Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

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!
posted on Thu, 12 Apr 2018
Twitter Sun, 15 Jul 2018 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 18 Jul 2018 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
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.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
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.