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Took my lexapro for first time..nervous

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Posted 7/19/2015 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
Well my pulse went up to 140 and I could barley swallow but I took it. I'm not going to lie I feel so nervous right now. If anyone can tell me about their first night taking lexapro it will really help me.

Post Edited (LAWCHICK) : 7/19/2015 5:25:52 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/19/2015 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
I've never taken lexapro so I can't tell you my experience with it. But I've taken several other AD's and I understand your fear, it is normal to fear the unknown and what you are going thru right now is the unknown, not knowing if you'll get side effects or what they will be, or if this is the right med for you and if it will work.

You did awesome and I'm so proud of you for taking it. I'm wishing you much success on the lexapro and praying that it all works out for you and helps control your anxiety. Although you need to be realistic too and know that it will not take away all your anxiety. Mixing an AD with therapy is the best way to defeat the anxiety.

You got this!! You took your first pill and it should only get easier from here on out. We are here for you, so post anytime!
Posted 7/19/2015 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much. I'm supposed to be taking my mom to NYC Friday into Saturday so I hope I don't have too serious of side effects. I plan on calling a therapist tomorrow, there is one in the town I live in I hope they take my insurance.

Medicine has always scared me, I hate taking anything but this is such a low dose I'm sure I am just overreacting.
Posted 7/20/2015 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
You did it!!! Good for you for taking this step toward better health.

There is nothing I can tell you about my first night on Lexapro, because it was completely uneventful. I took it, and I didn't feel any different from any other night.

Now, as with all AD's, there are side effects for some people, and as the med builds up in your system, you may notice a little spike in anxiety, or you may notice some nausea, sleeplessness, etc.

I had some increased anxiety after about 2 weeks, and then again after about 6 weeks when I increased my dose. They were both short lived, and I kept going, and was so glad I did.

If you have any other specific questions, I'm happy to answer them. Keep up the good work.
Posted 7/20/2015 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your reply. I just want my life back. My illness really hit me hard and I know it is the reason I am in the situation I am in now. My fiancé has to travel for work and he is flying out Tuesday but will be back Wednesday so I am thinking of having my mom stay with me just for extra support that night.

I have Xanax too but haven't even thought about trying those yet.

Thanks again.
Posted 7/20/2015 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
Way to go!!! I have never taken Lexapro, but just started zoloft. I was so nervous, but posting here and taking my xanax helped a great deal and now I'm about 3 months in and have had noticeable improvements!

Good luck and keep posting!! We're here to guide you through!
Posted 7/20/2015 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
LC,

Just adding my encouragement! It sounds like you are laying a good foundation of support and making great plans to manage things on many different levels! (calling a therapist, and having your mom stay over)

Well done...keep up the good work! :)

Being aware that there may be some initial adjustments...but not anticipating anything negative is a good spot to try and be!

Wishing you the best. Keep posting, and we will keep you in support!

S.C.
Posted 7/20/2015 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Lawchick,

Over the last 4 days I have switched from Paxil 25mg to Lexapro 20mg. Thought I would share my experience with you.

Paxil was working well for me but I felt foggy at work and had trouble concentrating so my doc suggestesd Lexapro as it is a milder SSRI. I switched straight over which I was nervous about but had no problems whatsoever besides napping for a few hours every day.

I feel a whole lot clearer, the Lexapro seems to be a lot better for me but everyone reacts differently. I would encourage you to give the meds a chance to work and wish you all the best.

The xanax you have will also help with any start up issues you have, I understand you not wanting to use it but it helped me a lot when I first started SSRI's.

Again, all the best and keep us posted.
Posted 7/20/2015 8:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Starting medication can be a difficult time and unfortunately it seems to be the norm to feel worse before you get better.

I have taken Lexapro and found it to be a really good medication with minimum side effects.

Keep us posted

Hibee
Posted 7/20/2015 11:57 AM (GMT 0)
When I woke up this morning my pulse was in the 130's. I actually slept pretty ok last night and wasn't worrying much about it. Not sure why my pulse is so high.
Posted 7/20/2015 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
It could be just your anxiety over waiting for a side-effect. You mentioned that your HR went up when you were preparing to take the first dose. Just a guess.

There is also going to be an increase in serotonin in your body, so that can increase HR too. I noticed that it also dilated my eyes for the first month or so.
Posted 7/20/2015 2:19 PM (GMT 0)

Jake'sMom said...
It could be just your anxiety over waiting for a side-effect. You mentioned that your HR went up when you were preparing to take the first dose. Just a guess.

There is also going to be an increase in serotonin in your body, so that can increase HR too. I noticed that it also dilated my eyes for the first month or so.

I actually went to bed feeling pretty good last night. I wasn't nervous because I figured if something were to happen it would have happened already. When I woke up I got out of bed and felt funny and my chest had pain that's when I took my pulse. My pulse has gone down however I am still having chest pain. I called my Dr first thing and talked to nurse and left message but no one has called me back. Apparently having a chest pain after starting a new med isn't an emergency to them.

Also this was a different feeling. When I get nervous about eating or taking a medicine I feel panic like and I do not get chest pain. This time I didn't really feel panicky but had high pulse and chest pain.
Posted 7/20/2015 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
I hope they call you back soon. Mondays are probably pretty crazy for them.

Keep us posted.
Posted 7/20/2015 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
I felt increased anxiety (especially physical symptoms of anxiety including trembling, racing heart, tension in chest, tight throat, etc) during my first week and a half on Lexapro. I'm at two weeks now and most of the side effects are gone, and the therapeutic effects have started kicking in.

