Just started Escitalopram - Side effects

Hello and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of the uncomfortable side effect you are experiencing. Globus (lump in the throat sensation) was the first physical anxiety symptom I ever noticed...so I understand how you are feeling.

Since this is a fairly common anxiety issue...this may be more of a secondary effect of your med...in other words not so much a side effect, but a result of the increase in anxiety during start up.

This is not uncommon at all...and is a temporary state until the medication builds, levels out and comes to a therapeutic level in the body.

During this adjustment, you can get relief through practicing self help techniques. Please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great ideas and material to try.

Keep posting with us for anxiety sharing/ support. We do understand, care and are here to listen anytime.:)

Scaredy Cat

Everyone is different but my start up effects lasted 4 to 6 weeks.

Unfortunately, I think sometimes doctors don't always explain this phenomenon.

Antidepressants initially suppress the brain's own production of Seratonin...since it is being provided by the new Rx...but isn't yet being fully processed for a few weeks until all the neurotransmitter changes stabilize. ..

Therefore, yes...things can get rough, before they start to improve.

However, it is worth it to find a med that ultimately performs for you.:)

Wishing you a quick transition,

S.C.

Yeah, part of it might be wanting to avoid the power of suggestion...

...but yes, I get I understand wanting to be informed!

You may not have the start up effects for long....and using coping skills like the 'Stress Relieving Exercises'...and 'Meditation for Physical Symptoms' in the Resources can help.

Keep us updated, so we can keep you in support. :)

S.C.

Yeah the start up effects aren't very pleasant but yes one your body adjusts, you will probably feel a lot better. I definitely did, although it did take a month to start to really feel the positive change.

I'm sorry your doctor didn't give you a heads up! Did they at least have you start with a low milligram and work your way up? My first go with an AD was with Zoloft and they had my start right at 50 and it was a horrible experience. I am hoping they have you tapering up.

Update: Day 5

I feel horrible. I have an awful tingling (almost pain) in my left arm and haven't slept a wink in two days. (Less than 5 hours total)

PLEASE SOMEONE TELL ME THIS IS GOING TO GET BETTER.

Unfortunately it can take up to 12 weeks for you to level out, when o started my meds my anxiety went through the roof worse than it was before I started them for about 2 weeks. I'm sorry you were not informed of this possibility =( as SC says I would deff talk to your doc and and at the least mabye they can give you some anti anxiety meds to get you through this start up. As for your no sleep side effect that was my big one as well, felt like o didn't sleep for a week. Keep us updated and sending good vibes your way!

Just wanted to add the meditation and breathing excersises I found in the resources here at the top of the forum really helped me through my start up

This is very lovely news! Lexapro will most likely be the next SSRI that I try after failed attempts with Zoloft and Paxil. I am so glad that you stuck it out, that says a lot about you and your resilience to feel better! Out of curiosity, did your Globus (lump in throat) go away? I have had this lump feeling for almost 2 weeks now and while I'm getting used to it, it's still quite annoying! I only take Ativan as needed so I know it's not a med effect. My primary doc is still having me see a GI doc due to some damage to my esophagus from when I was really sick in Dec/Jan. But I don't feel like my lump is related to GERD or anything. I think it's just a stress thing, as it came on pretty suddenly weeks after I was no longer sick. Anyways, sorry for the super long post. So glad to read that you found a med that works for you! May you continue to persevere!

great news!

I was doing so well at taking my 10 mg dose at the same time every day until yesterday. I usually take it at 5:30 AM and yesterday I did not remember to take it until 3 PM and so my question is, do I take it this morning at 5:30 or do I need to skip a dose ?