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Back on Lexapro?

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Posted 11/17/2015 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
So I was on 20 mg of Lexapro for about 2 years and feeling good on it, although it took a while to get there. Then I weaned myself off from 20 to 15 to 10 to 5 and then for two months now off completely. Well I am feeling the slide back to my anxiety again and sleeping issues.

My doctor thinks I should go back on it, though she thought I shouldn't go off either. She wants me to start right at the 10mg, but I think I am going to try 5 and go up from there to try to minimize the side affects. I was on 10 for about 6 months and felt good so was hoping to stabilize there.

Thoughts, advice? I really don't want to go back on it, but I also do not want to slide back to that dark place.

Thank you. I am new to this forum and have found some great advice
Posted 11/17/2015 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of the returning anxiety...I know this must be frustrating.

However, it is good news to hear that you have made a plan with your doctor, and are in the process of getting back on track.

As far as your restart and dosage...your dr. has recommended 10 mg, so I am sure you would do well at this level...

...that being said, feeling comfortable with the process is important to success. ..

...so if you feel that starting at 5 mg is your preference, then I encourage b you to listen to your gut.

What other treatment options have you tried for recovery? Therapy, self help?

We have a great collection of the latter in our Resources at the top of the main forum page. Check them out and see if anything looks helpful to you.

Keep posting with us as well. We understand, care and are here to support you anytime.:)

Talk soon,

S.C.
Posted 11/17/2015 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
I have tried herbal supplements, yoga, aromatherapy, pretty much everything. I don't necessarily have panic attacks, it is just an overall constant feeling of anxiety. Now I am getting where I am not sleeping well and have to force myself to get anything done. No motivation, loss of appetite, same kind of feeling as I had before when I first went on. I have had a lot of changes in my life and probably was not the best time to go off. But of course thought I was doing so well and I was fine for the first month off of it. For the second month I have been struggling to determine if I should go back on. So anxiety about going on meds again. ugh.

I did try CBT, which I see you have also. It just did not work for me, my thoughts just won't stop.
Posted 11/18/2015 5:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Sorry to hear you have had a return of your anxiety.

I think because you have been on Lexapro before you should be fine to start at 10mg but as SC mentioned it is up to you and what you are happy with. I hope it works well for you again keep us posted of your progress.

Hibee
Posted 11/18/2015 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
I am sorry to hear that CBT was not successful for you.

Sometimes we are not able to receive the help and tools we need due to cirumstances that we are experiencing at the time of treamtent...

...also, your therapist may not have been a right fit for you, which can have a big impact on success...

...so I would encourage you to consider revisiting the idea of therapy again for the future...

...or trying some self help from our Resources...which can be very effective if practiced regularly!

Here is the link:https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

Keep posting, and know you have found support here.:)

S.C.
Posted 12/11/2015 12:27 PM (GMT 0)
So I have been doing the 5mg for about 3 weeks, anxiety was better, but not idea, so I went up to 10mg and having side affects which make me want to go back to the 5mg. Nausea, which I can deal with, but increased anxiety which is very hard to deal with.

I believe it is normal to have an increase in anxiety when you increase the dose, but it is freaking me out a little. I might try 7.5 for a little bit and then go back to 10.

It doesn't help that I get anxiety about going on anxiety meds ugh.
Posted 12/11/2015 1:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Yes it's the norm to experience more anxiety when changing the dose but things will improve so I would stick with it if you can.

Hibee
Posted 12/11/2015 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi tlkat - Having anxiety about anxiety is a vicious cycle. The hardest part for me when starting - then eventually upping my dose of lexapro was the increased anxiety in the beginning. I hope it starts leveling out for you again!
Posted 12/11/2015 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
Tlkat,

Sorry to hear about your increased anxiety with your bump in dosage...

...as the others said, this is expected and temporary...but trying the 7.5 sounds like a good plan for now.

...and please take advantage of the free and effective material in the Resources if you've not done so already. The link is above in my last response.:) Practicing self help is proven in relieving anxiety and symptoms!

Keep us posted as to how it's going soon,

S.C.
Posted 12/12/2015 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for the support. I think I might just tough it out and stick to the 10mg, don't want have to deal with side affects at 7.5 (even if they are less) and then again at 10. Not the mention, getting a 1/2 of 5mg is not too easy :).

Will check in in about a week, let you know how it is going.
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