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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Lexipro Lose Its Efficacy With Time?

I've been taking Lexipro (generic) for depression - 20 mg. I started with 10 mg and then went to 20 mg. I've been doing this for almost 3 years. Does the helpful effect wear off after a while? Would Cymbalta be better? I need help with the depression. Thank you!Patricia Davis
Age 83
Tue, 6 Nov 2018
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Escitalopram (Lexapro) is suitable for treatment of depression and anxiety and is the first choice for treatment of depression in older adults.

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is generally prescribed for the major depressive disorder (MDD).

SNRIs do not appear to confer any additional benefits in efficacy over single action agents (SSRIs) in the treatment of depression in the elderly.

If an inadequate response is observed, the consensus is to switch to Venlafaxine.

Your Psychiatrist will be a better judge.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas,
Internal Medicine Specialist
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Does Lexipro Lose Its Efficacy With Time?

Hi, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Escitalopram (Lexapro) is suitable for treatment of depression and anxiety and is the first choice for treatment of depression in older adults. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is generally prescribed for the major depressive disorder (MDD). SNRIs do not appear to confer any additional benefits in efficacy over single action agents (SSRIs) in the treatment of depression in the elderly. If an inadequate response is observed, the consensus is to switch to Venlafaxine. Your Psychiatrist will be a better judge. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas, Internal Medicine Specialist