Lexapro Question

Yes Lexapro can cause anxiety ramp ups for sure and it can last for a month or six weeks or even longer; it did for me when I first started taking it. However, as time went on my body adjusted and overall felt much better.

SC:

I started because of health anxiety.

Thanks a lot.

Did you used to be on a different Health Anxiety Message Board ten years or so ago?

Hi

Sorry you are having a tough time at the moment.

It sounds to me like you are having breakthrough anxiety Lexapro can take upto 8 weeks before you will notice a difference so stick with it if you can and keep in touch with your prescribing doctor

Hibee

M,.

I had this exact same problem on 5mg of lexapro. I kept thinking this is worse than the symptoms I came in with - what the heck!! After almost three weeks my doc me switched to 50mg zoloft. But I believe the real problem was that I wasn't really informed that there could definitely be a ramp up in my anxiety SE for several weeks. That, plus when you have health anxiety, these crazy side effects end up giving you even MORE anxiety. The irony! Sigh... When I switched to zoloft my doc also prescribed a low dose benzo to take the edge off of the extra anxiety. That might have worked had I stayed on the lexapro - I'll never know. It has been a bumpy ride, but adding the benzo definitely helped. I'm just past week 7 (total including the lexapro and the zoloft) and things are starting to get better. That, and I'm going to therapy am using multiple coping techniques (mindfulness and exercise work best for me).

I just want to reassure you, as several have done for me already on this forum, that it will get better!! It really will! Hang in there for a bit longer if you can, and if not, you've got options. It will all work out.

GAD

50mg zoloft, .75mg klonopin (divided into three doses)

M,

I've found the internet to mostly be my worst enemy when it comes to feeding the "health anxiety" beast. The exception, being this forum. Seem like folks just report the bad experiences. And I understand that - they're trying to share their experiences. I'm guessing those who had little or no problems with SEs or withdrawals are out living their happy lives. I know we're all just looking for reassurance. Try googling "positive lexapro withdrawal tips" - it might at least weed out some of the scary stuff and help to keep your anxiety down should you decide to go off the lexapro. I would encourage to stick it out for a little bit longer if you're able to do so. Sending good thoughts for recovery your way.

juniper

M.,

Yes, if you are having intrusive thoughts...especially 'S' thoughts...I agree that it's best to discontinue. Talk to your doctor about a weaning schedule... (should be easy since you've been on your Rx a short time)

...and ask for a P-doc referral while you are at it. Your GP may have a good reference for you!

For now, try the Therapy Worksheets Downloads from our Resources here. They should help.

So sorry you are having a rough time currently. Please keep us updated, so we can keep you in support!

S.C.

Just wanted to update.

I have started cutting the lexapro in half and taking 5mg at night instead of 10. Last night was the 2nd night of doing this and this morning was the first one all week when I didn't have crying fits soon after waking. I am trying to see a pdoc next week. Boy are they hard to find and it looks like I may have to pay a premium to see one any time soon, but this has to be a priority I think.

The thoughts are still there but it's becoming clearer to me
That they are fueled by anxiety.

I did get an appointment with a p-doc for monday.

I talked to my GP, and she actually told me to INCREASE my dose, not decrease. I really don't want to do that at all. It really scares me that anti-depressants are so easily prescribed by people who aren't mental health professionals. I don't think she fully understood what I was saying, and just interpreted, "well, you are having increased anxiety, so you need more medicine". But the thing is i wasnt having anywhere near that level of anxiety before starting the meds, and definitely not having intrusive thoughts (unless the constant health concerns count, which I guess they do).

I think i'm gonna stick with my reduced dose until monday when i can see the psychiatrist.

hi there,

just updating again.

saw p-doc today. Always striking to me how clinical that whole process is. I know that they are the medicine men and not the talkers, but it still always takes me back how methodical it can be.

ANyway, he told me i was right to stop the lexapro and put me on prozac (its what worked for me back when i was in my 20's), and Buspar (didnt want to keep me on xanax). I'm not really so sold on the idea of the buspar and find that the xanax really is the only thing that helps so I'm not sure what to do. I also really am not in love with taking any more anti depressants after this last experience so I'm not sold.

Part of me feels like, well i wanted a psychiatrists opinion and I got one, so maybe I should just follow it.

Hi

I am currently taking Prozac 60mg and have found it to be a good medication I take it along with Mirtazapine. It is quite common these days for pdocs to mix two medications so I would give it a go and see how you get on.

I feel it is best to do talking therapy alongside medication such as CBT or Mindfulness Meditation.

Hibee