Anxiety meds

[AlexisKY]

Hi guys, it’s been a minute - but I recently started taking Escitalopram again a few days ago. The first day I felt great, and now I’m feeling all sorts of emotions. Anger, anxiety, (mostly anxiety) and even bouts of depression. Is this normal for anyone else? Starting an anxiety medicine again after SO long, and being consistent with it? I used to take it years ago, but had stopped.. but my anxiety has been awful lately, so I decided to take it again. (Only half dose, it’s 10mg, but I’m only taking 5) I just feel so awful this past week, and some reassurance that I’m not alone would be nice. My brain just feels everything and nothing all at once, it feels foggy and I’m just mentally exhausted.

[Hidden]

I have no clue really, but maybe double the dose and ask the doc for a low dose benzo while you get used to the antidepressant and then wean off the benzo. The antidepressant will help with the benzo wean. Just my two cents worth.

[designguy]

It usually takes a week or two before an antidepressant starts to make a noticeable difference so try to give yourself time and self-compassion to allow it to start to act.

[4fishylady]

I have taken Lexapro a couple of different periods of time, and remember that it does take about 3 to 4 weeks for it to kick in and start working. If you can get some Xanax to take a few weeks and then taper that off, the Lexapro should work quite well. I took it for about 6 months each time and then tapered off of that quite easily, when the stressful situation eased off.

[hr1962]

started lexapro last november. had same side effects but listened to most to ride it out. SO GLAD I DID!! to this date, have never felt better. still taking 10mgs and really didn't start to feel "normal" until about 6 weeks in. exercised my butt off, listened to music to keep my mind focused and prayed a lot!! stay with it!! initially it will kill your sex drive, but once getting to feeling better, it will bounce back! at least this has been my situation! best of luck!!!

[Agora1]

Hi Alexis, it is your doctor who restarted you on Lexapro I hope. The dosage must be set by the doctor and must be consistent in order to build

up in your system gradually. Most SSRIs take 4-6 weeks to reach full efficacy .

Expect a few days longer if during that time, the dosage is raised.

I would doubt that your doctor will keep you on 5mg since that usually isn't the

starting dose. I am on Lexapro myself and I can honestly say that it makes me feel

great w/o being sedated. It's a good medication for most. You have to expect some

ups and downs at the beginning. But I hope you will give it a chance following your

doctor's orders. Good Luck and keep us updated please. xx

[anonymous_58]

your post has made me want to go on back with Lexapro since I have been prescribed it before. How are you feeling and did you continue to take that for anxiety? My meds are making me less sleepy although my pain has returned.

[Agora1 in reply to anonymous_58]

Hi anonymous 58 I am completely off benzos and find that Lexapro doesn't drag me down

physically or mentally as other meds did.

However, we are all different and react to medication differently.

We have nothing to lose in trying meds that will help us along our path.

Right now I am going thru a Fibro Flare Up but don't need to reach for

pain meds. Instead I use positive re-enforcement through Meditation and Breathing.

Lexapro doesn't reduce our pain but allows us to think differently about it stopping

us. xx

[anonymous_58 in reply to Agora1]

hello Agora1 it helps to know...