Starting Lexapro

[bhamlaxy]

Was diagnosed with panic disorder and put on Lexapro. Taking 5mg for 3 days and then 10mg. Also taking .5mg when things get tough.

I have taken 2 doses so far, both before I go to bed.

I have never had a problem with depression, except for slight depression getting fed up with persistent anxiety.

Today I feel a much stronger depression combined with the standard anxiety. I skipped some optional work functions because I didn't feel up to it and just slept through, which saddened me. I've been super sluggish all day, not wanting to do much or eating much. It's not HORRIBLE, like I haven't cried or thought of suicide. Just like being in a really really bad mood and feeling kind of hopeless.

But it is a very defined, strong depressed feeling that I have never felt before. It is persistent and almost overwhelming in the same sense that my anxiety is on a daily basis.

Now of course, having never really been on medication, and having anxiety I am terrified of side effects and constantly looking for them. And all those commercials always say "if your depression worsens, call your doctor". Even though I'm on a small dose so far, and it's only been two days, I can't figure out if this is

A. Normal depression resulting from a bad day, or just the struggle that my anxiety has been for the past month.
B. A normal side effect that will subside soon
C. A dangerous side effect that indicates I shouldn't be on the medicine.

[laurandisorder]

I did three months on Lexapro and the biggest problem that I had with it was nausea, which is why I decided to opt for a different medication after that timeframe.

Keep a journal of your symptoms and any possible side effects for your Doctor to have a look at. It does usually take a good month - at least - for any antidepressant medication to kick in properly.

Stick with it for a while.

[wanttoheal]

Always listen to your instincts. Don't doubt yourself. When taking medicine you should feel better than you did before taking it. Even small doses can cause side effects. Even though dr's are well informed, no one knows your body like you. Be your own advocate.

[alankay]

If you can, stay in the lexapro as it can make you feel funny before lowering anxiety as it did for me. All ssri's have that in common. Alankay.

[bhamlaxy]

If you can, stay in the lexapro as it can make you feel funny before lowering anxiety as it did for me. All ssri's have that in common. Alankay.
Thanks for the tips Alan.

I took my first 10mg dose last night after 4 days of 5mg. I didn't sleep very well, and I woke up this morning and instantly went into a full panic attack. I don't generally have full fledged panic attacks like this, but I do usually feel worst in the morning.

I put a call into my psychiatrist but wanted to ask here as well- Is this sort of the standard thing that I have to ride out before it gets better, or a sign that this medication isn't right for me? I do want to keep taking it but I don't want things to get worse. There's also the chance the increased anxiety is a total coincidence, or just stemming from the fact that I think the medicine could be causing it.

[JIAN LULU]

Hi there, ive been on lexapro now for. 2 years. It's been one of the best things for ME. I did however have a few issues in the first week or so when the drug is first starting to work. It takes a little while to kick in. My doctor prescribed 1/4 and then half doses for a week or so however I was having shocking headaches and not sleeping at night. Both of which I had never had a problem with. I spoke to the pharmacist, he mentioned that until your body gets the level up, which can take some time you can either put up with it or take full dose straight away. This can also pose some problems but the headaches were too much for me so I took full dose, with in a few days I was having no side effects. I have altered the time I take it too. Good luck. Be persistent, talk to your doctor, pharmacist and make sure you listen to yourself.

[bhamlaxy]

Thanks for the tips. I have definitely seen some improvement as far as side effects go. The first two nights with the full 10mg dose I slept terribly and woke up with very strong anxiety. Last night (my 3rd night with full dose) I slept normally and woke up with the usual anxiety.

[alankay]

Sometimes docs add a temp course of a benzo until the initial anxiety that can come with the ssri subsides. If it keeps up or is really bad ask about a short course(a week or two) of a benzo like klonipn, valium or tranxene(clorazepate) to help get past that part. Then taper down and end the benzo. Alankay

[bhamlaxy]

Sometimes docs add a temp course of a benzo until the initial anxiety that can come with the ssri subsides. If it keeps up or is really bad ask about a short course(a week or two) of a benzo like klonipn, valium or tranxene(clorazepate) to help get past that part. Then taper down and end the benzo. Alankay
Yep I've been relying on ativan, both before starting lexapro and for this first week. Looking forward to tapering it down and ending. I just take .5mg when things get bad.