Clicky

How Long Does Lexapro Take To Work?

pharmacist telling info to patient at pharmacy
If you are considering taking Lexapro for your depression or anxiety disorder, you might be wondering: how long does it take for Lexapro to work?

Share This Post

What is Lexapro | Treatments Options | How Does it Work | How Long Does it Take to Work | Side Effects

Lexapro is one of the most popular antidepressants on the market thanks to its comparatively low risk of side effects and high rate of effectiveness.

If you are considering taking Lexapro for your depression or anxiety disorder, you might be wondering: how long does it take for Lexapro to work?

What is Lexapro?

Lexapro is a brand name prescription medication that is also sold under the generic name escitalopram.

The medication belongs to a type of antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which were first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1986; Lexapro received approval in 2002.

lexapro pills

Other common SSRIs include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram oxalate (Cipralex), sertraline (Zoloft), and fluoxetine (Prozac).

Lexapro is commonly used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder in adults and is only the second antidepressant in the United States to be approved for the treatment of MDD in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17.

How does Lexapro work?

SSRIs like Lexapro help to treat depression and anxiety by acting on the chemistry of the brain.

The medications block some of the reabsorption of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that delivers messages between the brain cells.

Blocking the reabsorption of serotonin helps to increase the levels of the neurotransmitter in the brain, helping the brain cells to receive messages more quickly.

While researchers aren’t sure exactly how this correlates to improved symptoms of depression and anxiety, it is common for people using Lexapro to treat their conditions to experience a lifted mood, regain interest in old hobbies that they once enjoyed, and feel the physical symptoms of depression diminish.

YouTube player

How long does it take for Lexapro to work?

Like other drugs in its class, Lexapro acts on the chemistry of the brain and increases the amount of neurotransmitters, including serotonin.

This is a slow process, so Lexapro works slowly compared to other medications.

Patients who are using Lexapro to treat mental health conditions like depression and anxiety should not expect the medication to start working right away.

Lexapro typically starts to improve the physical symptoms of depression first, so you might notice a difference in your sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels after about one to two weeks.

This is a good sign that the medication is working, but you likely will not notice a significant change in your mood and emotional symptoms until you’ve been taking Lexapro regularly for four to six weeks.

Because many of the symptoms associated with anxiety are physical, patients who use Lexapro for anxiety are likely to experience the quickest reduction in symptoms.

Patients using the medication to treat depression may take longer to notice improvement in symptoms like depressed mood and a lack of interest in activities that they used to enjoy.

What are some common side effects of Lexapro?

Lexapro is generally better tolerated than other antidepressants in its class, so the side effects associated with Lexapro may be less than the side effects associated with other antidepressants.

However, some people tolerate Lexapro better than others.

The side effects of Lexapro are slightly different for children and adults.

Common side effects of Lexapro use in adults include:

  • Weight gain
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Weakness
  • Dry mouth
  • Infection
  • Unusual changes in sex drive and other sexual issues like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation 
  • Shaking
  • Sweating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sleepiness, sleep disturbances or drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Constipation
  • Yawning

Children, adolescents, teenagers, and young adults may experience the same possible side effects listed above for adults, but may also experience symptoms including:

  • Trouble urinating
  • Slowed growth and weight change or weight loss
  • Increased thirst
  • Abnormal increase in muscle movement or agitation
  • Nosebleeds
  • Heavy menstrual periods
  • Suicidal thoughts

Lexapro is also associated with rare but serious side effects, including severe allergic reaction, extremely high blood pressure, seizures or convulsions, low salt levels, serotonin syndrome, manic episodes, and vision problems.

If you experience any side effects that are severe or feel life threatening, seek medical attention immediately.

If you experience any of these side effects, please get medical attention immediately.

Generic for Lexapro | Hims
9.5/10Our Score

Getting psychiatric care for anxiety and depression has never been simpler.

Consult with a licensed healthcare provider to determine whether a medication like sertraline could be right for you.

Starting at $49/mo.

Generic for Lexapro | Hers
9.5/10Our Score

Getting psychiatric care for anxiety and depression has never been more convenient.

Consult with a healthcare provider through our platform to determine whether a medication like fluoxetine could be right for you.

Starting at $49/mo

Summary

Most people will take four to six weeks to experience the full effects of Lexapro as it works on the brain.

Physical symptoms associated with depression and anxiety may begin to improve in as little as one to two weeks, while mood-related symptoms take longer to resolve.

Certain drugs are at an increased risk of adverse drug interactions such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

If you suffer from major depressive disorder, panic disorders including panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or bipolar disorder, you may benefit from Lexapro.

