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Starting Lexapro...

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Posted 10/15/2016 2:46 AM (GMT 0)
Saw a new psychiatrist a couple days ago, he prescribed me Lexapro for my obsessive thoughts and anxiety. He gave me a plan to start slow with half a 10mg pill a day for the first two days, then up to the full 10mg pill a day, follow up appointment in a month. He definitely made me feel better about taking this compared to the psychiatrist I saw in Vegas when she wanted me on Prozac. He just seemed very confident and was comforting about my concerns. Today I took my first half a pill. I am just dreading these side effects I hear about especially since I HATE being nauseous. I took it at about 11am today, felt fine but not I feel kinda crappy. Hard to tell if it's the mess though or if I'm getting sick because my throat was hurting late last night and all today so who knows. I really want to stick through it I just don't know how long I'd be able to put up with being sick to get to the promise land. I know some people the effects come and go quickly, others it takes longer. Any recommendations on dealing with the sickness or side effects? I have Xanax still that he said to use to ease the effects, does that work? And is it cool to take pepto while on these things? Anything helps, thank you as always!
Posted 10/15/2016 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
My best advice is the pain of the side effects have to be less severe than the pain you feel when suffering from your anxiety/depression symptoms for you to stick with it. For me there was no turning back, I dealt with the nausea, fatigue, yawning, headaches, dry mouth etc because I know they are temporary. Giving in to the side effects is letting the anxiety defeat you and drag you back to the dark side. I refused to let that happen to me again. I'm on week 11 and feel great, I was prescribed Klonopin 1mg daily which I took for most of the 11 weeks but in lower doses from 1/2mg to 3/4 mg. Stick with it because life is better on the other side!
Posted 10/15/2016 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
MD,

I am so glad that you saw this doctor and got some solid reassurance/guidance.

Try to keep only a positive outcome in your thoughts...since this will go a long way in ensuring success!

...and yes taking your benzo will help! It can keep any nausea and nervousness at bay...and allow you to keep continuing your start up until you can reach therapeutic levels not your med.

Don't forget to practice your coping skills daily as well...and keep us posted, so we can keep you in support!

S.C.
Posted 10/15/2016 4:49 AM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to say congrats Mike for finding a new doc so soon after the move. I'm so glad you feel comfortable with this doc, and also am so glad that you took the step to taking the medication. My husband takes Lexapro and it really keeps his anxiety at bay. It is a very good medication for many, and I hope it helps you. I don't think he's really ever had any side effects.

Try to remain positive and think about no or minimal side effect. They're usually so temporary!
Posted 10/15/2016 7:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Lexapro is a good medication imo so stick with it.

With regards to the side effects they usually lesson after a couple of weeks then you need to consider the pros and cons. Its can take up to 8 weeks to fully kick in so it's important to continue with your daily self help.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 10/15/2016 9:33 AM (GMT 0)
Keep it up and i hope all goes well xx
Posted 10/15/2016 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
It's worth it to me. Side effects don't last long enough to offset the years of relief I felt.
Posted 10/15/2016 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
For some people the side effects are better. Unfortunately that isn't me. However, the end result was worth it for me. Ativan and coping skills help a lot. So does talking about it here.

Good luck!!
Posted 10/15/2016 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone! I plan to stick through it. I don't want the "bandaid relief" of Xanax anymore, only been taking it for a couple months, but that's all I want. I don't want to take it anything more than short term and in extreme situations. Day 2 today.
Posted 10/16/2016 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
By the way, how have you all dealt with drinking on it? Both the doc and the pharmacist said oh it's fine just probably wouldn't want to get hammered, but thought I'd see what your experiences were, I know everyone's different but.
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