Lexapro - how long until you noticed something/your experiences?

[Tiredcatlady]

How long did it take for you until you to start to feel an improvement on lexapro? What are your experiences with it (particularly grateful for positive stories)?

I started taking it 15 days ago; started on 5 mg and have been taking 10 mg for 11 days. So far, I don't really feel anything. Had some mild side effects during the first week, but that's it.

Somehow, the idea got into my head that my anxiety isn't bad enough and therefore lexapro won't do anything (doesn't make any sense, I know).

Before I started taking medication I felt like I didn't 'deserve' it, because my anxiety is not as bad as for other people (e.g. I don't get panic attacks).

And now, I'm anxious around the whole thing not working; and that, when we meet again, my psychiatrist will me that since it didn't work and my anxiety isn't so bad, that we won't try anything else and I'll have to deal with everything on my own again, until I can start my next therapy - which would be so overwhelming.

I know it takes time to work, but shouldn't I feel something by now?

What's your experience? How did you feel on it? Grateful for any input!

[Agora1]

Hi Tiredcatlady....one thing we have to remember is that Lexapro is not like a fast

acting Benzo. It takes time for the brain to reach the full efficacy of the medication.

The 5 mg start dosage was very small, raising it to 10mg is almost like you are re-adjusting

to the dosage. Normally SSRIs can take 4-6 weeks to start feeling the difference.

A little longer when the dosage has been adjusted.

Always talk with your doctor regarding any concerns with the med. They are the

ones who can assure you of your progress since they know your health history.

Keep us updated. Wishing you well (I happen to be on Lexapro as well and it's been

an amazing medication for me) Wish you the same xx

[ClassicalBlueKitty]

It can take a long time to act, and generally the starting doses just aren't high enough to be effective. If your psychiatrist doesn't think your anxiety is "bad enough" just show them this post and they will know you are in the right place. For me I had a couple months before the dosage was right and I had been on it long enough to feel something. Even then, it wasn't the right medicine for me and we have tried a few others. Right now I'm loving the Citalopram (cousin of Lexapro) and Trazadone mix for my anxiety. Hasn't done great things for my depression though.

[Needsomehelp12]

I’ve been on Lexapro for about 2 months. I notice a difference but it’s not huge. My doctor said that a lot of people realize what it’s doing if they go off of it.

[Skiigyrl]

I’m at 4 week mark with 15 mg and still getting insomnia. I do see a difference however with panic attacks and anxiety levels so a little different from you.

[yoga_and_cat_lover]

Hi! What you said about your anxiety being “bad enough” to be on medication really resonated with me. I have been on Lexapro for around a year and it has changed my life. I have done 5 and 10mg, but 5 was not enough. It was not fast acting which was frustrating when you make the commitment to getting the help you need and it is not fast acting relief. Some things that helped me notice my progress were starting therapy as well as journaling frequently. I also used to have very physical reactions to my anxiety (sweating, picking habits, etc) so it was clear after a few months how much less those reactions were. Your anxiety is as valid as anyone else’s and you are worthy of treatment and relief! Do not give up and convince yourself you should manage alone. We are here for you!

[Polkadottail]

Hi there! I didn't really notice significant changes while on Lexapro. I didn't give it enough time either though. I think I took it for about 4 months and gave up on it. I haven't been the most compliant patient. I stopped taking it without consulting my NP "care" provider. Your probably better off taking Agora1's advice. Hope you have a nice day!

[alphaind]

Hi

I didn't have experience with Lexapro, but I am using Escitalopram (a class of SSRI). like you I have started on 5mg and then upped the dose progressively to 20 mg in a span of 2 months. I could see a wonderful effect after 2 months, with less anxiety and insomnia. After One year my Doc slowly started tapering the dose and now I am back to 5mg and to tell you I am doing much better.

So patience is the key here. Wishing you speedy recovery

[peasandcarrots]

Hi There.

So m y experience with Lexapro has been very positive. You are correct in thinking that anxiety does have different levels of severity. It's like anything else in life. But I can tell you that Lexapro will not hurt you. The worst thing that could happen is that you feel very little, but that said, 5mg is not that much. For me I didn't feel anything until I got to 15 then 20. Then I went back to 15 and even 10 when I was feeling better. Try not to worry about how you feel every minute of every day. I know it's hard, and I know that in the morning, or whenever you awaken, the old self-monitoring system kicks in. Just accept that. It's a habit, nothing more. Give your medication some weeks yet. Things don't have to happen quickly. It can take quite some time to get in an anxious state, no matter the level, and it can take a good stretch to work yourself through things. That's okay. And if you feel God awful, it's okay to say that, too. Life is an ongoing process of work, not segment to segment. Something will work, I promise. But be patient with yourself and accept some things. Give the Lexapro a chance and remember, do even the smallest positive things to help your tired brain and the medication will appreciate your efforts. Sorry for the delay on this reply. your message went into my spam folder!

Best,

Joe

[ShouldaWouldaCoulda]

I started Lexapro three weeks ago. I was very anxious and depressed to the point I didn't want to fight it anymore. I've been burying it all for five years and knew I was in an extremely bad place. Lexapro has made me feel like my old self. It's calmed me down and I haven't had crying jags since it's kicked in. Diarrhea in the mornings was the only side affect. But I'd rather deal with that!