Hi there
I've started 5mg of escitalopram for my GAD. Days 1 and 2 were ok, upset tummy and some sleep issues (which I can deal with). Days 3 and 4 have been a bit rough as my anxiety has be heightened all day (I'm on day 4 today). Is this normal? I'm wondering if I should continue taking it? I feel very anxious and jittery. Dr said to go to 10mg after a week.
Any advice very much appreciated.
Thank you x
Give it time to work. Most meds take weeks to work and hopefully any side effects will lessen and go away. Notify your doctor if they increase or are intolerable. Sounds like your doctor is being smart starting you on a low dose and then increasing. Hope it works for you.
Thank you so much. I've spoken to my Dr and she's given me some diazepam incase it gets unbearable. I'm trying not to take them unless I really have to. x
You will need to give this med time and then you will wake up one day and you will notice the difference. ... gradually at first. I agree that the doctor is prudent to start you on a low dose initially. Keep in touch with him on a regular basis...so important. I have been on it for several years and due to its benefits I don't plan on going off it any time soon. We are here to support you as often as you need. I hope that everything works out well for you.
Thank you so much for your support. Yesterday was awful. Feel on the verge of a panic attack all day. I'm on day 6 today and woke up feeling very anxious again. Spoke to my dr and she has given me diazepam incase it gets unbearable. Trying not to take them if I can help it xx
The feeling is not pleasant at all. If you can, try breathing exercises when you start to feel that way. Distract yourself. There are a number of self help remedies that you can do. But please have faith that before you know it you will feel better. This too shall pass. Be strong. Be extra kind to yourself.
Thank you so much for the encouragement. I feel less anxious today so hoping I’m over the worse of it x
Dear mummyofspotIts absolutely normal. Even I started my dose with 5mg, but I took 5mg for 4 weeks and then my Doc changed the dose to 10mg.
As you mentioned, the symptoms are the same for me too. The heightened anxiety will be there for almost 10 days. In my case, the initial 15days are very tough with all kinds of symptoms (no sleep, not feeling like taking food, stomach upset, restlessness, weight loss, increased sweating, dry mouth....to name a few)
But believe me, everything came to normal after 4-5 weeks. I became myself with the much-reduced feeling of anxiety. So What I suggest you keep faith in Med and its worth bearing these minor symptoms than suffering from horrible anxiety.
My prayers are with you
Thank you so much for your reply. It's good to know that this is normal. I'm on day 6 today and already feeling very anxious. My Dr has said to stay on 5mg until my body adjusts. Did you get the anxiety back when you went from 5mg to 10mg? xx
Good to see your reply. I didn't get any anxiety when I upped the dose to 10mg.
to tell you, I was in the same thought and feared that upping the dose to 10mg will bring back the anxiety for a few more days. With that fear, I continued my 5mg dose a little longer (10 days more) and finally, I dared (got the dare because of the Med, I believe) and tried 10mg. I am happy that I upped the dose as the effect was very visible in a week itself.
So don't worry much, everything will be ok and you will be soon come back to Happy yourself... Just keep faith on God and Med
Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. I’ve felt a bit better today, not as anxious so I’m hoping that I’m over the worse of it. It’s reassuring to hear that you didn’t have any more anxiety going to 10mg. I will take it slowly too. Kind regards x
Hi Mummy. Just checking in to see how you are doing and letting you know that you are in my thoughts.
Awww thank you. That's so kind of you. I'm not doing so great today. Keep feeling very anxious and getting a racing heart. I have cardiophobia so it's freaking me out and making the heart rate increase. I also keep feeling really hot and sweaty. I'm on day 8. Wondering if this is normal or if I should stop? Thanks again for thinking of me xxxx
How are you today? xx
Mummy...symptons vary from person to person. Perhaps your pharmacist can advise as to your particular symptons. Anxiety is unpleasant I know. I have had it. I found walking quite helpful, appreciating details of my surroundings, counting my blessings, meditation, soothing music and in general just distractions from the annoying thoughts. Challenge those negative thoughts. I would not stop taking the medication...too soon to see if it is working for you. Thank you for asking how I am today. My 100 year old dear Father passed last month and I am faced with settling his estate and have been working on that all morning. Keep being positive, remember that this will pass and it will. xxx
sorry to hear about your father, although amazing to live to 100! Thank you for the encouraging words. I have been trying to distract myself and the anxiety passes if I take my mind off it. It's just the racing heart that scares me. Nothing wrong with my heart, I've had all the tests but I have heart related anxiety as my dad had a heart attack and I get palpitations alot (anxiety related, I've been told)! Have a lovely weekend and hope you have some sunshine where you are xxx
Thanks Mummy! Hope you have a great weekend..celebrate Mother's Day!
Oh you must be in the US! Mothers day here in the UK was in March 😁 xx
No... I am in Canada, but, we celebrate on the same Sunday aa the U.S. 😊
I was on 5 mg of escitalopram for a year. I had the same stomach trouble for a couple of days in the beginning. I had a very good experience taking it. I remember after about a month I was driving along, and for an instant, I was relaxed and felt normal. I know several other people on escitalopram and it has worked beautifully for them. So, if you can, bear with it. You might want to add some light meditation. Walking, even just around the block, is also helpful.
Thank you so much for your reply. I'm trying to stick with it and it does seem to be getting a little better everyday. I'm now on day 12 so I'm hoping better days are coming soon. I hope you're well x
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