Nervous about dose increase

Hi all,
Tonight I increased my dose of lexapro from 10 to 15mg. I hope it works, because I know the next few days are gonna be really hard. I've been ramping up my dose from 5, and every time I increase I'm a mess. It's been over 40 days since I restarted and I'm tired. I'm trying to stay positive and I have seen improvement, but jeez I'm down right now. Last time I couldn't even get out of bed on a beautiful day to push my kids on the swings. I just need to get back to myself. I hate the guilt I feel over things like that. I used to be the silly parent who made the kids laugh and roll their eyes. I can get there again, right?

Yep...I second that! :)

Stay positive that this increase will be both beneficial and easy.

Use your coping skills...and keep posting here so we can keep cheering you on.

You are going to reach your recovery goals...and we walk the journey to wellness with you!

Update soon,

S.C.

Medication changes are always tough. But you are doing it slowly so hopefully it shouldn't be too bad. I really get what you said about the beautiful day.....this happens to me too. I get so overwhelmed with my panic on some days that I can't leave the house. I end up feeling so guilty for not being part of the human race.

My son just said to me that I should do more things, that I used to be so outgoing. It was nice he was caring about me but I feel so bad what he must think of me. He is 26 now so I've done the whole swing pushes with him. Thank God I was good then. This has just creeped up on me now. I'm 52. At different points in my life I have struggled with panic but eventually with medication it would go away. This time around it has been two years and numerous meds to try and tackle this. I just don't feel like I'm getting anywhere. Now today, is a bad day for me for some reason. I do get good days as well but not as many as I would like.

Some days I feel like I am living two different lives as the panic comes and goes throughout the day. But definatly what the others have said here. I work on coping skills and mindfullness and I seem to get through it. I just get so tired of it being so much work though.

I hope the med changes work well for you. And I hope you get some good days with the kids under your belt.
Take Care
Linda

Sadgirl,

How have you been lately? The last time we spoke you were trying to get back on your Effexor (I think that's the med anyways). How has that been going for you? Has it worked again or have you had to switch to something else?

That's great!! I'm so glad you had a good day and finally slept through the night! The Lexapro must be finally starting to work for you! Great job with the mantra as well!

Take Care!

I'm doing okay, as long as I don't focus on my panic or how I'm feeling, then I have a tough time. In short, things are still shaky and everyday my emotions are unpredictable. I've been on Zoloft 50 mg for that past 8 days, so hopefully that will start to help me soon! Thanks for asking!

I hope you have another good nights sleep tonight! :)

Hey Cooper,

Ive been doing quite ok with only 75mg of Effexor...Its a low dose compared to 150mg I was taking before. My Dr will be increasing me next week, slowly!
Overall, I still wake up with morning anxiety and take clonazepam when needed. I have mild anxiety and depression , hoping my increase will put me back on track!!
Stay strong with the Zoloft, and keep us updated on how you do!!!!

Claudia

I'm glad you are doing better with the Effexor...sounds like it's working for you again! I know you were worried that it wouldn't. I, on the other hand am still waiting for relief. Today was a particularly awful day...I spent most of it in a panic with shortness of breath, chest heavyness, and tears...all while trying to stay composed at work!!

I'm starting to really wonder if I just won't ever respond to treatment with ssri's again! This has been horrible. I spoke to my doctor and she wants to give the 50 MG of zoloft more time before making any changes. It's so tough not knowing when/if the zoloft will help me. I try to have hope that I will start to feel better soon, but it is so discouraging when days are this bad. I'm having a tough time chasing away the negative thoughts. :(

Thanks sadgirl for the encouraging words...I'm trying to keep my head up and put my faith in these medications and my doctor's ability to treat me. It really does help to come on this forum and vent. The waiting is the worst part of all of this. I go to bed each night with hope though, that tomorrow will be the day that I get relief!!

I think at this point, my stress level surrounding the medication has increased because I am getting married on June 11th...not a lot of time left!! I hope and pray everyday that I will enjoy my wedding day and marry the man of my dreams without anxiety or panic attacks present!!

Rspwed, I'm so glad you had another good day!! That's great!! :)

Right!

I am sending positive thoughts and prayers your way...hang in there and try to do some extra coping skills to get you through this temporary detour...

...you'll be back on the road to recovery again soon, and stronger than ever after making it through this challenge! :)

Peace and progress,

S.C.