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How Long Do Psychoactive Drugs Take To Show Effect?
Question: Hi,
I am on Lexapro 5 mg, Klonopin 2 mg, Keppra 1000mg and solian (100mg, amisulpride). I was on Exitelev before (it's levetiracetam but by Sandoz, a biosimilar). It seems that there are differences between the effect of Keppra and the biosimilar, so my psychiatrist decided to give me Keppra. I've been told here that i'll see the benefits of Keppra between 2 and 4 weeks, and i am now entering the end of the week four. I see an improvement of 80 % even if some days i have some "downs". My psychiatrist told me that i have to wait one more week because Keppra has to fight (compete) in the brain with Exitelev (i was on this biosimilar for many years) and i would like to know if this coming week i can see the full effect of Keppra - and if there is a cumulative effect of this one (recovery at 100%)
Thanks beforehand XXXXXXX
I am on Lexapro 5 mg, Klonopin 2 mg, Keppra 1000mg and solian (100mg, amisulpride). I was on Exitelev before (it's levetiracetam but by Sandoz, a biosimilar). It seems that there are differences between the effect of Keppra and the biosimilar, so my psychiatrist decided to give me Keppra. I've been told here that i'll see the benefits of Keppra between 2 and 4 weeks, and i am now entering the end of the week four. I see an improvement of 80 % even if some days i have some "downs". My psychiatrist told me that i have to wait one more week because Keppra has to fight (compete) in the brain with Exitelev (i was on this biosimilar for many years) and i would like to know if this coming week i can see the full effect of Keppra - and if there is a cumulative effect of this one (recovery at 100%)
Thanks beforehand XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Yes wait for some time and you will see more improvement.
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries
I can understand your concern. If we consider the onset of effects of most of psychoactive drugs then most of drugs start showing effects in about 2-4 weeks and in some individuals the effects are even observed in 6 weeks. So no need to worry for that. You have shown about 80% of effect so no need to worry. Wait for about a week and you will see drastic improvement in your situation. I'd request you to please try to divert your attention away from the drug and effects. Just try to forget about the effects and you will see the improvement spontaneously.
Thanks, I hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.
Take care
Yes wait for some time and you will see more improvement.
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries
I can understand your concern. If we consider the onset of effects of most of psychoactive drugs then most of drugs start showing effects in about 2-4 weeks and in some individuals the effects are even observed in 6 weeks. So no need to worry for that. You have shown about 80% of effect so no need to worry. Wait for about a week and you will see drastic improvement in your situation. I'd request you to please try to divert your attention away from the drug and effects. Just try to forget about the effects and you will see the improvement spontaneously.
Thanks, I hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dear Dr. Bishnoi,
Thank you very much for your answer. I try to divert my attention but there is irritability (especially with windows of cars in the street, and "ocd like" symptom, even if it's not exactly ocd) and sometimes it's not easy to avoid.
I just would like to know if the biosimilar has to go and there is competition within this one and Keppra in my brain (as my psychiatrist told me), as far as also here Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX told me that sometimes the effect of a biosimilar and the first original medicament is not the same.
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Thank you very much for your answer. I try to divert my attention but there is irritability (especially with windows of cars in the street, and "ocd like" symptom, even if it's not exactly ocd) and sometimes it's not easy to avoid.
I just would like to know if the biosimilar has to go and there is competition within this one and Keppra in my brain (as my psychiatrist told me), as far as also here Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX told me that sometimes the effect of a biosimilar and the first original medicament is not the same.
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Yes effect of biosimilar and original medication can be different.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again XXXXXXX thanks for asking a follow up question
Yes effects of original or biosimilar or generics can be different. This occurs because of difference in manufacturing processes, difference in release, difference in onset of actions etc. So as you have not shown good response on Exitelev even then you can expect good response on Kreppa. So just wait for some more days and you will see improvement.
Thanks, Still have more doubts please ask again. Just remember try to avoid giving attention to drug and response. Your symptoms will reduce in some time. No need to worry.
Take care
Yes effect of biosimilar and original medication can be different.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again XXXXXXX thanks for asking a follow up question
Yes effects of original or biosimilar or generics can be different. This occurs because of difference in manufacturing processes, difference in release, difference in onset of actions etc. So as you have not shown good response on Exitelev even then you can expect good response on Kreppa. So just wait for some more days and you will see improvement.
Thanks, Still have more doubts please ask again. Just remember try to avoid giving attention to drug and response. Your symptoms will reduce in some time. No need to worry.
Take care
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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