Is my medicine making my symptoms worse?

[sh0526]

After three years of cymbalta not working for me, I decided to switch medications, to which my doctor prescribed me lexapro. I started this lexapro roughly three weeks ago, and one thing I noticed was how easily triggered I am to get anxiety. I went to my doctor yesterday, and they were hesitant to increase my dosage (current 10mg) and insisted I see how I feel in a few more weeks. They did however prescribe me buspar (5mg) to which I don’t even know if it’s working as I thought it was something that takes immediate effect, granted I started taking it yesterday.

Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated.

[Agora1]

Hi sh0526 Hopefully I can relieve some of your anxiety over Lexapro and Buspar.

I am on Lexapro myself and started on 10mg. It does take at least 4-6 weeks to reach full

efficacy. During that time period, your doctor may up the dosage to 15mg (which mine did)

Finding other tools while waiting for the medication to kick in can be very helpful. One of them

being therapy sessions to get the issue addressed that is behind the anxiety.

I had done both therapy as well as Meditation that can help quiet the mind and body.

As for Buspar...it is not like Xanax *which is more of a quick fix.

Buspar can also take from 4-6 weeks to feel any benefits from it. It is an antianxiety med

but works differently than benzos.

Also know that you cannot mix alcohol with these drugs. *just a thought

I am not a doctor so can only go by my own experiences with these medications.

Please work with your doctor closely who will monitor your progress. I wish you well

in getting some relief soon. Meanwhile, we are always here to support and care. xx

[sh0526 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you for the advice and information. I’m looking forward to this medicine eventually working. When you say no alcohol, does that mean you don’t recommend even one beverage? Just wondering, because I do have one drink in the evenings.

I will be seeing a therapist routinely starting this week, and really need to look into meditation. I hear such good things about meditation.

[Agora1 in reply to sh0526]

It's best to ask you doctor regarding alcohol (even one drink)

Working with a therapist can help guide you with a different thought

pattern and new path. Many therapists can also help you with Meditation

as you retrain your mind to take some quiet "me time" for yourself each day.

I meditate before bed as well as upon awakening in the morning. It really helps

keep me in a quiet/calm mind and body status.

You Tube has so many meditations. I would suggest starting with 1-3 or 5 minute

ones. Your mind will wander but don't get discouraged. Push any unwanted thoughts

out of your mind and continue on with the Meditation.

Along with Meditation, I do my Breathing exercises. Breathing properly can be the

"key" to success in ridding yourself of unwanted anxiety and fear.

So much is out there to help you. Please reach out to us anytime and exchange thoughts

and experiences with others as we learn from each other. My best xx

[sh0526]

Thank you! I’ll give meditation a go tomorrow morning. I tried it once, but had a difficult time trying to focus. I’ll try adding a breathing exercise and starting out with short sessions.