Seek medical advice from your healthcare provider to determine whether Lexapro is right for you.

References, Studies and Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-63990/lexapro-oral/details

https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Escitalopram-(Lexapro)

https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/lexapro-side-effects

We are committed to providing our readers with only trusted resources and science-based studies with regards to medication and health information. 

Disclaimer: This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. If you suspect medical problems or need medical help or advice, please talk with your healthcare professional.

Share This Post

Pharmacists.org Discount Club

Get Started for $1.

  • Cheapest cash pay option at your retail pharmacy
  • 1,000s of drugs below $10.00 that can beat your co-pay
  • Start for $1 for your first month. Cancel anytime. 
  • Tell us your meds, we tell you the cheapest options.

Popular Destinations

Recent Articles

Cerebral Review: Online Depression & Anxiety Treatment

Today, we’re deep diving with a Cerebral review to give you some insider info to help you narrow down your choices.


We review and include products we think are useful for our community. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission. For more info, please read our ad policy, content principles and vetting policy.

Read More »

Can You Use Gabapentin For Anxiety?

While Neurontin is the most common brand name for gabapentin, other forms (such as Horizant and Gralise) may be prescribed depending on the specific condition it is being used to treat. Gabapentin has also been shown to help people with insomnia, as difficulty falling or staying asleep is another symptom of chronic anxiety.

Read More »

What is Zoloft?

If you have been recently diagnosed with depression and are given Zoloft, you may want to know how the medication works, what common side effects are, and any risks associated with taking it. Read on to find out these details. 

Read More »

Share On:

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates and learn from the best

More To Explore

Cerebral Review: Online Depression & Anxiety Treatment

Today, we’re deep diving with a Cerebral review to give you some insider info to help you narrow down your choices.

We review and include

What are the signs of Depression?

In this article, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of depression as well as some treatment options for this condition.

Can You Use Gabapentin For Anxiety?

While Neurontin is the most common brand name for gabapentin, other forms (such as Horizant and Gralise) may be prescribed depending on the specific

Zoloft and Weight Loss: Everything You Need To Know

When it comes to Zoloft and weight loss, here’s everything you need to know.

What is Zoloft?

If you have been recently diagnosed with depression and are given Zoloft, you may want to know how the medication works, what common side

What is Venlafaxine HCL ER?

The prescription drug belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (SNRIs), which are commonly used to treat mental

Using Prozac With Alcohol: What Are the Risks?

Prozac can be used to treat many different mental health conditions, is associated with a relatively low risk of side effects, and causes the

How Long Does Clonazepam Stay in Your System?

This fast-acting medication is known for being effective at panic attacks, but how long does clonazepam stay in your system?

What is Sertraline and What are the Side Effects?

Sertraline is the generic form of Zoloft, a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs like

Turn On, Tune In, and…. Heal Your Brain? Psychedelics Return as Potential Therapy for Mental Health Disorders

Before they fell out of favor over half a century ago, psychedelic drugs, like psilocybin and LSD, were studied for various psychiatric diseases such

How Long Does Alprazolam Stay in Your System?

Alprazolam is a fast-acting medication, but exactly how long alprazolam stays in your body varies tremendously based on the form of the medication taken,

Paxil vs Zoloft: Differences, Similarities and Which is Better

When it comes to Paxil vs. Zoloft, which is better?

A Supplement for Stress? The Science Behind Adaptogens

Stress is part of all our lives. Adaptogens are a group of herbal supplements studied throughout history as a way to improve the body’s

Does Buspirone Cause Weight Gain?

Many antidepressants can cause weight gain as a side effect. Buspirone may cause an altered appetite as a side effect, which can lead to

Duloxetine Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Duloxetine withdrawal is very common and well documented, affecting nearly half of all patients. Common withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, headaches, and nausea, and symptoms

Cymbalta vs. Prozac: Comparison Guide

Cymbalta and Prozac are commonly prescribed medications to treat mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder. The medications are similarly effective, although one

How Long Does Ativan Stay in Your System?

If you use Ativan to manage your health but are curious about how long Ativan lasts in your system, we have all the information

Why is Mental Health Important?

As the saying goes, “There is no health without mental health,” but why is mental health so important? The reality is that although we

What is BuSpar? Uses, Costs, Benefits, and Doses

If you’re one of 40 million American adults suffering from an anxiety disorder or experiencing symptoms of anxiety, you might think that your battle

What are Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics? 

Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics have been shown to prevent psychosis relapse in patients with schizophrenia. To combat poor medication adherence, LAIs are a great