I did have increased heart rate and some chest tension when I started Lexapro because of the increased anxiety. Ativan (lorazepam) 0.5mg twice a day really really helped me to deal with managing the side effects of lexapro and my ongoing anxiety while I waited for it to kick in. I'd recommend talking to your doctor about taking some kind of benzo to manage you anxiety while you wait.
Posted 7/20/2015 3:05 PM (GMT 0)

lumpycomforter said...
I felt increased anxiety (especially physical symptoms of anxiety including trembling, racing heart, tension in chest, tight throat, etc) during my first week and a half on Lexapro. I'm at two weeks now and most of the side effects are gone, and the therapeutic effects have started kicking in.

I did have increased heart rate and some chest tension when I started Lexapro because of the increased anxiety. Ativan (lorazepam) 0.5mg twice a day really really helped me to deal with managing the side effects of lexapro and my ongoing anxiety while I waited for it to kick in. I'd recommend talking to your doctor about taking some kind of benzo to manage you anxiety while you wait.

I do have Xanax but Ive never taken it before and I was nervous to take it just incase the chest pain and high pulse wasn't related to just being anxious. Im so upset I really wanted this to work. I have to take my mom down to Manhattan Friday so Im not going to take anymore Lexapro again until after that if I even do take it again.
Posted 7/20/2015 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
Lawchick, please don't give up so easy, the side effects will pass I PROMISE! You have only taken it once and I doubt your increased HR is due to the AD. Even though you do not feel anxious I'm sure you are because you've put alot of pressure on yourself over taking the Lexapro. High HR is very normal for anxiety and most of us experience it at some point.

Of course the decision is yours, I just hate so see you give up on it so soon and not give it a chance to work. We support you whatever you decide, just keep posting and we will keep supporting!
Posted 7/20/2015 3:34 PM (GMT 0)

LAWCHICK said...

I do have Xanax but Ive never taken it before and I was nervous to take it just incase the chest pain and high pulse wasn't related to just being anxious. Im so upset I really wanted this to work. I have to take my mom down to Manhattan Friday so Im not going to take anymore Lexapro again until after that if I even do take it again.

Xanax is a miracle pill for anxiety! It doesn't make you feel weird or uncomfortable, just calm. Definitely don't be scared to take it. Maybe if you take just a half a pill at some point when you are comfortable, you will feel more comfortable with taking it when you need to. I also get a lot of anxiety with taking new medication, but I am absolutely comfortable with Xanax after having it on hand for panic attacks for about a decade now.
Posted 7/20/2015 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for the support. Still waiting for my Dr to call me and still having chest pains however they are not as bad. I would really like to speak to my Dr I am so nervous about taking this again tonight. I don't understand how she hasn't called me back after I called with chest pains and a racing pulse after trying a new med. I guess is this what happens when you admit you might have an anxiety issue? Do people really not take you seriously anymore?
Posted 7/20/2015 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
for most of us chest pains are part of the anxiety disorder we suffer. once you understand they cant hust you you will learn to live with them . most of us have taken needless trips to the er because of this . vent your anxiety problems here. and becarefull who else you confide in. even most of your friends wont understand but everyone here will understand
Posted 7/20/2015 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
My Dr finally called me back and she seems to think I had a bad reaction to the medication. She is taking me off of it for now. This really stinks I thought I was moving forwards with things.
Posted 7/21/2015 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry LC.,

I know how frustrating this must be...especially since it was hard for you to start your med in the first place! :(

It is not uncommon to have to try more than one fit before finding the right Rx...

In fact, this is often the case...

...so know you are not alone, and you will find what you need to feel your best with time and trial.

For now, continue with coping skills to get you through until you and your doctor come up with a new plan.:)

With encouragement,

S.C.
Posted 7/22/2015 2:44 AM (GMT 0)
I called a therapist yesterday. She seemed nice told me to call this morning I did and she never returned my call.not sure if I should call again in morning or not.
Posted 7/22/2015 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
Yes!! Keep calling. Therapy is soooo important for most during recovery.
Posted 7/23/2015 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
I had start up issues with Lexapro as well, but once your body gets used to them, you will feel so much better. I think I was so serotonin deprived that when Lexapro first hit my brain, it was a bit overwhelming. However, I've very glad I take it these days.
Posted 7/23/2015 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
I just tried to eat an egg sandwhich but that choking feeling kicked right in so I took the egg out of the sandwhich and had a few bites of that but of course now I feel like I am choking on egg. Ive constant chest pain since this morning it feels like someone stabbing me but then it felt like someone was sitting on my chest. I have to take my mom to Manhattan tomorrow and we are staying overnight into Saturday and I don't even know how I am going to get the strength to do this and pretend like everything is ok. I cant tell my mom anything she freaks out if I have a bump on my head. I really don't know what to do anymore. I am so tired and hungry and grumpy from being tired and hungry an depressed from being tired and hungry and grumpy I just don't know what to do anymore. I feel like just giving up. I called a therapist she seemed nice initially but then she never returned my second phone call I think its because she doesn't take insurance but I was going to tell her when she called me back that I would pay the 110.00 per visit. I send messages to two others and waiting to hear from them. I am seeing my primary today maybe she will try new medicine. Im so upset the other one didn't pan out and since I have an autoimmune disorder my primary is always nervous whenever I have a reaction to anything because my body is so sensitive.

I don't understand why this happened. I am very blessed I have a wonderful fiancé who loves me and takes such good care of me and I am very lucky to be financially comfortable yet here I am having all these problems. I know that money doesn't buy happiness but I thought love did. I don't know if I jut wasn't use things going right in my life so maybe I started to panic in away and that led to me having all these digestive issues or if it was my autoimmune disease that caused it or a mix both. I feel bad even complaining people have it so much worse than I do. Why is picking up a freakin sandwhich and eating it so hard?

Post Edited (LAWCHICK) : 7/23/2015 11:58:30 AM (GMT-6)

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