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Escitalopram/Cipralex- Help

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Posted 11/12/2020 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
I was on Cipralex for anxiety and panic attacks- not depression- after caring for 5 1/2 yrs for my mom and her subsequent passing - from January 2018-10 mg till July 2020 and then went down to 5 mg. until September and went to 5 mg. every 2-3 days through September and first week of October stopped completely. My main complaint when I went down to every 2-3 days was dizziness and headachy and so my dr. said i was low enough to stop because she thought every 2-3 days may have had a yoyo effect .
So since Oct. I am clear. Wasn't until about three weeks later I noticed the lightheadness had gone- thankfully and the headachy feeling. I had wafts of what i call the "oh-ohs"- meaning here comes an attack but I could slow breathe them out and three weeks ago the oh-oh's came on while watching tv and disappeared just as fast- a gift from God I thought.
Two weeks ago- now in November I ended up being stuck in traffic big time and it brought back the beginning of my anxiety from 2006 when i had a panic attack in a car on the way home from another province with 2 kids and an adult with me. After this recent episode I didn't even want to get into my car the next day to go get milk 5 mins away. Since then I have had moments of intense trembling lasting for hours and having to take lorazapam only when I can't take the whirling head another second. - I am very, very careful with loraz. I am a master of breathing exercises, affirmations etc etc. My dr. thinks maybe i need to go back on. The cipralex worked for me and i don't want a benzo but i don't want to go back on either. I Hate the thought of start up effects too. Any thoughts most appreciated.
Posted 11/13/2020 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
i take cipralex 10mg and find it very smooth and easy . didnt have a lot of start up effects . control my anxiety well-until the election lol.
Posted 11/14/2020 6:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

If you are thinking of re starting the cipralex I don’t think you will have many start up side effects as I still feel your body will be used to the medication so may be worth a shot.

Hibee
Posted 12/28/2020 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your replies. After weaning off Cipralex in Oct. after 2 1/2 years I had a trigger in November that really did a number on me. So I have gone back on Cipralex 5 mg. I did have a few times when i had to take a lorazapam but I felt the cipralex starting to work again. I am very cautious and vigilant re lorazapam. I took a lorazapam before some dental work on Dec. 9- up till then my anxiety level was rather peaceful and since Dec. 9 I have had no anxiety even tho Christmas is tough since losing my Mom in 2017. Christmas night just about to take my first bite of dinner I got that "oh-oh" waft come over me.I paused on the food, did deep breathing and listened to some classical calming music and in about 15 minutes was fine. Dec. 26 I didn't feel great- first thing walking the dog and even tho it was cold was unloosening my collar and taking off my hat - just wanted to be back inside. Rest of the day I kept busy to keep my brain from overthinking but the stomach muscles were tight as steel... but I got through it very uncomfortably because i didn't want to take a lorazapam. Dec. 27 - I was awakened by a headache- unusual - and then after 20 minutes the muscles aches started, stomach upset and again the oh-oh's so around noon I took a lorazapam hoping to break the cycle. Wasn't till about 10 pm when i suddenly felt hungry and realized my stomach had relaxed. Now today, Dec. 28 I awake at 6;30am and immediatly start shaking and I gave it 10 mins and said this is going to be big so i took a lorazapam right away and lay in bed for 2 more hours, deep breathing and calming music. This is no way to go on. Should I assume I should go back to the 10 mg I was on for 2 1/2 yrs until this past summer? And more importantly since I have been back on 5 mg. since October will I have additional side effects when I move the dose up. I cant remember from my initial dose up in 2017 if I had any side effects. I am just feeling more intolerant of more of this crap. Very much appreciate any input. Thanks so much.
Posted 12/28/2020 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
Each individual is different. In my case, I was on citalopram for 5 years at a lower dose, but felt I needed to up it. I doubled the dose and did not have any adverse side effects . I've been at the higher dose for the last 5 years with no issues and better reduction in anxiety. Take care and hang in there.
Posted 12/30/2020 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
i recently upped my dose from 10 to 20 due to stress over the election and have no side effects either. i am so calm no i dont recognise my self -lol.
Posted 12/30/2020 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Tim G and super20dan for your replies
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