Info on Medications

[Beth1982]

I have a few questions about Lexapro.

1. In your opinion how effective is it for anxiety?

2. How long does it typically take to work? 

3. Side effects? 

4. Common dosage? 

[Agora1]

Hi Beth,  having trouble with the Lexapro?  It is used for anxiety but when I first started on it, I was also on Ativan.  I've been watching your posts and it seems that you are getting discouraged with it taking so long to feel better.  Usually the dosage is 10-20mg a day.  It is suppose to be taken with food.  Don't forget that each drug works differently with every person.  If you don't feel comfortable on it, tell  your doctor so he can possibly suggest something else.  It's not a quick fix med but you shouldn't be going into panic and anxiety.  It might not be the right med for you.   xx

[Beth1982 in reply to Agora1]

Thanks! I'm only on 5mg a day and it hasn't even been a week. I'm not for sure if the Lexapro is causing me more anxiety or its just my anxiety playing tricks on me ( I'm always afraid of medicine). Just looking for feedback. 

[Agora1 in reply to Beth1982]

It's been so long (6yrs) since I started on Lexapro that I can't remember the adjustment period.  I'm sorry... 5mg is a very low dose so it looks like  your doctor is being cautious with you.  It might just not be enough to wipe out the anxiety on that dosage.  You really need to call him and let him know how you are feeling.  I understand you being afraid of medicine because I am as well, big time.  You should be getting some relief after a while.  I can't remember if you are on anything else like an antianxiety med. 

[Beth1982 in reply to Agora1]

They prescribed Ativan as needed. I usually have to take it in the evening. I hate taking it because it knocks me out. Evenings are when my family is home and I would like to spend time with them. 

[Hanna_a in reply to Beth1982]

I just started taking lexapro a week ago also! I'm not sure if it's working

[Beth1982 in reply to Hanna_a]

What is your dosage? What's your thoughts? 

[Agora1]

OK   so you are on the same meds that I was at the beginning.  I know what you mean about Ativan, actually any antianxiety med will do that.  I was taking long naps as well as falling asleep watching tv.   Anxiety symptoms just need time to be fine tuned by your doctor. So that you get the benefits without the unwanted side effects except for maybe dry mouth that will be there no matter what.   Just a note that when I was on Ativan it was daily small dose morning, afternoon and evening. 

[Beth1982 in reply to Agora1]

I feel like my face is numb! I don't know if it's anxiety or Lexapro. It's driving me crazy! 

[Beth1982 in reply to Beth1982]

And dizziness but again I'm not fur sure if it's the Lexapro or anxiety..

[Agora1 in reply to Beth1982]

Hi honey,  you really need to get some answers to how you are feeling.  It's too much for you to go through this.  That's what I hate about having anxiety, we are always having to second guess as to what is causing our distress. 

[Beth1982 in reply to Agora1]

How do I get answers? 

[Agora1 in reply to Beth1982]

It would be through  your doctor.  That's the best and safest way because he knows your case.  If you try to do this on your own, you will only get more confused.

[Beth1982 in reply to Agora1]

I have an appt on Tuesday. My care is through my pcp. 

[Agora1 in reply to Beth1982]

Good Beth.  Write down the questions you want to ask them.  Make the first 3 questions the most important ones.  Sometimes they tune you out after that. Do you think you can handle another 6 days until then?  Use the forum for support.  If there is anything I can help you with, let me know.  The hardest part is the waiting I know.   xx

[Beth1982 in reply to Agora1]

I'm honestly not even for sure what I want to ask. I feel so lost, confused, scared and hopeless. 

[Agora1 in reply to Beth1982]

Dizziness can be the Lexapro at the beginning, until your brain adjusts to the med.  I remember feeling  dizzy on and off.  Not anymore, no symptoms but dry mouth

[Hanna_a in reply to Beth1982]

I've been dizzy also!

[Beth1982 in reply to Hanna_a]

Are you on Lexapro? 

[Agora1]

Beth,  I know you are feeling overwhelmed, I can hear it in your replies.  Ask the doctor the 4 questions you wrote.   1.  How effective is it for anxiety.   2.  How long does it take to work?   3.  What are the side effects?   (include what you are feeling regarding void of emotion as well as going into anxiety/panic attacks in evening  and 4.  What is the common dosage.

[Beth1982 in reply to Agora1]

Wow! Thanks, you are so helpful and nice. I hope I'm able to feel good like you again. 

[Agora1 in reply to Beth1982]

You will, just don't give up too soon.  It will all come together for you.

[Beth1982]

Thank you, right now I'm unable to work. I feel like a crappy mother and wife. Driving is causing panic attacks. I can't wait to feel better. This forum has been such a blessing! 

[AnxiousSince1998]

Everyone is different but with me the lexapro took a while to kick in, and I did have some dizziness and anxiousness when I first took it. I was told by my psych that I was on the average dose (20mg per day), but could go up to 40mg slowly over a period of time, but I declined and stayed on the 20. Out of about a dozen anti depressants I found lexapro to work the best for me, but if you are on it for a long time (I was using it for over 5 years) be careful when you wean yourself off, I had nasty side effects, just take it slowly and drop down very very gradual. Your doctor will know best though. Hope this helps a little. 

[Beth1982 in reply to AnxiousSince1998]

Thank you! 

[Hidden]

Hi

If it's going to work for you, you should see some improvement by 6 to 8 weeks.

You may need a higher dose but dosing low and slow is the right way to go with anxiety.

Lexapro didn't work for me but has helped many others.

Take care.

[Beth1982 in reply to Hidden]

I actually stopped Lexapro. Today is the second day without it. I feel more normal today than I have in a week. However, I am "numb" does that make sense? Like maybe I don't really feel anything.