Worse before better with Lexapro?

[Beth1982]

I have been researching and it seems a lot of people feel worse before better on Lexapro. It's referred to as an "adjustment" period. I have a call in to my dr, waiting for a return call. Any experiences with this?

[Mrworrymaster]

I'm on my second week of Lexapro. First week at 5mg was a doozy. My anxiety was crazy bad. Second week I stepped up to 10mg, as this is what the Dr. ordered, and anxiety kicked up again the first few days. Now on almost day 14 I've gotten glimpses of improvement. My Dr told me that the full effect may take 6-12 weeks though.

The thing to keep in mind is the medicine isn't going to cure you. It's not going to completely take anxiety out of your life. It's there to help you, to give you that gentle nudge that you can handle anxiety and beat it. So far it's done just that for me, but I combined my Lexapro with therapy, which I suggest you do as well if you're not already.

[Beth1982 in reply to Mrworrymaster]

I feel like it makes my anxiety worse. Have you ever tried Paxil? 

[Mrworrymaster in reply to Beth1982]

I haven't. I tried Celexa, which from what I understand is similar to Lexapro, but I didn't give it much of a chance. My Dr. gave me ativan (lorazapam) to help with the increased anxiety for the first few weeks. I def needed the Ativan the first week because my Anxiety was cranked up. If you just started Lexapro I would say give it a shot. So far, I'm pretty happy with it.

[Beth1982 in reply to Mrworrymaster]

My dr offered to switch me to Paxil, I'm not for sure what to do. If I should try to stick it out or switch to Paxil. I actually skipped my Lexapro today. I have felt some better.

[Mrworrymaster]

Ultimately it's up to you. Everyone is different. Lexapro, from what I've been told, is a go to for GAD because it has a low amount of side effects. The initial period or "adjustment" period is pretty normal from what I've been told though.

Do what's best for you. Also, keep in mind that you have more effect than the medicine in a lot of ways too. You may just be feeling a bit better because you're not worried about the side effects of Lexapro. Beating anxiety can be alot about re-training yourself to internally process negative thoughts and stressors.

At least that's what my therapist says! Do what's best for you!

Good Luck!

[Beth1982 in reply to Mrworrymaster]

Thanks! 

[Trisha33 in reply to Mrworrymaster]

Hi I defo argee with you. It's takes a lot more than just the tablet to make you better. You need a healthy eating plan. Plenty of exercise. I find walking running the fresh air does wonders for anxiety 😊as my Dr said there not not miracle tablets there, there to help 😊positive thoughts😉

[Malligd]

The first two weeks was much worse when I started 10mg of Lexapro. I had heightened anxiety and lots of shakiness but after about 5-6 weeks almost all my anxiety was gone and I've been on it for about 5 months and honestly have felt completely back to normal, lexapro saved me and I would recommend sticking to it for anyone! 

[Beth1982 in reply to Malligd]

Thanks! Can you explain your heightened anxiety? 

[Trisha33]

Hi I'm on 20 mg lexapro it's the only 1 that worked for me😊I don't think I could function without it at this point. But I had to try so many before I found 1 that suited. It doesn't suit everyone. Can make you feel a little bit worse at beginning but it takes a good 6to8 weeks to kick in properly. You can feel real drowsy, dozey away with the fairies but it's only for few weeks it will pass trust me😉it's just you adjusting to the medication. Hope this helps x 

[Beth1982 in reply to Trisha33]

Trish,  did it make your anxiety worse in the beginning? Make you feel "numb" or emotionless? 

[Trisha33 in reply to Beth1982]

Yes I have to say it did. I felt nothing but I was feelin like that anyways with depression and anxiety. But it did make symptoms worse. But that passed and Imy much better now x

[Hidden]

I just started Lexapro (10mg) and I really don't know if it made my anxiety worse at first, I don't think so I was pretty bad. About a month in and the anxiety is almost gone. At first it felt weird not to have anxiety anymore but yeah I don't think I'll ever be without it again. It's working pretty well now. I have a walking anxiety that is caused by other physical issues so it's not completely gone but I almost feel normal.