how long?

[dreambrother]

so i quit lexapro cold turkey a month and a half ago,felt ok at first then go depressed,and very anxious.So i started back on lexapro 4 days ago 5mgs.anyone have a clue or idea when it really starts to work?thanks!
God bless

[MomeenKhan]

Dear, escitalopram is a very bad drug of its kind. Never try to quit it cold turkey. Try to reduce ur dose after every 10 days e.g if u r taking 10 mg, after 10 days reduce it to 7.5 mg then to 5mg, 2.5mg and then one day take 2.5mg and two days off. U can quit it like that. The withdrawal symptoms would start after 2 weeks of reducing it but don't be dishearted. Have faith in GOD Almighty. After 6 weeks of ur last dose u will start feeling better. Its been my fourth week of quitting completely. I suffered alot from the last 4 months. Hope for the best. These medicines r not the solution. Try to change ur life style, do regular exercise, talk alot to ur friends and family. Try not to be alone for a long time. Enjoy nature. Inform ur friends about ur problems and feelings and that way, ur will feel better. May ALLAH Almighty help u and shower His blessings on u.

[dreambrother]

thanks guys,i quit cause I thought it would make me feel better. I did at fiest but now i've gotten depressed and lots on anxiety.

[Heather3418]

I never heard of Leapro being taken in such a small dose.  Usually the starting dose is 10mg. working up to 20 mgs.  As Michael said, it takes several weeks for the benefits of Lexapro to be realized.  Try to hang on.  Hopefully since going back on Lexapro, you will start feeling the benefits soon.

I wouldn't recommend stopping Lexapro abruptly again without notifying your doctor.  That way he can take you off the drug safely with no side-effects, if you choose to discontinue it.  Better to be safe than feel like crud.  If Lexapro works well for you, I would see no reason to stop taking it, since obviously you have symptoms of anxiety and depression when you are not on it.

Hope you feel better soon.

Best Wishes,
Heather  

[Jikan]

Namaste

Lexapro is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression or anxiety.

Lexapro is used to treat anxiety and major depressive disorder.

Like most SSRI's it usually takes several weeks(up to six) to realize the full benefits of the medication.

You mentioned that you stopped taking Lexapro a month and one half ago, but didn't indicate why and whether it was under the direction of a doctor.

Hang in there until the medication can take effect.

Hope the best for you. God Luck!

Michael(Jikan)