I've been in Escitalopram for 5 days for anxiety. I tried Sertraline before but had bad side effects. I understand Escitalopram can take a few weeks. It's just the side effects are causing me to feel so tired, sick, even more anxious and completely detched from everything. I have a job am a mother and desperately want to get past this, at the moment I'm signed off work. Any ideas how long side effects last or when the medication benefits will kick in? Thank you so much
How long does Escitalopram take to work?
Question posted by ELS20 on 26 May 2015
Last updated on 1 June 2015
Answers
LaurieShay
26 May 2015
Escitalopram is one of the quicker acting antidepressants so you should begin to notice a reduction in anxiety within the first couple of weeks of taking it. What you are experiencing are normal side effects and will get better if you give it time. You'll gradually feel better over the next few weeks and the medication will reach its peak effects around one month.
ELS20
26 May 2015
Thank you LaurieShay that has helped me feel more positive!
ELS20
26 May 2015
Hi again LaurieShay, I forgot to say I'm on 5mg per day of the Escitalopram. Is this dose high enough to give benefits as I've seen many people say they are on 10mg? I feel so awful with these side effects, worse than I did before I took the medication and just need to know it'll get better. Thank you
LaurieShay
30 May 2015
5 mgs is a starting dose of escitalopram. Therapeutic levels for most people range from 10mgs to 20mgs. After you have gotten use to the med the doctor may increase. It takes a couple of weeks to adjust to the medication, but you should be gradually feeling better.
ELS20
1 June 2015
Thank you so much
Related topics
anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, escitalopram, side effect, anxiety and stress
Further information
- Escitalopram uses and safety info
- Escitalopram prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Escitalopram (detailed)
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