Suggest Dosage For Lexapro

Posted on Wed, 6 May 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 6 May 2015 Answered on

Tue, 26 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My doctor prescribed Lexapro which I am about to take my first dose. However, I forgot to ask her if I need to wait a certain time before taking since I stopped taking a low dose of Amitriptyline on Friday. I was on 2.5 mg of Amitriptyline for 4 days (last dose on Friday evening) and am prescribed 5 mg of Lexapro. Is it safe for me to start the Lexapro tonight or do I need to wait longer?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes,it is safe.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query.

You can start the new treatment tonight.Since you have taken a low dose of Amitriptyline on Friday, the major part of the drug is already out of the system.
The recommendations are to wait 2-4 days after stopping Amitryptiline to start another antidepressant.

So you can start the treatment tonight.It won't cause any problem at all.

I hope it helps.
Feel free to ask if you have any question or need any clarification.I would be happy to help.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar