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Up and Downs during Therapy

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 7/26/2015 8:01 AM (GMT 0)
I have been taking Lexapro for about 7 weeks now. I have had a few dose changes in that time, going from 5mg to 7.5mg to the 10mg I am currently taking right now.

A few days ago I was getting ready to sit down on here and type a post about how amazing I felt and how I had beaten this anxiety because I felt so amazing. I was literally on top of the world and so proud of myself. I got distracted and never posted that.

Unfortunately today I feel so anxious and depressed. I am left here sitting wondering why I am going through such extremes of happiness to anxious over night.

I don't suffer extreme anxiety anymore. I am able to cope with my anxiety even when it goes bad like today.
However the ups and downs are sometimes worse than having extreme anxiety. At least I knew what kind of day I was going to have and how to prepare myself for it before. It's really disheartening to me to go from being so happy and anxiety free to the feelings I have right now.

I am trying to be positive about things. I keep telling myself at least you are having good days. Is this a sign of things to come? Am I benefitting from the medication? Most definitely I am. It has helped me tremendously. I think back at how I use to be and I know I have come a long way. I use to suffer every day from anxiety and depression and now it's only a few days of the week or moments in a day.

Is this a part of the process that I can expect to feel while taking Lexapro? I could use some positive advice on how to deal with the ups and downs. Do you guys experience this? I am thinking I already know the answer which is yes. Sometimes it's just nice to hear it I guess.
Posted 7/26/2015 10:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Sorry to hear you are having a bad day unfortunately when dealing with anxiety and depression it is the norm to have up's and downs and it also seems to be the norm when you increase your medication that you get worse before you start to feel better again.

The target dose for anxiety whilst taking Lexapro is 10mg which you are on but it may take a couple of weeks before you settle on this dose so stick with it if you can but if things don't improve you need to go back and speak with your doctor. IMO Lexapro is a good medication and works well on anxiety and depression with minimal side effects.

Are you doing any therapy? Such as CBT as it is this which you will find really helpful. Also take a look at our resources thread which is the first post on the main page for some useful links to self help guides.

I am pleased that things are improving for you on the whole but keep us posted we are here for you.

Hibee
Posted 7/26/2015 10:29 AM (GMT 0)
I'm on Zoloft not Lexapro but I'm also in therapy and one thing my therapist keeps telling me is that you have to use your coping skills along with the meds. The meds help, but for me, exercise, meditation, breathing exercises, etc. are working to keep the ups and downs more steady. Hang in there and use your coping skills!

If you're not in therapy, I highly recommend The Anxiety Workbook. I don't recall the author but you can find it on Amazon.
Posted 7/26/2015 12:16 PM (GMT 0)
I'm currently living and working in the Philippines. It's a third world country and the therapy resources aren't the best. I have a psychiatrist here who I see. We haven't used any CBT therapy. I will ask her on my next visit.
Posted 7/26/2015 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi DanielSkully. I'm sorry you are on the roller coaster. I've been on it, and yes, it is normal.

I'm now on 20 mg of Lexapro, and have been since last August. It took me a good 3 months to finally level out, so be patient with yourself.

Use our resources to find some good coping skills that will help you get through the ups and downs.

It sounds like you've got a good handle on things over all. Keep thinking logically, and you'll do fine.

Post with us any time. We are here to support you.
Posted 7/26/2015 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
Funny thing happened just now. I thought I would go for a walk to reduce my stress anxiety and about 15 minutes into it it started raining so hard. I got totally soaked. I guess it's true what they say. When it rains it pours. At least it made me smile lol
Posted 7/26/2015 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
HI Daniel,

You've already received excellent advice above but I will just add that it is totally normal to have ups and downs sadly, as already stated it is important to use your coping skills during the down times. If you don't have any or only have a couple coping skills, be sure to check out the resources for more self help coping skills that I'm sure will help you.

