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Is Lexapro Effective In Treatment Of Depression?

I am 2 weeks into opiate withdrawal syndrome. Tapered off tramadol after using it for 6 years at 240, .5ml a month. Felt severely depressed now for about 4 days and even had suicidal thoughts. Told my dr. And he prescribed me lexapro. Will this help with the withdrawl depression?
Mon, 11 Aug 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

I appreciate your efforts in quitting opiates and starting treatment. Now, such depressive symptoms can be part of the opiate withdrawal syndrome.

Lexapro is an SSRI medication called Escitalopram. It is an effective anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication. Since your depressive symptoms seem to be related to the opiate withdrawal, Lexapro can certainly help you overcome these symptoms. But usually, it may take about a week or two for the full effects of the medication to kick in. So, you'll have to be patient till then.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist
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Is Lexapro Effective In Treatment Of Depression?

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. I appreciate your efforts in quitting opiates and starting treatment. Now, such depressive symptoms can be part of the opiate withdrawal syndrome. Lexapro is an SSRI medication called Escitalopram. It is an effective anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medication. Since your depressive symptoms seem to be related to the opiate withdrawal, Lexapro can certainly help you overcome these symptoms. But usually, it may take about a week or two for the full effects of the medication to kick in. So, you ll have to be patient till then. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.) Consultant Psychiatrist