Having an anxious day again

My last post was all about my ups and downs while on Lexapro for the last 7 weeks. I'm now nearing my eighth week on it and I'm having another crappy anxious day. I went for a walk and tried some coping stuff but all just left me the same. I'm having trouble concentrating and my work is falling apart. I feel super frustrated and down right now. I've approached this whole treatment with positivity, but my results seem like they are going backwards right now. I really feel crapty about it all. I have a newborn baby who is absolutely amazing and I can't even forget about my anxiety to enjoy moments with her. Starting to feel guilty about my relationships because I know I'm not super fun to be around right now. Perhaps the lexapro isn't for me? I mean how much longer should I give this before trying something else?

I always give my meds a full 90 days. Sort of like a probationary period for new employees. lol

It really does take me that long to adjust. I'm very sensitive to some types of meds.

You have a new baby, and that adds many changes in your life. Mostly happy ones, but interrupted sleep patterns are bound to happen.

You said you've had ups and downs. That's normal. The good news is that there have been ups. Focus on those, and try to stay positive.

Give your coping skills a better shot at working too. Try new ones if the ones you're using aren't working.

Hold that baby, and smell that newborn love. That should help your mood. <3

Hi Daniel,

Have you been on the same dose the entire 7 weeks.

I'm not a doctor obviously but 7 weeks seems like a long time, maybe have a chat with your doc about another med?

10mg is the lowest therapeutic dose I believe. How long ago did you get to 10mg?

Personally, I'd give it 3 - 4 weeks after reaching 10mg before I thought about a change.

DS,

Since you have had some improvement until the last few days...I think you can consider that this is just a temporary rough patch.

This happens and won't last. Great job on using your coping skills today!! Keep them up, and check out some new ones from our Resources.

Keep posting with us for support and encouragement. We understand and are here to walk alongside each other through our journeys towards the common goal.:)

Scaredy Cat

Ok so I made some changes to my lifestyle. I cut out all caffeine and I have to say the results have been great. It's a little hard to start my day without coffee or tea but I have noticed a lot less anxiety since doing so.

Great job DS!

It must be hard to give up caffeine! I have cut back, but not given it up completely...I can manage fine with my moderate amount...but would be challenged to quit completley...so hat's off to you!

Ginseng can be a good replacement for energy and mental sharpness...and it should not increase anxiety...maybe you might want to consider it if you are having trouble beating the a.m. 'fog'. :)

I am so glad you are feeling better in general! May it continue...and keep us posted!

S.C.

Definitely cut the caffeine, that stuff is bad for us anxious folks! I also had a bad start up with Lexapro...part of it was that I was taking 5mg initially, not even a therapeutic dose. When I had to go to the hospital late last year, they jumped it up to 10mg and, although it made me more anxious for a few days...really helped as my body adjusted. Although it sounds weird and counter intuitive, my personal experience was that I had to jump up the dose to get it right.