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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Increase In Dosage Of Escitalopram Takes 5 Weeks To Show Effect?

My father is taking escitalopram, 10 mg. for 14 months. It was just increased a week or two ago to 20 mg. Does an increase take 5 weeks to take effect just like the initial startup? He is extremely depressed. He sleeps most of the day and night and lately is missing two of 3 meals a day. He lost his wife of 65 years 15 months ago. Every day when I visit I find him slumped over in his chair, sometimes with his face in his hands. He also takes Primidone, Atenolol, Tamsulosin, Xarelto, Vit. D3-50, and maybe Furosemide though I thought that was to be temporary. He is 92 y.o. Thank you!
Wed, 18 Jul 2018
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Neurologist 's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

As you seem to know escitalopram effect may need some time. Times vary from one patient to the other, 5-6 weeks is the maximum time, in some may happen already in the first few weeks. An increase in dosage as well needs some time to judge its efficacy, may not work right away. However not as long as 5 weeks, some benefits should be visible after a couple of weeks. If nothing has changed after two weeks then I don't think there is much hope for improvement and I would consider another antidepressant.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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Does Increase In Dosage Of Escitalopram Takes 5 Weeks To Show Effect?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. As you seem to know escitalopram effect may need some time. Times vary from one patient to the other, 5-6 weeks is the maximum time, in some may happen already in the first few weeks. An increase in dosage as well needs some time to judge its efficacy, may not work right away. However not as long as 5 weeks, some benefits should be visible after a couple of weeks. If nothing has changed after two weeks then I don t think there is much hope for improvement and I would consider another antidepressant. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.