Will this settle on escitalopram?

[Vicss]

I am trying really hard to stick to medication as life off meds is hortible. Just wondered did anyone have a racing heart and feel really dizzy, nervous and dithery/shaky on escitalopram and then it improved? I've been on it now for 5 weeks and ever since I started my heart has raced constantly and the dithery/shaky feeling hasn't reduced. Dizziness has reduced slightly. Many other things have improved but this is feeding my anxiety x sorry this is a repeat post but just wondered if someone could reassure me 💓

[TheRedSwan]

Hi! I’m sorry the meds are making you feel gross. I’m on the same drug as you but it’s never made me feel bad in the slightest. At one point another doctor had me try a different medication (I can’t remember the name anymore) but it made me feel the way you are describing. They encouraged me to keep taking it but after 4 weeks of not really being able to function, I chose for myself to stop taking that one. I do believe there has to be a pill that works for you but it doesn’t sound like escitalopram is it.

[Vicss in reply to TheRedSwan]

Thanks so much for replying! Means a lot. I will try and carry on...been on a lot of meds and they all have the same effect to a certain degree with different side effects so I may aswell give it a bit more time. I have been for a walk, been to two shops, washed up and made myself lunch today - it was hard work but I did it which is more than I can do off. Hopefully I'm just going through a tricky time and it will improve. I think it is sad that some people have such a hard time taking meds and others seem to do it really easily. I've been so ill for 3 years and I try not to think that someone else could take a med and feel better after a few weeks or months. Much love and thank you ❤️

[auntyrita in reply to Vicss]

Hi I know your post is a few months old but how are you now I have had a similar experience x

[Joshgw]

I was on lexapro for 13 years and I remember dizziness but not how long it lasted and my hands always shook, but I was also on 4 other drugs. Remember everyone is different, but adjusting to these meds can sometimes take a long time. Is it helping? For me, if it works its worth it. I went off of it a year ago b/c I didn't think it helped enough and now I wish I never went off. I was at least stable. I've since been hospitalized and had ECT. My doctors have not been able to stablise me. The past year has been the worst hell. My suggestion is to do a cost/benefit analysis. If it helps more than the side effects are bareable, I stick with it a little more. Otherwise, there are plenty of other drugs that will be better for you.

[Vicss in reply to Joshgw]

I feel your pain, I have had 3 long years of severe panic, anxiety and depression...I will stick with it a bit longer and see how it goes. Im also really rigid on the meds so it's difficult to move - like I have severe arthritis or something - strange! I can do more on the meds if I really concentrate and push through the side effects - off I could do nothing really as I spent all my time gasping for breath. Hopefully it will settle as I've read it can take a couple of months at least sometimes. I'm so sorry you are struggling...you sound like you've had a really difficult year...are you able to get back on the escitalopram? I found the more meds I tried the worse I was off each time like it had messed up my nervous system - I do believe meds can make physical brain changes that take a lot to heal off meds so my only chance is to try and stabilise on. How are you doing at the minute? Are you on a medication that is helping at all? I wish you windows and progress to recovery as soon as possible ❤️

[Joshgw]

Thanks for your kind response. Right now I'm on trintellix and a few other things. Yes, drugs can alter your brain chemistry, but our brain chemistry naturally can change over time. I'm on trintellix for at least six weeks and just raised it to 20mg on Friday. Which is the highest you can go. I wish you well too.

[Vicss in reply to Joshgw]

I have heard that is a good med, really praying you get well. Yes I think if we are on a med that helps our brain chemistry mends itself. Equally if you can do it off and get well that's the same...but it wasn't possible for me, just had too much to resolve. Keep me posted as to how you get on. Thinking of you xx

[Joshgw]

Likewise. I tried going w/o meds and I couldn't do it either.

[Vicss in reply to Joshgw]

We can do this and find joy in small steps forward. I was completely well on clomipramine for 10 years so I know it's possible x keep me posted

[Joshgw]

That goes both ways. Why did you go off clomipramine if it worked so well?

[Vicss]

Tried it again and I couldn't tolerate it...don't know how I managed before....