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6 weeks on Lexapro still have anixety

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Posted 10/17/2016 8:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hello to everyone! Long time reader...first time posting. Saturday marked 6 weeks, 10 MG of taking Lexapro for treatment of anixety accompanied with bouts of depression. I had been dealing with it since May and was trying to "brush it off" or tried getting over it. My husband was deploying (we are both in the Guard). As time was getting closer, the anixety worsened. I got to wear I couldn't get out of the bed, loss of appetite, crying all the time and insomnia. I was scared to be put on antidepressants because I didn't want it to ruin my military career and I didn't want to become dependant on medication. Finally, September came I couldn't take it anymore. I went to my GP and he prescribed me 10 MG lexapro for 2 weeks and then up it to 20 MG. I never increased the dosage because I was doing okay. To be honest I'm scared to up my dosage because I'm scared to gain weight and hair loss. This morning was particularly rough and my anixety was through the roof. I don't know if it's because this is the first day my husband has been gone or what? Anyone else have episodes of high aniexty after 6 weeks of taking Lexapro?
Posted 10/17/2016 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on Lexapro for 3 months and I still get breakthrough anxiety, i'm on 10mg too. Mine gets pretty bad the week before my menstrual. Lately I havent slept much and I keep getting brain jolts and it's making me extremely anxious.... I'm sure that with your husband being gone that doesn't help either. Try to hang in there!
Posted 10/17/2016 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mandy and welcome!

I am sorry you are still not feeling the way you want and need to! :( I can see how you would be frustrated, and I understand your concerns...

...however, if you have not yet had the s/e's you are worried about...you may never get them, even if you bump your dose.

You are only on a start up level at 10 mg's...so you may not find the relief you seek without going up a bit.

Can you ask your doctor about going to 15 mg for 2 weeks...and seeing how you do?

Perhaps going in a more gradual step, rather than doubling will help you get through this challenging time.

Please also check out our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great self help material that will help you feel your best too!

Post with us anytime for support and encouragement...we are so glad you decided to join us.:)

S.C.
Posted 10/17/2016 9:23 PM (GMT 0)
It may sound strange, but i find that sharing and discussing on here is like a form of medication , all the help and support with the knowledge that these guys have is medicine for me xx

I was so desperate for some relief to my anxiety that i will try every tip that is shared , people on here know exactly what it really feels like and it really helps x

I hope you get some relief soon xx
Posted 10/17/2016 10:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mandy and welcome!

How are you sleeping? That may be exacerbating your anxiety. I know it's a vicious cycle of insomnia-anxiety-insomnia-anxiety, but maybe looking to your sleep habits would be a good place to start.
Posted 10/17/2016 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! Thank you all for your input! I haven't changed my sleeping habits. I typically go to bed around 9-10:00. I just can't stay asleep. Some weeks, by Thursday, I am exhausted enough to stay asleep. I was fortunate that I didn't really experience any side effects when I began taking it. The only side effects I experienced were fatigue, dry mouth and insomnia. Every now and then I get a slight headache. I am going to up my dosage to 15 mg and then maybe gradually go to 20 mg. I have been experiencing break through anxiety the past few days. Again, I don't know if it's because my husband just left and I'm experiencing more anxiety. I was extremely sad today and felt really depressed....

Post Edited (Mandy_VA) : 10/17/2016 4:42:03 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/17/2016 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
Well, we are certainly NOwhere near a replacement of course...

...but we will be here whenever you need us...so keep posting.

How long will he be away? Thank you both for your service and sacrifice!

Let us know how the 15 mg's go...it could be the sweet spot for your management...stay positive.:)

S.C.
Posted 10/17/2016 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
I know that it will get easier....one day at a time. Trying to be positive. He will be gone for 6 months... :-(
Posted 10/18/2016 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry Mandy! I think having major anxiety the day your husband leaves for 6 months is normal no matter what! In any case, I think your plan of talking with your doctor about medication adjustments is a great first step.

I might also suggest trying to find a therapist, if you don't already have one. You're going through such a stressful time with your husband being gone, so it would be helpful to have extra coping strategies to deal with it.

And as always, keep posting here if you like. These are such supportive folks!

Strength to you!
Posted 10/18/2016 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
I have an app in a few weeks with one. Hoping it helps. I just have to remind myself that my anixety is playing with my head. I have to stop and think rationally. Thanks for all the feedback. Gonna try 15 mg tomorrow. Will keep you all posted.
Posted 10/18/2016 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
i agree you need to get the insomnia beat back if possiable. it was the same for me-no sleep for a few days and finally your so tired you finally sleep for one night. then the cycle repeats its self. its tough to beat anxiety when you have bad insomnia at the same time. i dont know much about lexapro and otc sleep aids if they conflict . benadrayl is safe i know have you tried it? . i mix melantoian and valerian root together for my insomnia. best check for conflicts with lexapro and otc sleep aids. if it comes to it-you can ask your dr for a prescription sleep aid on a temp basis. they are almost always safe to mix with an ssri (like lexapro)
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