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Posted 11/29/2013 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I recently got prescribed to Lexapro for anxiety/depression, and I've never taken anything before or tried to get myself any sort of help until now.

I took the first pill yesterday (10 mg) and I was exhausted all morning. I could barely hold my head up and when I stood up it felt like my legs were going to give out. I'm a teacher so I need to wake up at 5 in the morning and be able to drive to school, so I talked to my pharmacist about switching to taking it at night instead.

I don't want to take it too late and wake up tired, but I also don't know when I'm going to be home every night. For example, I have a concert on Monday and I won't be home until late. I can't take it before the show because then I won't be able to drive home. Some nights I'll have parent-teacher conferences and I'll get home later.

So basically what I want to know is, how important it is that I always take the Lexapro at the same time? I'm thinking I'll try for 6 every night because I've read that people who take it at night, take it a little earlier so they have enough time for the drowsiness to wear off. Will I be okay if I always take it at 6, but occasionally take it later?

Thank you so much.
Posted 11/29/2013 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
It is pretty important to try to take it at the same time each day. Atleast while it is getting into your system. The side effects go away in a week or so, if not sooner. Hang in there and take it when you can to get it in your system so that your body gets use to it. I would explain this to the doctor and they could advise you better. There are a lot of threads on Lexapro and cipralex. I think one is generic for the other. Best wishes, do the best that you can. I can understand not wanting to feel woozy when you have to work.

You should be feeling better in a few days. From what I understand, it is the getting use to it that is the hard part.

Keep posting, and welcome to the forum.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 11/30/2013 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hello .......

   I am a firm believer in Lexapro. I have been on it for about 2-months and found it to be very helpful in greatly reducing my emotional high levels.

   I am taking the generic version and 20mg dosages ... typically in the morning. It is difficult for me to identify the side effects of the lexapro - because other meds I take have far greater side effects than the lexapro.

   But .... I think you'll find the SE's will gradually fade away or disappear.

Good luck to you.

Rob and Gizzy

 

Posted 12/1/2013 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, both of you.

I talked to my pharmacist since it was a holiday weekend and I couldn't talk to my doctor until tomorrow, and she said it would be fine to switch to night so I've been doing that. The drowsiness isn't as bad anymore, but instead I've been getting this weird tightness in my chest like I'm having a panic attack, so I'm hoping that will start to go away soon, as well.

Thank you again.
Posted 12/2/2013 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
Did they say the tightness in your chest was a side effect or possibly your anxiety? I've Heard of this once before with the Lexapro.I just started on mine today I couldn't take that being my chest and throat feel tight everyday due to my anxiety n cause me to panic as it is! If so , im not looking forward to that!

Lacey
Posted 12/3/2013 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
I looked it up online and it does list it as a possible side effect. It's been getting better, though. On the other hand, I'm also very nervous about being on medication so it's possible that it's my own anxiety doing this whenever I take it. I might ask my doctor or pharmacist soon. My therapist seemed to think it was normal when I mentioned it to her.
Posted 12/3/2013 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
If you think it is your own anxiety kicking in, try some relaxation skills.

A good one is the breathing exercise. slow breath in 1,2 3, slow breath out 1 2 3 4. the longer exhale will naturally slow/calm your body down.

Hope you feel better soon.
Peace
Trina
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