How long does it take for lexapro to start working after increasing the dose?

Thanks for your prompt reply pledge, . Does it take approx 4-6 weeks for each dose increase to reach therapeutic level, which would mean I would be best waiting another 2 weeks to see if the 20 mg kicks in (6 weeks in total ), I would appreciate any thoughts you might have on this .

Dosage increases don't usually take as long to be effective as initial therapy on an antidepressant. You might consider adding Wellbutrin or Abilify to your regimen.

No Samijoe. The drug is in your system and does not require another say, 4 weeks period of time to reach the theraputic level. My own opinion, I would ask for another antidepressant. Down side would be side effects to taking a new drug and the taper that will likely be used to ween off from the Lexapro.

Thanks for all your comments, ill make an appointment with my doctor tomorrow,
Thanks again guys it was great to get someone else's opinion as I dont speak to my friends or family about my depression, no one knows I have this illness except my husband .

You are most welcome samijoe. I certainly hope you do get to feeling better soon. Have a great week.

Hi Samijoe,

It's been over a year since you posted this. I'm going thought the same things and looking for encouragement. If you're still receiving these, how did you end up? Did the Lexapro ever work or did you have to switch? If so, what did you switch to and how is it working? Thanks

Thank you so much for responding to me. I really needed some input. I suspect you of all people know how desperate this can feel. Can you please answer a few more questions for me?

Is the Lexapro working well for you now?

How long did it take to take effect after your last dosage increase?

What dosage did you end up on?

How much xanax did you take everyday and how long did you have to do that?

Do you think I could give the lexapro more time? Tomorrow marks my fourth week at 20 milligrams after six week at 10 milligrams. I was going to call my doctor appt for a change tomorrow. But maybe it would be better for me to wait a while longer.

Thank you so much again in advance for answer my questions. I'm really not feeling too well. I could use your kind input.

Hi j470 how are you feeling today ?

Not too well. Thanks for asking. My pharmacist convinced me to take my extended release Xanax last night and every night for a while. I'm feeling exhausted and very down. It's hard to make it through meetings at work. I get so confused. I don't if I should be toughing it out or asking for a change. I can't stand the thought of starting over again so I hope this starts working soon. I can't stand the thought of continuing like this either.

Thank you for checking on me. Again, very kind.

How are you feeling?

It must be so tough getting through the meetings at work... Could you sign off sick for a while ? It was all I could do to get my kids out to school and do their homework and get their dinner in the evening . My concentration was so bad and my brain felt foggy I couldn't even read a newspaper . But I came out the other end and you will too. .. The Xanax is a great idea .. It really helped me to to cope when I was feeling really bad . ... I kept the dose low and had no problem at all when I stopped taking it ( I took it a couple of times a week for 6 months ) Is their any chance you could take some time off work I really think it would take the pressure of you . You could then just concentrate on getting yourself better . Lexapro is working fine for me now. It took months but the important thing is my concentration and cognitive functions are all pretty good again and I'm feeling good ... You will be too ... I gave up on lexapro many times before as I felt it wasn't working but I'm so glad I stuck it out this time ..