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Started taking generic lexapro PLEASE RESPOND

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Posted 3/22/2017 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. my names Samantha and i'm 19.
just going to give a back story then get to my point so stay with me please.

when i was 16 i had very severe panic attacks which sent me to the ER and at the time was prescribed .5mg ativan to deal with the attacks. not sure what happened but my panic attacks went away without using the ativan, and i lived my life how i always did until recently. i have always been a very outgoing and social person, i love people and i love being out.

for the past few weeks i started getting very bad panic attacks, seemingly out of no where to the point where i have taken medical leave from my work, and have hid in my house since ignoring my friends. i can't even drive anymore, which car rides have always been my favorite, because i get nervous being far from my house and possibly experiencing an attack.

i've never taken medication except that one time i was 16, but i got so depressed and anxcious about this i decided i needed help, and saw my doctor who prescribed me 10mg escitalopram (lexapro ) and have been on it for four days now.

i've been getting headaches, loss of appetite along with nausea (i was eating quite a bit before i started), headaches, i fall asleep at night but always wake up at 3 am anxcious which i used to sleep like a log, been feeling increasingly anxcious, clenching my jaw, jitters, also have been pretty depressed since my anxiety has gotten worse these past few days, i cry almost everyday now.

just wondering if this was normal for some because i am beginning to feel even more hopeless than ever.

thanks to any who reply

-samantha

Post Edited (samthecat19) : 3/21/2017 8:26:20 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/22/2017 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
Your diet and life style play a heavy role in how you feel I was like you too for a couple of months hiding at home not going out believe me that only makes things worse start doing some physical activity eat clean raw organic food If you can do some yoga or meditate and hop off the medication only makes things worst well at least for me if you wanna supplement magnesium citrate and ashwhaghandha helped me a lot

Remember learn how to control your mind or it will control you
Posted 3/22/2017 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hi STV and welcome!

I am really sorry to hear of your anxiety return. :/ I know how discouraging this can be.

However, its great that you have been proactive in your approach...saw your doctor and got reinstated with your Rx. Well done!

Unfortunately, things can often be challenging during a start up...with symptoms actually imcreasing temporarily...along with side effect challenges.

This however is temporary...and you'll soon notice these things phasing out, as the therapeutic effects start to kick in...so hang in there!

To help you through this time, please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great self help material. Practicing the suggested exercises daily will make a difference in how you feel.

Keep posting with us as well if you find it helpful. We understand, care and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 3/22/2017 7:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there,
I take generic lexapro too,its keeping me on toes.

Its a good medicine and will take atleast 8 weeks to work better.

welcome to forum and keep strong dear.
Posted 3/22/2017 8:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum but sorry to hear you have had a return of your anxiety/panic.

As SC mentioned it seems to be the norm for things to get worse before they get better again during start up of a new medication. This only lasts a couple of weeks and things should settle back down again but if they don't you need to go back and speak with your GP.

Lexapro is a very activating antidepressant so it's best to take first thing in the morning because if taken later in the day it will cause sleep problems.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 3/24/2017 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
Sam,

Welcome! I am also new to the forum but not new to anxiety. After years of remission my anxiety came back in early January (I quit my meds last year voluntarily - bad idea). Working my way back to health just like you - I am 8 weeks in on effexor. Definitely much better than I was 6 weeks ago but recovery takes time and you have to be patient. The meds need time to work but you will slowly start feeling better, believe me.

I was on generic lexapro for many years - as far as meds go I loved it. Very few side effects on a long term basis - does take some time to adjust though. I appreciate it that much more after being on effexor which has a few side effects I can't seem to shake (sleep issues at the top).

So stay strong and positive as you work through this challenge. You are stronger than you think! But be patient and don't beat yourself up if you don't start feeling better as fast as you 'think you should'. Meds work different for everyone.

I wish you the best of luck - I can say the forum here had been great with lots of caring, positive and most importantly supportive people. We've all been where you are now - if you need help or have questions just ask!
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