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Posted 4/7/2017 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
I am a special education teacher and for the last few years could not stop worrying, feeling sad, overwhealmed face pressure and the list could go on. After many panic attacks, racing heart of 130 bpm BP 150/100 went to my dr. He said it was work induced anxiety. Given Lexapro 10 mg and been on it a week. I read side effects could last a month but how long until I start to feel better. Despondent is a good word and my spouse really is not exactly understanding as to why I feel this way as well as constant worry about my job and a lot of other things. I just want to feel normal again.
Posted 4/7/2017 10:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi atwitsend and welcome!

I am really sorry to hear of your challenges with anxiety currently.:/ We understand how this feels, so know you've found a group of caring people who knows how you feel.

It can take up to several weeks for an SSRI to reach therapeutic levels in the system. Therefore the start up period is not without its struggles...but if you can hang in there a bit longer, you'll soon turn the corner and start feeling the benefits of your Rx.

For now, check out our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great material to work with. Practicing the suggested exercises daily will make a difference in how you feel.

Keep posting with us as well if you find it helpful. Support is key!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 4/7/2017 11:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi AWE, when I started lexapro the first time, I started feeling better after about two weeks. I hope you start to feel better soon. Seems like your right at the cusp of better days.
Posted 4/8/2017 8:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum you will find good support here.

Lexapro is IMO one of the best antidepressants but it can take anywhere between 6-8 weeks before you start to see the full effects of the medication and it seems to be the norm for things to get worse before getting better again during the start up period which is usually the first couple of weeks.

Keep in touch with your doctor so they can monitor your progress.

Hibee
Posted 4/9/2017 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
Lexapro has been great for me but at first the start-up side effects were challenging. Now i have no such issues and it really helps me keep the anxiety, and a bit of depression, in check.
Posted 4/9/2017 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
AWE - welcome to the forum. You have found a great resource for help and support here!
I can say the four me lexapro was amazing - was on it for years and had little or no side effects and completely kept anxiety and depression in check. I am actually just starting a transition from Effexor back to lexapro (day 2). Haven't actually started taking any of the Lex yet as I have to wean off the other med first. I am very excited to go back on it though as I have had a number of persistent side effects on the Effexor and am hopeful they will subside.
Please let us/me know how you're doing as I will likely be in the same boat as your are for the next several weeks. As SC and Hibee noted it does take time but you will start feeling better.
Hang in there and keep in touch. It can be scary at times especially if no one close to you has experienced these challenges. That's why the forum is such a great help. Good luck!
Posted 4/10/2017 8:48 AM (GMT 0)
I've been on Lexapro for 10 years and I believe it's the best.
Everyone is different and it will take time. Wishing you the best always
Posted 4/13/2017 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
atwitsend,

I hope you get the results you are looking for soon! I started on 5mg Lexapro in December; after about a month I was bumped up to 10mg. I took that for about 2 months, and now I'm on the 20mg dosage (have been for maybe 2 weeks). Past few days I've had some racing thoughts and anxiety but I feel as a whole it will be worth it in the long run.

To everyone else, hope you are well! Been a while since I posted.
Posted 4/13/2017 4:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Zax,

Good to hear from you. 😊

Post an update whenever you can.

S.C.
Posted 4/14/2017 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I take lexapro. I had pretty bad side effects for the first month but after that they greatly reduced. I'd say you need to give it a few more weeks and see how you feel.
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