How Long Does It Take For Lexapro To Reach Full Effect?
Our resident clinical psychologists offer replies to reader questions submitted anonymously to Ask the Psychologist.
Reader’s Question
I began taking Lexapro (10 mg) one week ago for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression. It seems to have helped a bit with the anxiety, but how long (generally) does it take for the full effect to be achieved?
Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply
Like all antidepressant medications, you should begin to experience some relief of symptoms within the first two weeks. Maximum benefit is experienced about four to six weeks based on current studies. Standard practice is to continue the medication for many months, even when symptoms have been improved. This is related to the fact that depression destroys your self-esteem and self-confidence so the additional time on the medication allows repair of those important aspects of your personality.
Other questions answered by Dr Joseph M Carver, PhD
This article was last reviewed by Dr Greg Mulhauser, Managing Editor on Monday, 11th August 2008.
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