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New on Lexapro and concerned

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Posted 9/10/2012 12:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, my name is Chris. I've been suffering with anxiety for years, and other the past 2 years, panic attacks. I finally started counseling and was prescribed Lexapro 10mg and Xanax .25mg as needed. Started the Lexapro 3 days ago and felt really good. This morning however, I was in the shower when all of a sudden I felt panic and started getting really anxious about the side effects of the drug, particularly how it talks about suicide...didn't think about suicide, just worried about the side effects. I've chilled out since it happened and fell better now. Maybe my panic just kicked in and it had nothing to do with the Lexapro. I would love to know what others have experienced with Lexapro. Any advice would be greatly appreciated...I had high hopes for the med...thanks!
Posted 9/10/2012 1:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

I don't have personal experience, but I can tell you that having some increase in symptoms initially is not unusual when starting an SSRI. This should subside, and then you will start to note the benefits.

It sounds as if you just had a moment of panic, while thinking of possible negative outcomes.. It can be scary starting a medication, and sometime the 'what-if' thinking can get the better of you...know that you are not alone in this. We have had many posts regarding these worries.

Also, keep in mind that these meds typically take anywhere from 2-6 weeks to build up and level off in the system, so some patience is in order.

If you have any more thoughts that bother you, call and consult your doctor. It is important to communicate with him/her, so that you make sure that you get the medication that is right for you.;)

Feel free to post here with us anytime. This is a great place for information, support and sharing!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/10/2012 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Cboerstler -- Unfortunately, you can expect some side effects when starting an SSRI. I had some too, when I began Lexapro. Some docs will start you on 5mg rather than 10mg, which might result in less side effects. The xanax -- used appropriately -- may help you deal with anxiety side effects during the period when you are getting used to Lexapro. I used it, when needed, during the first couple of weeks. Have not taken it since then.

Personally, I began with 10mg, did not like the side effects, and reduced to 5mg. But that may be a little bit unusual.

Hang in there -- it should get better. Best regards, Medved
Posted 9/10/2012 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Good to meet you and welcome to the forum. I take the same medication as you and found that it does take a couple of weeks to adjust to the medication anywhere between 6-8 weeks. If problems persist I would go and speak with your doctor.

Hibee
Posted 9/10/2012 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I have also started Lexapro and am now on 15 mg after beginning very slowly at 5 mg and working my way up. The Dr. wants me to begin taking 20 mg this week, but I have noticed daily headaches now that I am increasing my dosage.

I am mainly taking it for severe OCD/anxiety about germs/stomach viruses. Long story, but the fear paralyzes my everyday life, and I am miserable to live with.

Anxiety is so life altering, and no one understands except those of us who suffer together.
Posted 9/10/2012 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
hi, chris. my boyfriend has taken lexapro for about 6 years for panic disorder...i am just starting effexor with a lot of start-up anxiety like you mentioned. my boyfriend has encouraged me by saying the same thing happened to him when he started lexapro, but that the start-up side effects wore off. he is doing great on lexapro now. it has literally changed his life...his agoraphobia was so bad before i met him that for two years, he didn't venture outside a three mile radius of his house. just recently he drove to atlanta and back from our house in central florida on his own!

i'm here for you if you need to vent about the start-up anxiety! i'll hang in there if you will! :)
Posted 9/11/2012 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for your comments. It is reassuring to hear that I am not alone with the initial anxiety when starting Lexapro.
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