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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Taking Lexapro. Cannot Sleep, Think Straight, Feel Depressed. Was Taking Effexor. Right Medication?

I am currently on 20mg Lexapro. I have been on it for a month. I cant sleep, think straight and feel depressed. I was previously on Effexor 75mg and it didn't do anything either. I don't think the Lexapro I am on is working but I don't have a clue as what I need to be on. My doctor is leaving it up to me but I don't know what to do. Help.
Thu, 7 Nov 2013
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Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

Lexapro and other SSRIs can take around six to eight weeks to show their full response. So I feel that you need to be on 20 mg Lexapro for a few more weeks to be able to say that it is not working. While 20 mg is an adequate dose for Lexapro, for Effexor the dose that you tried was just the starting dose and should have been built up to around 150 to 300 mg per day. If Lexapro shows no response even after a few more weeks, there are many strategies to augment the effect of Lexapro. Addition of bupropion, buspirone, thyroxine, lithium etc are well known measures. Psychotherapy is also a good option. Please do not worry. If you have not consulted a psychiatrist so far, then please do so as it is possible that your family physician may be finding it difficult to manage your depression now.

Hope this helps you. Best wishes.
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Taking Lexapro. Cannot Sleep, Think Straight, Feel Depressed. Was Taking Effexor. Right Medication?

Hi, Lexapro and other SSRIs can take around six to eight weeks to show their full response. So I feel that you need to be on 20 mg Lexapro for a few more weeks to be able to say that it is not working. While 20 mg is an adequate dose for Lexapro, for Effexor the dose that you tried was just the starting dose and should have been built up to around 150 to 300 mg per day. If Lexapro shows no response even after a few more weeks, there are many strategies to augment the effect of Lexapro. Addition of bupropion, buspirone, thyroxine, lithium etc are well known measures. Psychotherapy is also a good option. Please do not worry. If you have not consulted a psychiatrist so far, then please do so as it is possible that your family physician may be finding it difficult to manage your depression now. Hope this helps you. Best wishes.