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Just started Lexapro & my anxiety is much worse - this is normal, right?

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Posted 10/15/2015 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
I'm on day six of a 5mg starter dose of Lexapro. After ten days, I'm to go up to 10mg. My anxiety is much worse & I have no appetite & trouble falling asleep & staying asleep. I also feel very irritable & I have a headache every morning that tends to lessen as the day goes on.

Are these side effects normal when starting an SSRI? Should I tough it out? I really want to see if it can help me but so far the side effects have been worse than my regular anxiety!

Posted 10/15/2015 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
yes that is totally normal...ssri's can really help you if you find the right one...if you tough out the first 4-6 weeks..

for some people and i include myself in this group the first month is really hard, but know that this is your serotonin levels in your brain rising, your body is used to you being in a depressed state with low serotonin levels..so when they rise its uncomfortable at first but ultimately that is a good thing..that is what you want..dont fear it

ultimately my experience with lexapro was a good one..i hope yours is too..
Posted 10/15/2015 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi PH.

I am sorry you are having a rough start up.:( This is to be expected...but if you can persevere and get through the initial effects...you will likely end up with an Rx that performs well for you! Worth the efforts!

If you are still feeling poorly as your scheduled increase day approaches, call your doctor and see about increase more gradually...as this could be a more gentle route for you.

Double up on your coping skills during this time to help get you through!

Keep up posted and know you have our support.

S.C.
Posted 10/15/2015 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, guys! I thought it was probably normal but wanted to see if others had the same experience. I'm not usually on medication & the last time I tried one (Prozac), it upset me so much I quite after about a month. But this time I'm determined to give it at least 3 months, to see if it can help me at all. I've been in an anxiety spiral for months now.

I'll be sure to update how I'm doing as time goes on. Thanks.
Posted 10/15/2015 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
Oh and I just wanted to add... my teeth hurt today. Not ONE tooth, ALL OF MY TEETH. As I'm chewing my lunch, they are aching. No shooting pains, just achy. I'm going to assume that this is somehow related to the Lexapro too. So weird.
Posted 10/15/2015 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
Well, the teeth thing is interesting! But the rest of it is completely normal -- the first 2 weeks on Lexapro are very rocky --- but after that it gets a lot better.

Ask your doctor, but our Moderator is right --- a slower increase is easier to adjust to.

All good thoughts!
Posted 10/15/2015 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
teeth hurting may be tension from your jaw from being anxious
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