressant

[4] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/medguide.cfm?setid=13bb8267-1cab-43e5-acae-55a4d957630a