New medicine

I have the exact same prescription. Cipralex (Lexapro) and was given 30 Ativan. Lexapro is an anti-depressant but it's one of the most common SSRIs used in treating anxiety - It's usually a doctor's "go to" drug when dealing with patients with anxiety (which is often accompanied by depression).

As for the Ativan, you're absolutely right - take it ONLY when you need it! While the Lexapro will have to build up in your system before it makes you feel better, the Ativan is a "quick fix" pill that'll calm you down when you feel really crappy. I used my Ativan to help get me through the first 4-ish weeks of Lexapro. When my anxiety was really high, I'd just take an Ativan. Pretty soon the Lexapro kicked in and I found I very, very rarely needed the Ativan anymore (maybe once every couple of months).

As for side effects, when I started Lexapro I had a couple days of increased anxiety and one or two days of nausea. It did make me feel a bit strange but it was very bearable. It's different for everybody though. I'm unclear though about your last statement - Was it the Ativan or Lexapro that made you feel foggy? Not that it makes a difference, since it's very normal to feel weird the first while on an anti-anxiety/anti-depressant, and well, as for Ativan... That's pretty much what it does. It's like a less intense Valium, slows you down so you can relax.

Hi

I take Lexapro for my anxiety but it also helps with my depression. As other's have mentioned it is a ssri which can be used to help with both anxiety and depression. It is the strongest of all the ssri's and the max dose is 20mg, I take mine in the morning as that suits me best but it is up to you when you take it. I found it to be a really good made and I do not get many side effects. It took about 6 weeks for me to notice any improvement so stick with it and keep in touch with your doctor.

Hibee