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Any Positive Generic Lexapro Experiences?

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Posted 6/26/2012 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all, I am writing because I was recently given a prescription to generic Lexapro (Teva's Escitalopram Oxalate). Reading the all the blogs, forums, etc. have left me terrified (no surprise with GAD and paranoia) to take the stuff. Does anyone have anything positive to say? Is it worth it to even try it or should I just keep toughing out my constant hum of anxiety.

A little background:
12 years ago I has massive panic attacks to the point I was not eating or sleeping. I ended up being hospitalized. I had some really bad reactions to some SSRIs (Paxil mainly) and it only landed me in a worse place. Long story short 200mg Zoloft later (yes I know that is an extremely high dose) I was functional. Years of CBT and I am controlled and off medication. However, I am starting a new job, and for the past few months have had a constant hum of anxiety and depression. Including some rough dreams. I am functional... just not... happy. I am worried that if I start taking the Escitalopram it will send me back to where I was 12 years ago.

I don't know what to do. Feeling very anxious and frustrated.
Posted 6/26/2012 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
I am on a low dose of Lexapro.  I take the generic too. I find it helpful.  Combined with psychotherapy, it has helped me control my anxiety. 

I had some side effects during the first couple of weeks.  I think that is pretty common.  You might discuss with your doctor starting on a low dose and working up, if needed.  That could help you get adjusted to the medication.  My doc did tell me, though, that Lexapro is easier to adjust to than other SSRIs.

Best wishes, Medved*

* I am not a medical professional and nothing I say is medical advice.

Posted 6/27/2012 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Medved. That really does help.
Posted 6/27/2012 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum and good to meet you glad you have found us. I take Lexapro and have found it to be a good medication it is the strongest of the ssri's hence 20mg is the top dose. All AD have side effects but they do usually pass after a couple of weeks.

It takes 6-8 weeks before you will feel the full benefits and like medved said it is always best to look into getting some therapy.

Hibee
Posted 6/27/2012 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Hibee, and once my insurance kicks in I will start see someone again I am sure.

It is nice to hear some people saying they have taken Lexapro and it wasn't the "worst decision of their life". I know on a logic level that most people who have had a good experience are not usually driven to report about it on the web, but anxiety isn't really known for its logic.
Posted 4/7/2014 3:11 AM (GMT 0)
I am new to this forum, and had to ask this. I just started taking the generic brand Lexapro 10 mg, 5 days ago.
And am wondering if it is normal to feel.. brain fog, very very tired, heavy eyes, and well..Just out of it?
Is this all side affects i hear about before you start feeling "normal"?? I hope someone can help me with this Question..
Posted 4/7/2014 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,
Just to let to you know I have been prescribed to take a tablet and a half equaling 30mg a day. (generic lexapro) I haven't been on it long enough to give it a chance but the few days I was on it , I thought it was good with few side effects. I am kind of in the phase debating whether I need to be on medication or not. I would give it a chance. Dont go looking for reasons not to take it. So basically don't go type in bad reviews of generic lexapro like I did on Google. Give it a chance and if worse comes to worse you can wean off of it!

No medication is impossible to wean off of. It may be hard but not impossible. I was on effexor for a few months and supposedly that has notorious withdrawal effects. It is all psychological . We read things and sense we are anxious to begin with we start to believe that they effect us.

Good luck
Posted 4/7/2014 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi LIG and welcome.

Yes, those sound like typical start up effects. It can take several weeks for a med to build up, level off and become fully theraputic in the system...and until then, you may continue to some degree with these s/e's.

However, like SMU said, try to give it a chance, as this may end up to be a very good Rx for you.

In the meantime, check out our Resources here on our main page (1st thread) that include many great sefl-help coping skills that can help get you through your start up.

Feel free to start a new thread of you own as well and keep talking with us...support if key!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 4/16/2014 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
I have taken zoloft for 14 years for depression and PTSD. My general practioner wanted me to quit taking it and start on 10 mg of generic lexapro. I did that 2 weeks ago. I noticed an increase in energy and wanting to get out and do more within a few days, but then started having brain zaps, pain in my eyes, and scary thoughts. I'm thinking it's probably zoloft withdrawal. How can you take something for so long and not have withdrawal from stopping it suddenly? I started taking both 5 mg of lexapro and 50 mg of zoloft and want to get up to taking 10 mg of lexapro and 25 mg of zoloft before going off of it. Just don't want to overdose on serotonin. I will let you know how this works.
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