You have a positive attitude and that will get your far, you are doing awesome so keep on doing what you are doing. :)

Have a great day! Keep on posting for support and encouragement!
Posted 7/26/2015 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much guys. I am currently practicing the breathing techniques and went through a few modules of the CBT earlier on the links in the resources section. I also got a one hour massage as they are cheap and available all over the Philippines. The massage knocked me out and I fell asleep and had some nice relaxation time. I woke up 4 hours later though and now I'm awake in bed assessing my coping skills and feeling slightly anxious. What coping skills work best for you guys? I have trouble sometimes relaxing my brain enough to get a full benefit I feel. It's hard when I'm anxious to concentrate on what I'm doing.
Posted 7/26/2015 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
No matter what coping skills I try today I just can't seem to settle down. I have 0.5 mg xanax here, but I feel like if I take it the anxiety is winning. I don't want to always resort to Xanax if I feel like crap. What should I do guys? Should I just take a Xanax and fight it another day?
Posted 7/27/2015 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
Don't feel you are giving in or letting the anxiety win if you take thexXanax. Feel that you are using everything in your arsenal to fight anxiety.

It is just like any other illness. Would you feel bad taking an aspirin or other NSAID if you had a headache? No, you probably wouldn't. Your Xanax is your aspirin, and anxiety is your headache. (literally right?! ;)

I'm sorry you got soaked in the rain earlier, but glad you were able to relax during your massage.

I think you've got a great attitude, and you won't let anxiety win.
Posted 7/27/2015 6:09 AM (GMT 0)
I ended up taking half of the Xanax and having an amazing sleep. I slept a good 8 hours. I woke up feeling groggy, but I'm so happy I got some sleep. Xanax can really be a life saver when all else fails.
Posted 7/27/2015 6:22 AM (GMT 0)
You sound really positive Daniel, keep it up mate.

This thing is a journey, you're doing well.
Posted 7/27/2015 6:36 AM (GMT 0)
Aus Dad,

This is a journey I never want to be on again hahaha. I think I had dropped my guard too much over the last week. I wasn't exercising and was eating crappy food all week. I wasn't doing all the things that had helped me beat this.

New week and a different day. Back to the gym today and I will stop at the grocery store and have some healthy food today. I really find these two things help me.
Posted 7/27/2015 8:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Great idea getting back to the gym that will be really helpful and a good diet helps as well.

Have a good week.

Hibee
Posted 7/27/2015 8:24 AM (GMT 0)
Gym is good, but cardio is better for anxiety apparently. Skipping, walking, swimming etc are all good for "getting out" the cortisol that build up with this lovely thing we are suffering from :)

In saying that the gym is good also, gets your mind on other things.

FYI I've just started Lexapro also, 2nd week for me and I'm having ups and downs also, but like you said we can manage it.
Posted 7/27/2015 10:05 AM (GMT 0)
I am strong believer that when we get anxious our bodies are trying to tell us that we need to make changes. I have had 3 major episodes of Anxiety in my life since the age of 21. Major meaning it becomes crippling to me. I have beaten it in the past and lived many years anxiety free. In fact my last major episode was around 7 years ago. I lived a really good 7 years before it came back. The doctors have all told me this genetic. I don't buy that at all. If that is the case than why have I lived the last 7 years without a single anxiety attack?

I can tell you that over the last 7 years I have neglected my health badly. I am a DJ and I really enjoy my night life. I didn't go near a gym and put on a good 30lbs of fat. Also if I look back at my childhood I was a very active and physically fit kid. I never had episodes of anxiety until I stopped being active. This had lead me to believe that my body only acts out when I am pushing it to the limits.

My plan of attack as is follows:
Quit Smoking - I'm smoke free for 2 months now :)
Lose 30lbs and get to my ideal weight for my age and height which is 165lbs (lost 20lbs already)
Exercise at least 2 and a half hours a week

Stick with it Aus_Dad. It gets better. Try and do good things for your body so you have good positive results to think about instead of negative crap from the anxiety.
Posted 7/27/2015 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi DS!

I just wanted to add my welcome and encouragement! :)

Post with us anytime for sharing and support! We are stronger as one community, united with our common challenges....and awesome in our care and understanding!

Keep posting!

Scaredy Cat
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