From Ativan to Lexapro

Hi there and welcome to the depression forum. I think that 20 is a low dose. Not positive. But these symptoms should go away and the "high" feeling will go away also. If they are bothersome call the doc before you go cutting it in half. Chances are it could be time released (also not sure) and if it is, you would get a whole lot of medication at once. But it may not be. I have never taken this medication. But either way I would talk to the doc about cutting them in half before you do it.

The Ativan is good for anxiety. The Lexapro has most likely got some antianxiety medication in it also. Which helps. It may take awhile before you start to feel better on the Lexapro. Some medications take up to eight weeks, but keep taking it as long as you can. A lot of people give up before the therapeutic healing starts.

Do you go to a counselor? It really helps, especially at your age as you are trying to get your life in order. Also I recommend grief counseling if you haven't already. You have suffered a huge loss. And grief has no time limit. Everybody grieves in their own way at their own time pace.

Don't let your mom get you down. Focus on getting better and stronger. This is your life, live it as you feel you need to. I seriously think a counselor or therapist would help you move along...

I hope that the medication works for you. I have been on antidepressants for over 25 years and they have helped me a lot. I will probably always be on them. I took Xanax for the same. Today is my third day off of it. I am really proud of that. I have learned to deal with anxiety through breathing and mindfulness. You practiced it kayaking, you should continue to practice it. A lot cheaper than medication... And it is something you are in control of.

Keep posting. Know we are here to support you...

Have a good day...

Hugs, Karen...

I wonder why he started you on the highest dose??? That is kind of different, but maybe he has his reasons...

If the Lexapro is going to work, you should gradually start feeling better. I wonder if you should talk to him about a lower dose...

I try to get outside a lot. I cross country ski and walk. I can't find my ski boots this year... I can't afford to get another pair right now, but hope to soon. I Find walking helps me a lot. And the breathing.

I started out at 50 mg on my pristiq, I guess that is why 20 would seem low to me. Though milligrams are basically a weight of the medication...

I would give it time and see if it is going to work for you. I have read of a lot of members have a little discomfort in the beginning and then it gets better. There is one thread of a guy that stayed on a medication for three months before it worked for him, but it worked well. So try to have patience.

Did you go to any grief counseling for what you have suffered after two people in your family died? I think that would really be important. Grief can cause us to feel depressed.

I do the outside stuff and go to counseling too. Sometimes you don't click with the therapist and have to move on to another one. It isn't for everybody but it helps me... As for direction with my life and feelings.

I am really happy you are physically active. It gets the endorphins going and makes us feel better physically and mentally. Keep that up as much as you can...

Thank you for the congrats, I almost forgot I didn't put the Xanax in my pill box. I remembered last night which was two days. And no panic attacks. I give credit to the breathing and meditation. Also mindfulness. It all really helps.

I hope you have a good day. And remember if the side effects get too bad, let the doc know. You could look up on the internet to see if you can cut those in half. But I would still talk to the doc first.

Thanks for hugs back too...

Karen...

Thanks Jamie, I keep forgetting that I didn't take it. Kind of feels good to be off. Hope it lasts...

Hugs, Karen...

Envirobubbles, welcome!

Sounds like you are a very intelligent person.

Not to waste your time with things already said, which I agreed with.

I would like to suggest you look at this site, it has many skills that sound like what your friend is trying to accomplish. It is called mindfulness, I use it, with good success, most of the time.

www.mindful.org

Like Karen and Jamiee, I believe the side effects of L will subside in time. Give it a few weeks. If not talk to the doc about reducing it to 15mg.

I take Ativan 1mg, PRN normally when I can not get a flash back under control. they put me to sleep mostly.

You are not alone in how you feel or what you are going through. the people here are always available to back you up.

Peace
Trina

Hi ya'll,
So the doc gave me the ok to split it to 10mg and take it at night if I wish then over if I want to try 10 mg in the morning and 10 mg at night I may do so. Kinda weird.

Im still freaked out by the first time taking it at 20mg, I still havent tried the 10; I just dont want to feel like crap. Ahhhhhh.

i think you will do good on 10mg. keep us posted.