I have been on 10mg lexapro for a little more than 4 weeks. During this time, I had grown more emotionally numb and felt much better in general (except after one night of drinking). The last couple of days, however, I have felt like myself before beginning the lexapro, getting really depressed about my ex girlfriend.

I haven't been able to see therapy for a month because I graduated from college (where I was getting therapy), and I'm waiting for an appointment I made awhile back; I'm going to call the clinic today and see if I can get my appointment moved up since it's two weeks from now.

Has anyone else had a similar outcome with lexapro or celexa (or any ssri)?

HI Doug,

It usually takes about 6-8 weeks to see how you're going to function on any AD. It is fairly common after this time to get a dose adjustment if the current dose isn't working for you. It's not a high dosage that you're on so it may indeed be that you need it put up a little but of course check with your doctor and give it another couple of weeks too in case it evens out.

PRT xx

I agree.

10 mg is probably to little to get any real effect and as you said it can take around 2 months sometimes even 3 months for cipralex to get full effect.

I noticed a difference around week 7-8. As PRT says tho, you should mention it to your doc.

I've almost through my 9th week on the same dose (10mg) of lexapro. Patience, as PRT suggested, was what I needed. In addition to this, though, I started reading a very good cognitive therapy book, which has helped me deal with depression and anxiety. At this point I wonder (though I don't worry, just curious) for how long will I be taking the lexapro. My insurance plan ends soon (I graduated from university), and my psychiatrist suggested asking my provider about getting a prescription of 90 pills, which I haven't done yet. At any rate, if I can get the additional 3 months worth of lexapro (and take them), I'll have 6.5 months worth of 10mg daily; I'll, of course, ween myself off the medication for 2-4 weeks. At any rate, my point was: I know both the lexapro and therapy are helping a lot; I feel very stable and generally happy/content; the drop-off of my anxiety is comparable to the amount of global wealth lost in the recession; but I wonder how much of the relief is due to the lexapro -- what will I feel like once I gradually stop the medication (beyond potential, short-lived anxiety from withdrawal)?

I'm glad you're feeling so much better.
The meds won't be doing all the work. They help you get to the place where you can help yourself so after being on them a while, hopefully you will have learned some better coping strategies or some more helpful thought processes so that eventually you can cope with your moods without the need for meds. Don't run before you can walk though. it took me such a long time to learn that. xx

Thanks for the reply. I can imagine myself doing the same. I am happy because I do look at things (especially myself) in a much more realistic (read positive) way. I know that I immediately felt more mellow when starting the lexapro, a feeling which has gradually waned. So, like you suggested, the lexapro clearly has an effect on me, but I'm hoping my change in disposition is more permanent (or long-lasting).