I started Escitalopram for the first time 8 years ago...first month was difficult but then started working and I got better. After 3 years or so I got off and was fine for close to 6 months. Started it again, got better and after some time got off again. I think this was repeated 3 times. Now last time I started was 2.5 months ago (10 mg and increased to 20 mg), however it doesn't seem to be working anymore. Recently I read that getting off it and starting it again increased the chance to not work and probably.

Can it happen that it needs more time to work? If not, what would be an alternative to Escitalopram that I can ask the doctor to prescribe (I don't trust much the doctors here, but on the other hand it's good that they can prescribe what you ask).