starting lexapro

It seems to me I have heard about these side effects before for Lexapro. I think someone mentioned drinking water helps with the nausea. I believe that the side effects don't last more than a week or so. Be patient, but if they get really bothersome, make sure to let the doc know what is going on. I have taken meds before that had those side effects. It is no fun, but they usually go away.

Welcome to the forum Mikesmmmie112. I hope you decide to stick around. There are some really awesome people here.

I hope you feel better soon.

Hugs, Karen...

Nausea is very normal during the initial phase of taking lexapro.. I used to retch a lot, and hardly eating. Be patient, it will pass... I promise you, things will get better. Some start feeling better after 2 weeks, others take longer. So do not panic if you do not feel better after 2 weeks! It happened to me, and it doesnt help one bit!
The medication will not work straight away, it needs time.. And always keep updating your doctor
Healing thoughts sent your way
XXXXXXX

I'm also a few days into Lexapro.
A brief history- zoloft for 14 years, wasn't addressing OCD thoughts and killed my sex drive. Dr. Tapered me off and started 75mg. Wellbutrin for 2 weeks then upped to 150mg.
After 2 weeks at higher dose i was pacing and agitated, so asked for a different med. (figured 4 weeks was long enough to see it if would start working.) Under Dr. advice went back down to 75mg wellbutrin and added 20mg. Lexapro. The first 2 days were scary- couldnt bear to eat, barely awake, dispair, nauseous. So, stopped Wellbutrin alltogether (because I was taking a low dose anyway.) and am taking 10mg Lexapro.
Today I'm functioning a bit better, but about 7 hours after taking my dose this morning I felt pretty 'high'. I did eat something and feel better, but really scared I won't ever be normal :(
Guess I'm just looking for some encouragement to stick it out and things will improve.
Thanks-

Post Edited (Annie-ree) : 5/24/2015 4:40:50 PM (GMT-6)

Thanks, Karen- I'm able to function better this week, but there are still brief moments of what I can only discribe as dispair...or anxiety? It doesn't last long but comes a few times a day. I really have never had anxiety like this, so am chalking it up to the Lexapro...what do you guys think?
Just a week in, but glad to have last week behind me. It was kind of scary because I've never felt that way before.

Hi All- now 4 weeks in with 10mg. Lexapro, and I'm feeling better. Thanks so much for the encouragement- it really was a help during the 'down' times as I transitioned from Zoloft and Wellbutrin to Lexapro. I haven't had the anxiety feelings for about 10 days (was afraid they would never go away), and my general outlook on life is much more positive than it was at first. Hope you are all doing well-

Hello all-

I just joined this forum. I am on day 7 of Lexapro. I started at 5mg and upped it to 10mg's today. Like everyone else, the anxiety sucks. I started taking it due to anxiety and depression and it only gave me more anxiety. I originally tried zoloft a few weeks ago. I only took it two days and threw me for a loop. I was on it once before so I figured why not. The doc then told me to take the lexapro. After much apprehension, I took the plunge. I'm trying to accept that all the anxiety is a sign that it's working. Honestly I actually feel relatively calm now. I even took a power nap today, that was the first in over a month. This past month has been a pure hell for me. My anxiety started giving me major panic attacks a little over 2 weeks ago. I lost my job back in February and went on a downward spiral from there. I'm in good physical condition, so I thought that if I kept my exercise regiment up the stress wouldn't get me. I was wrong. The startup of the lexapro is not fun at all. I don't want to leave the house. I just want to sit around stare at the t.v. I really hope things start to change soon. The doc gave me klonopin to help with the anxiety. I have addiction issues so I've only taken it 3 times. The stuff just scares me. I also got seroquel to help with sleep at night. That does a good job. The only draw back is I wake up not wanting to get out of bed. I need sleep though, so I'll deal with it until I can sleep unaided. I had companies call me for job interviews. Honestly I cannot go on an interview while the lexapro is working into my system. I feel like a mess. Anyway, glad this forum is here. I wish everyone the best of luck on the lexapro startup.

Wishing you a good day with the Lexapro Willi...

Hugs, Karen...

One day at a time... Learn mindfulness. mindful.org. It helps a lot. You will no longer feel like life is slipping by... It changes a lot of things... for the good...

Hugs, Karen...

I want to stop these meds. This is crazy!! Anybody else have a horrific startup? I guess I need to start focusing on the positive.

1. I'm grateful to be feeling this, it means the meds are working
2. I ran 5 miles today.
3. I took the dog for a walk.
4. I'm ordering Thai take out tonight(even though I don't have an appetite).
5. I'm going to see my therapist tomorrow.

I don't like having insomnia and I don't like taking stuff to make me sleep. What's the lesser of the two evils? I just went to get through this and sleep without taking anything. So far today, the lexapro isn't making me as crazy. I may actually be getting some good vibes. Not too sure though. Too early and sleep meds haven't worn off yet.

I hope you are dong better today Will. I am very sensitive to medications and often gave up due to start up side effects; never knowing if they would have worked or not. I also was hospitalized after a long period of needing medicine and trying to function without it and only natural substances. I was diagnosed as 'Medicine Phobic' LOL!!! Not any more. Now I am happy to have some thing that helps and gives me a feeling of 'living'; if they find it. Hang in there. PS Ask about Melatonin to sleep at night. That works well for myself and others too.

Klonapin, I have heard, is good for that. I hope that it works for you.

Your doctor is right, this does take time. Keep hanging in there. Keep trying. Meditation does work wonders. And you depend less on medications.

Have a good day...

Hugs, Karen...