Brief Answer:
It takes two weeks after every dose increment.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,

Thanks for writing to us,

Paroxetine (pexep) that is used for management of OCD usually takes at least two weeks to start showing response. The response usually improves with regular medication with better improvement after one month and increases further in subsequent weeks in many patients. If there is absolutely no response in a month then the doseage may be increased. Each time the dose is increased one may have to wait for two weeks for improvement to occur. So when the maximum dose is used for at least two weeks one may conclude that another medication maybe required. Paroxetine can be increased upto 40-60 mg per day if there is no response.

So you will require regular follow ups every month or every two weeks depending on your psychiatrist.

Hope this helps you,
Dr A Rao

---

Brief Answer:
Response seen by 3-4 weeks.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,

Usually, patients start showing good response in 3-4 weeks. In most cases, if the drug shows no improvement at all for 3 months or longer then it may be changed to another drug. This is seen in most cases, but there can always be varied responses in different cases.

Hope this answers your query.
Any doubts are welcome.

Dr A Rao

---

Brief Answer:
at least an year

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

After the symptoms subside the drug has to be continued at least for a year to minimize the risk of relapse. It may vary from person to person depending on how they respond to medication. There is no such thing as a typical duration of treatment. Maximum duration depends on the treating doctor at times on his/her evaluation and opinion. But minimum duration is one year after symptoms subside.

Hope this helps you.
Dr A Rao

---