I'm new here! I'm on day 5 of Lexapro for my anx$&, and I feel like it's gotten worse.

Hello, welcome to this site. Usually when first starting a med like Lexapro you will have side effects, one being more anxiety. But after a few weeks when your body adjusts it will get better.

Hi Leno and welcome!

I am sorry that you are currently dealing with this anxiety struggle. We do understand how difficult this is.

As DS mentioned...one of the ironic side effects of and SSRI start up is initial increase of anxiety. This however is ususally temporary...and if you can stick it out, you may end up with a very good Rx for your needs.

Here are some links for some great relaxation exercises and anxiety reducing coping skills. Practicing these daily should help to lower your stress/side effects.

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

Of course if you find that your experience is more than you can bear...a call to your doctor would be appropriate, to discuss your options.

Keep posting with us if you find it helpful. Support is key!

Scaredy Cat

Gladly! Keep us posted on how you are doing...and anything else we can do to help.;)

Cheering you on in your recovery!

S.C.

Yes, I know what you mean...negative input has much more influence and effect on our perceptions!

...however, try to remember that people are much more likely to write about a bad experience than a good one! There are many, many people who have had great success with their Rx's...they just aren't necessarily writing about it.

Just out of curiousity...are you also pursuing other treatment options such as therapy or self-help to manage your anxiety?

S.C.

Awesome!!

I believe you will find this of immense benefit! It may even be that you will gain enough tools through therapy, that your Rx needs will be temporary. Everyone differs of course, but having therapy skills in your management plan is always a positive!

Keep up the good work!

S.C.

Hi, Leno!
I am also on Lexapro for my anxiety/panic. As others have told you it is very common to experience this unwanted side effects at the beginning. I hated taking the Lexapro at first, but by the end of the first week I was already feeling much better.

Hang in there!

Hello and welcome!! This is a wonderful forum!! I hope you find it as useful as I have. I know exactly how you feel! I don't take lexapro but I do take prozac. I am on my 4th week now and can see a huge improvement. The first 2 weeks were horrible and I wanted to stop taking them but I kept on and by the 3rd week I started to feel hope. Just keep hanging in there and know that relief is on it's way!

Meaning day 5. Day 4 wasn't very good at all

Everyday will get easier!!

Anyone else have positive insight about the side effects
Leaving ( maybe fast ) and theee working wonders!!!!

That's good to hear CT! It's also good to hear that you have used them in the past and currently aren't on them. That's encouraging too!

Awe Im sorry to hear. I hope you get back on the meds and you start feeling good again. .. I'm sure of it.