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Help with Lexapro

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 7/14/2015 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
I started taking lexapro about 3 and a half weeks ago for anxiety and mild depression. My doctor told me to start with 5mg. It seemed to work almost over night. I felt better and started smiling and my anxiety wasn't so bad. After about a week and half my anxiety came back. My mind was racing and I couldn't concentrate. I notified my doctor and she raised my dose to 10mg about 5 days ago. I have had a few bad days in a row. My anxiety is moderate. It's not terrible, but really not fun. Is this normal? Can I expect better results? Was hoping after 3 weeks I would be anxiety free. Also I am really tired of I take the lexapro in the morning. Can I change the time I take it to before bedtime without messing myself up?
Posted 7/14/2015 9:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum.

Unfortunately it seems to be the norm to get worse before you get better when starting an antidepressant but stick with it and things should settle but if they don't go back and see your doctor.

IMO Lexapro is a good medication which works well but remember we all react different to AD and what works well for one person may not work as well for an other so I hope it works well for you. It can take anywhere between 6-8 weeks before you will notice the full benefits.

It is also a good idea to combine medication with talking therapy such as CBT as this gets the best results.

Stay with us and keep posting we are here for you.

Hibee
Posted 7/14/2015 9:38 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome DanielSkully, to the anxiety/panic forum, I'm happy you found us but sorry you are experiencing anxiety and other symptoms of starting lexapro.

Like Hibee said, things usually get worse before they get better, side effects usually wear off after 2 to 3 weeks after start up or increase. So stick with it and you'll be feeling better soon. The full potential of any AD isn't really until 6 to 8 weeks, so you'll need to wait that long to see if it is really working for you.

A misconception about AD's is that they will cure you and stop all anxiety, I'm really sorry but that is not how they work. :( They 'should' reduce the anxiety and/or depression, but it is best to use coping skills and/or see a therapist for the best results. Therapy such as CBT and Mindfulness both have great results in treating anxiety.

As far as when to take to your lexapro, yes if it is making you sleepy you can take it at night, the important thing is to take it the same time everyday, so once you switch to nights keep taking it at the same time.

Please check out the top link on the page titled anxiety/panic resources, there you will find helpful self help coping skills to get you thru the start up phase of your lexapro and there after.

If you have any more questions or just need someone to talk too, we are here for you. We will walk this journey with you if you'd like. Again, Welcome!
Posted 7/14/2015 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
I've had positive results with Lexapro both times in my life that I've taken it.

Both times, it took a good 3 months before I really leveled out, and could tell it was working. I did have times during the beginning, and with each dose increase where I felt worse. Our brains have to adjust to the meds, so they react.

Hang in there, and we will be happy to help you along.
Posted 7/15/2015 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi D.S. and welcome!

Just wanted to say glad you have joined us...and give you encouragement regarding your start up.:)

Do check out our Resources for great info and self help material. ..

...and keep posting with us for support. :)

Talk to you soon,

S.C.
Posted 7/15/2015 7:19 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the support guys. It's nice when your anxious to be able to reach out to people who understand what your going through and get answers.

My therapy is very limited as I am currently working in the Philippines. I found a good therapist here. She's great to talk to, but it's not the same quality as we are use to back home. Filipinos seem to be the most relaxed culture in the world. I can tell anxiety issues are not a problem here.

I will check out some of the resources here and hopefully some of them will help me along. I took my pill before bed AngelLisa. Hopefully my day will be more productive. I'm having serious start up issues. I wake up and feel so lazy. It's not me and very strange. I got more done before I started taking my meds. I almost feel paralyzed some mornings and my decision making skills are so slow.

I am going to put in a few more weeks on this lexapro. I was so encouraged when I started it and have started to lose faith in it. I will keep you all posted on my progress.
Posted 7/15/2015 8:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi DS

Glad you are finding the forum useful.

I notice you take your Lexapro at night before you goto bed I would suggest that you maybe change to taking it in the morning when you get up as Lexapro is very activating and could cause you sleep problems if taken at night. this is just a suggestion though so if you want to continue as you are that is fine as well.

Hibee
Posted 7/15/2015 8:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hilbee,

I was taking the lexapro in the morning and I found that I was so sleepy all day and lacked motivation. I just changed the time to before bed time last night. I'm hoping the change makes me a little more motivated when I wake up.
Posted 7/15/2015 8:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I see ok no worries I hope things improve for you soon.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 7/15/2015 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Daniel, Thanks for the update, Keep posting with us and we will keep supporting you thru this. I'm sorry you are getting side effects but there is light at the end of the tunnel so keep on taking your lexapro.

Keep us updated and post anytime you need to talk, ask a question or just need to vent we are listening.
Posted 7/15/2015 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hello DS, I took Lexapro for 7 yrs. took a 3 yr break and went back on a few mos. ago. The 1st- I was tired, like you, so I took it at night. This go it's causing insomnia so I take in the morning. Do what works for you. I've found it to be a great med for anxiety. Good luck and keep us posted. turn
Posted 7/15/2015 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
Took the lexapro before I went to bed and slept fine. I added a half hour of exercise when I woke up to try and start my day off better. After the gym I took my son to the mall and bought him a bike he was asking for. We had fun and it was good to forget about the anxiety. The results were great. I feel good tonight. No anxiety and my mind is clear. I am going to combat this sleepy feeling with more energy filled activities and hope they continue to lift me up rather than want to sleep if I stayed at home and just worried about my life lol.
Posted 7/15/2015 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
D.S.

Wow! Well done...and great positive outlook and plans to feel your best!

Finding ways to cope while your system adjusts is exactly the thing that will help you through this transition.

You are going to do just fine I think.:)

Keep posting, and we will keep cheering you on!

S.C.
Posted 7/15/2015 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all
I have recently started lexamil. Started on 5mg for first week then up to 10mg.
My anxiety is bad in the morning. Actually wakes me. Then am nauseous the rest of the day. Any suggestions
Posted 7/15/2015 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Anusara and welcome,

I would suggest using your coping skills before bed, and immediately upon awakening. Use of relaxation exercises/techniques can lesson the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety.

For the nausea, eating some dry toast and drinking ginger tea may help. An empty stomach actually will make the upset worse.

Your anxiety and symptoms should lessen as your body.gets use to your new Rx...and therapeutic levels are reached.:)

Keep posting with for support and encouragement!

Scaredy Cat
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