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Does Intake Of Elavil Help In Treating Fear And Depression?

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Posted on Mon, 3 Oct 2016
Question: I'm suffering from fear and depression. Nurse practitioner put me on Lexapro. Feels like it isn't working and
I'm getting worse. A friend said that he was prescribed Elavil(Amitriptyline) and it worked fine for him. After a year, he was off it. Is Amitriptyline better? Lexapro takes too long it seems.
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Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

How long have you been taking Lexapro? Typically it takes 4 weeks to fully start working. You may need a higher dose, up to 20mg daily.

Elavil has many more side effects than Lexapro, including sedation, dry mouth, urinary retention, and delirium. Elavil does not work any faster than Lexapro does. Therefore I would recommend sticking with Lexapro and its class of SSRI antidepressants.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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Does Intake Of Elavil Help In Treating Fear And Depression?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. How long have you been taking Lexapro? Typically it takes 4 weeks to fully start working. You may need a higher dose, up to 20mg daily. Elavil has many more side effects than Lexapro, including sedation, dry mouth, urinary retention, and delirium. Elavil does not work any faster than Lexapro does. Therefore I would recommend sticking with Lexapro and its class of SSRI antidepressants. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.