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How Long Does Lexapro Take To Be Effective As Anti-OCD Medicine?
Question: Hi,
I am on Klonopin 3 mg, Lexapro 10 mg, Keppra 1000mg and Solian (amisulpride) 100 mg.
I am on Lexapro 10 mg since one week and i was before during several weeks on Lexapro 5 mg. I am waiting now for antiOCD effect of Lexapro. I've been told here in HCM that it takes 1-2 weeks to Lexapro to show antiOCD effects and 4 weeks to show full effects, but i would like to know if this timetable is the same or it can vary since i was before on Lexapro 5 mg and at the same time i am intermediate metabolizer for cyp2D6 and cyp2c19. I am talking about antiOCD effects and not about antidepressant or antianxiety effects.
Thanks,
XXXX
I am on Klonopin 3 mg, Lexapro 10 mg, Keppra 1000mg and Solian (amisulpride) 100 mg.
I am on Lexapro 10 mg since one week and i was before during several weeks on Lexapro 5 mg. I am waiting now for antiOCD effect of Lexapro. I've been told here in HCM that it takes 1-2 weeks to Lexapro to show antiOCD effects and 4 weeks to show full effects, but i would like to know if this timetable is the same or it can vary since i was before on Lexapro 5 mg and at the same time i am intermediate metabolizer for cyp2D6 and cyp2c19. I am talking about antiOCD effects and not about antidepressant or antianxiety effects.
Thanks,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
It would be almost same though I can't quote any studies
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking again from HCM for your health related queries
I can understand your concern. If we consider the mechanism of action then Escitalopram is a SSRI drug. The drug acts by improving the serotonergic neurotransmission.
In the same manner if we consider the psychopathology of OCD then deficient neurotransmission is considered as main reason behind the symptoms. Neurotransmission of serotonin and nor-epinephrine is deficient. You have been taking the drug in 5 mg doses and the dose has been increased recently only. So the effects of drug will be seen like its normal action. In most cases the drug start showing its effects in about 4 weeks. Minor variations can occur due to individuals metabolism. You are an IM of the cytochrome enzyme and this may change the dose of the drug but onset of action would not be effected. Thought this is based upon my clinical knowledge only and I was not able to find no supportive studies for that. So remain relaxed, the drug will control your symptoms in some time and the metabolism status will not effect its full effects.
Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again.
It would be almost same though I can't quote any studies
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking again from HCM for your health related queries
I can understand your concern. If we consider the mechanism of action then Escitalopram is a SSRI drug. The drug acts by improving the serotonergic neurotransmission.
In the same manner if we consider the psychopathology of OCD then deficient neurotransmission is considered as main reason behind the symptoms. Neurotransmission of serotonin and nor-epinephrine is deficient. You have been taking the drug in 5 mg doses and the dose has been increased recently only. So the effects of drug will be seen like its normal action. In most cases the drug start showing its effects in about 4 weeks. Minor variations can occur due to individuals metabolism. You are an IM of the cytochrome enzyme and this may change the dose of the drug but onset of action would not be effected. Thought this is based upon my clinical knowledge only and I was not able to find no supportive studies for that. So remain relaxed, the drug will control your symptoms in some time and the metabolism status will not effect its full effects.
Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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