Terrified of SSRI

[Rabbithole720]

So I’ve been struggling really bad for the last few months I’m constantly crying depressed about the anxiety. Constant panic attacks I’m in such a hole. I was given lexapro 5mg. My plan was to break it in half and start with 2.5 until for 2 weeks then start 5 but I’m to scared. I have 3 kids that I have to be present for I work 2 jobs i can’t do the whole zombie I can’t get out of bed sick beginning. Please someone help me. I need to take this I need to get better but I’m sooo scared of how I’m gonna feel

[Hidden]

I'm sorry you are going through this. The only way to know how you'll react is to give it a try..at the first sign of not feeling right, get a hold of your Dr.

You deserve to have peace of mind. I'm here for you, wishing you all the best. Love, peace, light, joy & hugs for you!

[gerg]

I think that you are needlessly working yourself up. There may be some side effects for maybe 2 weeks, but they will be minimal if at all. It is more common to think that the medication is not doing anything, until you have been on it for a while. Use the medication exactly as directed and let your doctor know about any real problems.

If you start craving brains, for 2 or 3 meals a day, it may be best to give the doctor a call.

I hope that you feel better soon. I think that you can do it. Post how you are feeling as you go. Some support helps, and this is the place to talk to people who have been there.

[fauxartist]

I take lexapro 10mg. and I don't feel anything except I am a bit lighter emotionally....

[Rabbithole720 in reply to fauxartist]

Did you have any start up side effects?

[fauxartist in reply to Rabbithole720]

no....only with Prozac way way back in the very beginning of trying anti-depressants before they came up with the 'second generation' of them. I do know some people have had weight gain, lethargy, etc.....but I don't have any of that.....the only thing I notice is I feel a bit 'lighter' in my general overall mood. But I still have some occasional mini-meltdowns with the depression down cycle.....but not as often or as severe usually.

[Jeff1943]

I don't believe there are side effects to anti depressants and anti anxiety meds. They are designed to relieve anxiety/depression not cause it.

With very, very few exceptions I believe that 'bad side-effects' from meds is in fact due to expectation and imagination. Some people 'expect' to have terrible side effects and their 'imagination' obliges them.

I blame the instructions that come with dozens of supposed side effects, pharmaceutical companies list line after line of side-effects to cover themselves legally and it's very off putting.

My advice to you Rabbithole720 is to take the meds your doctor has prescribed and take them in the strength that is effective and not reduce the dose so they are non-effective.

Anxiety about taking anti-anxiety meds is just another symptom of anxiety.