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Feeling awful after Lexapro increase

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Posted 5/30/2017 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone! I'm so glad I recovered all my login information for this site. This site was so helpful years ago and I'm hoping it can be helpful again.

So long story short-

about 2 years ago I went through a period of horrible anxiety and panic attacks, to the point where I wouldn't even leave my house. I was on celexa and Prozac years ago but both made me gain weight so my doctor decided to put me on effexor. Sadly I had a bad reaction to the Effexor and went back on Prozac. However the Prozac made me twitchy so I went on 5mg of lexapro. At first the side effects were awful but after 3 weeks I finally began feeling like myself again.


After almost 2 years I felt a lot better and decided to go off the lexapro (such a dumb decision). For a few months I felt fine, until grad school picked back up and I began working 2 jobs. The stress of everything became unbearable and I was more anxious than ever and having panic attacks almost daily. I went to my doctor and she prescribed buspar, however it made me very dizzy and warm so I wanted to get off of that ASAP. We decided to put me back on the 5mg of lexapro however it didn't do much this time around. I made a second appointment and we decided to try 7.5 mg at first it was awesome but then I began working 12 hour days with barely any time off and now I'm so stressed again. A few days ago I met up with my doctor and we decided to go on 10mg. However, these side effects are making me feel awful and like I'm going crazy sad I feel hot, jittery and extra anxious. I just want this all to stop and to feel better sad I feel so hopeless and any words would help

Post Edited (Redsox2015) : 5/30/2017 2:05:14 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/30/2017 8:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi R.S. and welcome back!

Although I am so sorry to hear of your current challenges. I am sure you are feeling very frustrated at the moment. :/

Sometimes restarts can be tricky...and increases often bring undesired effects such as you describe...

...but hopefully given more time, these will phase out, and you'll note the benefits increasing.

What does your coping regimen look like as far as self help goes? If you need to brush up...remember to check out our Resources for great material.

Keep posting as well, so we can keep you in support. 😊

S.C.
Posted 5/30/2017 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi SC,

I will definitely check out the resources smile I also recently started going back to CBT which has been helping little by little. For true emergencies my doctor gave me .5 of Ativan which takes the edge off during really bad attacks
Posted 5/30/2017 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
Excellent!

You are doings all the right things...keep up the good work, stay hopeful...and do your best to be patient with yourself and the process!

S.C.
Posted 5/31/2017 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you SC,

I printed out the "health anxiety" leaflet from NHS and could definite relate to a lot of it! It's just SO hard making it thru the workday feeling so on edge and anxious. Especially today because I'm working 845-245 at one job then 315-8 at my second job.
Posted 5/31/2017 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
R.S.,

Wow that is a full work schedule! Are you workimg a twelve hour day very often?

This can make time for self help, decompression and rest difficult for sure...

...but good job on printing out that material, and keep up the great work in finding your recovery and reaching your goals.

You can do this...and things will get better.😊

S.C.
Posted 6/4/2017 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hi SC,

No it was only temporary because someone quit and we needed their shifts to be filled smile I'm hoping with an easier schedule my anxiety will ease up a bit
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