Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Long Does Lexapro Take To Show Effect?
Question: My daughter has recently been prescribed Lexapro. She has been taking it for about 2 weeks now, and i understand it takes time to work, but she had 3 great days in a row a few days ago and now is just as bad as ever. Is this typical behavior as the drug begins to take effect? She was so excited to be finally feeling better and now is even more depressed and anxious because of this. Any comments appreciated.
Brief Answer:
It was most likely placebo effect
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
First of all yes the drug may act in similar way and even a brief positive response initially predicts positive response over time. As per my personal experience almost half of patients with Lexapro show fluctuating response particularly during the first month.
If we go for the underlying reason for this I feel the three days of good response in less than two weeks time was a placebo response rather than a true drug effect. Research has clearly shown that early response is placebo response which lasts for a shorter time and than disappears to reappear on appropriate time. This is evident from great response as lexapro shows gradual response rather than acute response..
My message to your daughter- Although it was placebo response but it indicates that there is potential for true response. There is great hope over time from lexapro in your case.
I hope this helps you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
It was most likely placebo effect
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
First of all yes the drug may act in similar way and even a brief positive response initially predicts positive response over time. As per my personal experience almost half of patients with Lexapro show fluctuating response particularly during the first month.
If we go for the underlying reason for this I feel the three days of good response in less than two weeks time was a placebo response rather than a true drug effect. Research has clearly shown that early response is placebo response which lasts for a shorter time and than disappears to reappear on appropriate time. This is evident from great response as lexapro shows gradual response rather than acute response..
My message to your daughter- Although it was placebo response but it indicates that there is potential for true response. There is great hope over time from lexapro in your case.
I hope this helps you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
