Lexapro/escitalopram

[Emily2289]

Hi everyone. I wanted to know the thoughts and opinions of anyone who has taken Lexapro or escitalopram. I have been prescribed this by my doctor.... I am very untrusting of medicines. And I think it would help me if I know the thoughts and opinions of anyone who has actually taken it. Doctors know what studies show and how medications interact and what not, but they may have not experienced it for themselves. I know medications can effect everyone differently, but I would still like to know others thoughts and opinions. Any and all advice and opinions are welcomed and appreciated. Thanks!

[Agora1]

Emily2289, for me, it's been the best med ever. Have been on 15mg for 5 years. I feel great, not tired, energetic and a clear head. It's never a good idea to compare with others. As you said everyone is different in their response. The best thing you can do for yourself when trying new medication is to not read the pamphlet enclosed, do not Google and take it with an open mind and the belief that it will work. Good Luck xx

[Emily2289 in reply to Agora1]

I know Google is the worst! That's why I was hoping to see good things. My problem is that I think I'll take this medication and I'll be the only person that it will not agree with and I will have a severely bad reaction and I live far from any medical help.... And this is why I need medication because I always think worse case scenario and don't enjoy fun things because I think of almost all the things that could go wrong....

[Agora1 in reply to Emily2289]

Rather than taking the pill with "what if" in the back of your mind, I always start a new medication when I'm not alone and I can let that person know I'm about to take the first dose.

I also write down the time, date and dose of the med. I was told when first starting on Lexapro in the hospital to have it after my lunch. I have continued using that schedule and found out that meds work better with food in dispersing throughout the body.

Once you've taken the first dose, get involved with doing something, keep busy and know that you will do well. I wish you the best. Keep us posted in how you do. xx

[Emily2289 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you so much for the advice! I will try to take it soon hopefully it will work well.... I wish there was a way to feel better without medicine though... I think I just get too anxious over taking the medication..

[Agora1 in reply to Emily2289]

We all get anxious about taking medication Emily, it's our anxious nature. You will be in a better position in it taking the edge off your symptoms for a while.

While on the medication, it can be a good time to seek therapy as well as find other ways you can work on your anxiety. Starting medication now doesn't mean it's a life time sentence. I was on benzos for many years and was able to wean off of them. I use other means to keep my stress in control. One day soon, I hope to wean off Lexapro as well. These are all just helping aids until we can do it on our own. Let me know when you start. xx

[Emily2289 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you so much! You have been the best help and have given me a much better way to look at this medication! ☺

[Emily2289 in reply to Agora1]

I started the medication today. I took the pill about an hour ago and I have yawned five times in the past 10 minutes... I do not feel tired though.... I hope this works out well with very little side effects.....

[Agora1 in reply to Emily2289]

You will be okay...You are on your way in finding relief. xx

[Choosejoy]

I have taken escitalopran for years 10mg. Has helped me with little to no side effects.

[User1964]

Give it 3 to 4 weeks to really kick in. I'm on 10mg which is a pretty low dose. I felt like it wasn't working after 2 weeks but my psychiatrist told me to give it 2 more weeks. I just started feeling better. My negative thoughts and high anxiety are starting to dissipate. I've been on Lexapro before with no bad side effects.