Start up anxiety on Lexapro

Hi all!

Second post on this forum and wanted to post an update. As a first time anxiety sufferer, I made the decision to start Lexapro 11 days ago because my quality of life had become unbearable. The first week I started on 5mg and started to see signs of improvement. There was a little anxiety still there but I could at least eat and sleep again so that was a huge win. I upped my dosage to 10mg on day 8 and felt great the first day or two. Unfortunately I've had a bit of a set back and had a full blown anxiety attack my 3rd day on 10mg. This is the first attack I've had since starting the lexapro and I'm not sure if this is normal or if I should be concerned. Now my anxiety is on high alert in fear of having yet another attack. I legitimately feel like a prisoner in my own body. I know the med takes a couple weeks to kick in but I guess I wasn't prepared for my anxiety to get worse before it got better. I was also given xanax to use as needed but I also know it's highly addictive and am trying to avoid reaching for it every time I get super anxious.

Is it normal to have "start up anxiety" spike when you've already been on the med for almost two weeks? Is it a dosage problem? I'm freaking out and feel so defeated. Everyone here seems so knowledgeable and supportive on the topic so I'm hoping someone out there had words of wisdom to share. This will pass right?

Side note...I'm currently taking the medication at night before bed, as prescribed. The panic attacks occurred in the middle of the night, mid sleep. Had another minor one last night when I laid down to bed. I definitely know that one was caused because I worked myself up about having another attack in the middle of the night. Vicious cycle :(

Hi LGL and welcome!

I am sorry that you are having a rough time with the last increase that was made. This is not uncommon, and as Merrida mentioned, should soon resolve as your body adjusts to this new level.

Until then, here are a few great coping techniques to try, in order to feel as calm as possible during the challeging times.

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

Practice these everyday and you should see improvement in not only your general anxiety levels...but your ability to weather any more acute anxiety/attacks.

(for more great material...see our full Resource section main page, 1st thread...this is where these came from)

Keep posting with us for support, and let us know how you are doing soon.:)

S.C.

Your at the difficult stage, don't give up it will pass.

LGL,

You will be!! Keep up that good work, and keep posting!

S.C.

Oh yes you do have some heightened anxiety first. I'm proud of you for sticking with it. I got too scared and quit the Zoloft because my anxiety went haywire.. I started celexa tonight and hoping it will be easier. I have Xanax for when needed but she wants me on something less addictive. I have done well for a while now on Xanax and I'm afraid to try anything else now. Good luck to you.

Hi

You have received great comments and support from the members I hope things are a bit better for you know? I was on Lexapro a few years ago and found it to be a really good medication and it really helped my anxiety I did feel more anxious for a couple of weeks when I first started it but that did pass.

Keep us updated we are here to support you.

Hibee

 

Sorry...but I HAVE to do the happy dance (reflex) everytime someone finds and uses a Resource/coping skill from the site!!

S.C.

LGL,

Have you tried a nutrition/meal replacement shake such as Boost or Ensure?

These have good calorie, nutrtion and vitamin levels...and can sub for a meal when you can't tolerate solids.

Get them nice and cold in the frige, and sip them throughout the day.

I hope you start to feel better soon!

S.C.