HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Lexapro Week 3 and an anxiety comeback

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 4/26/2016 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
I am on my third week of Lexapro. The first week and a half was great. Felt really, good, and was amazed how well it was working. My appettite and energy returned, and I did not worry, and what anxiety I had was much more muted and short lived. Only issue I had was waking up at night and having issues falling back asleep.

Last Thursday, I felt more constant anxiety. I started to worry about my digestive system and eating again.

Long story short, it has since been more of a constant anxiety. It spikes at times and I need to get up and walk around or talk myself down. Exercise helps, but it keeps coming back.

Could my body have adjusted to the 5mg dosage? I see my psychiatrist Friday, so hoping we can up the dosage. I was also given Clonazepam but have yet to take it. But the thought of waiting until Friday and the continuous worry/anxiety is making it tough.

Anyone else had this happen? I feel the Lexapro worked for me, just think I may need a higher dose. Was hoping by week 3 to at least be more even keeled and not regressing.
Posted 4/26/2016 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
The same thing happened to me. After the first week or so I slid back. I would definitely ask your doctor about a dosage increase. I started at 5 then moved up to 7.5, neither of these are considered to be therapeutic doses. So now I started on 10 a couple days ago. Still waiting to feel better. Also, I never really wanted to take my xanax and I'd go through some miserable times, but I decided if the doc says its okay, I'll take them when I need them. Why torture yourself. I think a little bit of relief can help your attitude and make it easier to stay positive. Good luck.
Posted 4/26/2016 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Rspwed. Was your level of anxiety during those times about the same as it was prior to the Lexapro? I want to say mine still may be a bit stifled in terms of full blown panic, but it is very uncomfortable, and comes in waves. Have not had an anxiety free day in about 5 days now. It is a bit frustrating since I was feeling so good, but may have just been a shot in the arm at the time.

We will see what he recommends. I have been hesitant as well with the Clonazepam, but more and more considering it since I am having some struggles, especially at work.
Posted 4/26/2016 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
I had some panic attacks even after I started the lexapro at 5mg, but it has been awhile since I've had one.
I don't think I had one while I was on 7.5, but I'm still not myself. So, up we go. My sleep has been improved somewhat since I've increased. I still fight with my appetite. Sometimes I'm ready to eat a horse, sometimes I have to force myself to eat. I think I've lost about 15 pounds in the last month and a half.
Posted 4/26/2016 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
Again thanks Rspwed. Seems we are very similar. My sleep improved over the past few nights, but my days are more anxious. Go figure. I also had almost a normal appetite, snacking, and having a rumbly tummy the first week or so. Past few days I have eaten, but my stomach does not really rumble like it use to. Which of course makes me worry about my digestive tract. I lost some weight which had me very self conscious, but it has balanced itself again for now.

One more thing, did the Xanax work and help when you needed it too? How long did it last usually? I hear that the Clonazepam is a bit longer lasting.
Posted 4/26/2016 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
Yes. The Xanax does take the edge off, even the smallest dose has helped unless I'm feeling really bad.
I've heard Clonazepam last longer, too. The Xanax will make me a little drowsy, but I function better a little drowsy than stressed out.
Posted 4/27/2016 7:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Yes sounds like you need an increase the target dose for anxiety with Lexapro is 10mg.

Good luck with the CBT i'm sure you will find that really helpful it gets great results.

Hibee
Posted 4/28/2016 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Worried,

My opinion for what it's worth is that the Lexapro had nothing to do with you feeling better in the first 2 weeks as it doesn't usually work that fast. So any feeling better was all down to you so good work and shows that you can deal with this.

5mg is a low dose I'm on 20 but have been as high as 30mg. It takes up to 8 weeks to level out as you say so keep using other coping skills as much as possible.

Remember it's a journey but you WILL get through it.

Best of luck.
Posted 4/28/2016 12:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Aus_Dad,

A lot of people were very surprised when I told them how good I was feeling. So they probably thought the same thing. Maybe it was a relief to myself that I was beginning the journey, or maybe it was just distracting myself and really bearing down on trying to not think about things as much.

Whatever it was, it has helped. I have been exercising too, and eating better meals. Still the appetite is shaky and inconsistent, but I think as I loosen up and stop worrying so much and thinking about it, that will come around even more to normal.

I'll take it as a good sign. I see my Psychiatrist tomorrow so I'll see what he says. I am pretty sure we will up the dosage.

The responses on here have been great and make me feel good. Knowing there are others going through what I am going through, and knowing that it will get better. Thanks for the support.
Posted 4/29/2016 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi worried,

I am in a similar situation. I am trying to get on Zoloft after being on Lexapro 10 mg for 12 years. On a side note, the Lexapro was great for me for 12 years! The only reason I stopped taking it was because I had convinced myself that I could cope without it...how wrong I was! My anxiety and depression returned after 2 months with a vengeance! After realizing this, my doctor put me back on the Lexapro for 8 weeks, but my mood just would not stabilize (constant panic and crying fits).

So, the decision was made to try Zoloft instead (my father takes this medication and has tolerated it really well, so the doctor thought it may be a good med for me). So far, things have been a bit rocky to say the least. I have now been on 50 mg of the Zoloft for 1 week and my mood has still been a bit all over...crying, depression, negative thoughts, and then small bouts of happiness. I know I need to give it more time, but it is very hard. Like you, my appetite is not good. I've lost 12 pounds since February when this all started (I didn't really have any to lose). I notice that my appetite is the worst in the mornings (I can only eat a banana for breakfast and have to wait until about 10:30 to eat that, otherwise I get extreme nausea). By noon I am usually able to eat a peanut butter sandwich and some ginger ale. Dinner is when I am able to eat a bit more, usually some chicken/beef and veggies.

Oh, before I end the post, have you tried any nutritional drinks to supplement the lost calories? I have found them very helpful. If you are in the USA as I am, my favorite one is called Boost high protein. The chocolate flavor is amazing and it has quite a bit of protein and vitamins/minerals that we may be losing due to not eating enough. Another thing I do is take a multivitamin every day.

I hope you start to feel better soon and one last word of advice...if the Lexapro works for you, please don't stop taking it without your doctor's advice! If you are like me, it may not work the same the second time you try it!! Have a great night!
Posted 4/29/2016 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
Worried,

You're doing great :) You sound really positive which is fantastic.

I didn't get the appetite issue but my best friend has it now with his anxiety that has just developed :(

Exercise is SOOO important, it burns cortosil (spelling?) and also tires us out to help with sleep at night.

Again, keep at it, I've been anxiety free for at least 4 months now so it can be done :)

All the best.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply