6 weeks Escitalopram

I've had that before. Most likely it is anxiety. That is pretty common.

I had that warm flushed feeling when I took my first 20mg, got kind of lightheaded and sort of vertigo. Next pill I split it to 10mg, no way was I ready for 20. Do what your body tells you unless you like feelings of discomfort. Best of luck.

I hope it's okay to ask one more question....I've been having a lot of increased panic since going up to 30; feel better cognitively but not physically. I saw my doctor today and she is doing medical testing just to relieve my anxiety that it's something else. She wants me to increase to 40 now....I wanted to ask if anyone has odd feelings with their anxiety; like today, my fingers felt odd-like pins sticking in them while I tried to type on my computer. Will this go away? I am so concerned. I feel pretty good mentally but so bad physically...thank you.

Thank you...I so very much appreciate it; sorry for the many questions.

Thank you...I sincerely appreciate it; scary feelings in my body are hard to manage...kind of freaks me out; glad to know there are people who can empathize...

One more post...should I expect funky feelings with each increase? I don't feel I've leveled out at any juncture. Either I'm super anxious or I have brain fog....When I go to 40 on Sunday, would it be expected for more side effects and a longer adjustment period? I'm just so frustrated. I don't feel like myself at all...maybe it's the Clonazepam interferring...just really don't know. Thank you again.

KC,

This sounds like normal start up experiences. Increases will bring about new challenges, but should not be as profound or long lasting as your original first hurdle...

...the ups and downs are also expected, even when not taking an RX. With any chronic condition, variations in how we feel are going to be noted from day to day.

As far as the foggy head...it's hard to say if this is de-realization/personalization from anxiety, or, as you mentioned the meds...

I think with time you'll find all of this was worth it...even though it is hard now...

...try to hang in there!

Practice your coping skills, and know we are cheering you on. :)

S.C.

YWC!! I remember how scary and confusing it was to be in the beginning of treatment...and just needing to feel better!

You are doing great...keep it up...your goals are within reach!

S.C.

Thank you Rspwed...Yes, I feel like when am I ever going to reach that magical moment? She wants me at 40 which is the highest we'll go and I'll have to hold on for more funky stuff....just so ready to feel good and get take this Clonazepam off; I just don't ever remember going through something so tough. I appreciate the moral support...thank you much!

Depersonalization/derealization is common with anxiety...and is likely a temporary effect of the increased anxiety one experiences with a start up. We have links with info and self help suggestions in the Resources for this.

I know it is disturbing, but if you ignore/accept it as much as possible...it will be less problematic. When I was dealing with this issue...I kind of adopted the attitude of, "Well, I guess it's time for my break from reality, lol"...I found that not focusing on it helped it to pass. (easier said than done, I know...but practice trying this anyway)

As far as the nutrition question...

...you'll get a dozen different answers from as many people...but, my opinion is this:

You need carbohydrates for brain and body function. However, choosing good carbs should be a goal. Whole grains, beans/legumes, fruits and low fat dairy are all ideal choices. Refined products and sugar should be kept to a minimum.

Healthy choices and moderation for treats (rather than complete elimination) is a reasonable approach I believe.:)

S.C.

Kcsmith72 how long have you been on Lexapro? I'm day 10 on zoloft and almost back to normal. Thank goodness

Hi KC. To echo S.C., yes the derealization/depersonalization should dissipate when you reach your therapeutic level.
It's there as a symptom of your anxiety. When you reach a therapeutic level your anxiety should decrease, removing these types of troubling symptoms.
As for how long it takes after an increase, it's going to take a couple weeks to a month to get the full effect,
but you'll probably not feel much for a week and then start to see improvement after that.
That's how it worked for me. when I went from 20 to 30 I didn't feel much in the way of side effects, I just didn't feel any improvement right away.