HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Newbie with questions

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/8/2019 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all, was hoping to get some advice. I will try to make a long story short. I started lexapro at 15 mg about three years ago. Had worked pretty well until a about 4 months ago, when I started to get some anxiety and irritability, and mood swings. Basically the way I started 3 years ago before major anxiety and depression settled in. I tried CBD oil, to supplement the lexapro, and it worked well for a couple of days, and then seemed to make everything worse. I tried ashwagandha for about 3 weeks now and that seemed to help in the beginning, but now I seem to be very shaky and irritable. Went to my doc, and she wanted me to go to 20 on the lexapro. Did that for 2 days, 1st day was good, second day, I was shaky and anxious. I wonder is the ashwagandha has anything to do with that. So my plan is to eliminate the ashwagandha, have already eliminated the CBD. Do 15 mg of lexapro again until everything else is out of my system. Basically start over. Then my plan is to go to 17.5 lexapro for a week or two and then possibly 20. My questions are, has anyone tried CBD or ashwagandha with their ssri? Does it sound like I'm doing the logical thing? Fortunately I have some klonopin, but don't like taking it everyday. Is it possible Lexapro will not work for me, even with an increased dose? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Posted 9/8/2019 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum I am pleased you have found us.

I would check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if there is any possible interactions between your Ssri and the CBD and ashwagndha.

Sometimes an Ssri will pop out so an increase or change in medication is required.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 9/8/2019 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
I asked my pdoc about CBD plus SSRI. He said in his view there’s not strong enough scientific evidence one way or the other regarding possible interactions. On that basis he said it would be better to stay off the CBD while I’m taking an ssri. Just one man’s view.
Posted 9/8/2019 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you both for your replies. I've decided to not use the CBD or ashwagandha again, since I have not had positive experiences with either, and I agree, there is just not enough research to support either supplement. I will try to just increase the lexapro and see how that goes, although as I said, it increased my anxiety and shakiness on the second day. Is this normal, if I did not experience any side effects when I first began lexapro? I hate this shaky feeling and that anxious feeling in my chest. Thanks for your help.
Posted 9/9/2019 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

I am sorry that you are experiencing possible inefficacy with your Lex...I know this is frustrating and confusing. However, three years isn't a very long time to be on an Rx, so I definitely think that trying an increase before anything else is a good plan. I like the idea of going up slowly...to 17.5 for some time and then to 20. I think that gentle increases/decreases are the way to go with SSRI's.

Are you currently also practicing coping skills to round out your management program? The more tools you have at your disposal the better of course. If you need some fresh ideas, be sure and see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great material.

Keep posting with us as well if you find it helpful. We understand and support is key! We'll be here to keep you encouraged through this challenging time if you'd like. smile

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/9/2019 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your reply Scaredy Cat. I checked out the resources briefly, and will give them a more thorough look today. I also felt that 3 years wasn't a long time, but I know everyone is different. My doctor told me that exercise would be a big help, so I've gotten started with that. She said that as soon as I feel the anxiety coming on, if possible, to exercise, don't wait until it has a hold of me. I did that Saturday and Sunday, and I have to say that it did help. I have done the 17.5 mg for two nights now, and it seems ok so far, just a bit shaky. I'll see how it goes.
Posted 9/9/2019 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
C.,

Great job on doing all you can in order to trouble shoot this! You are being positive and proactive despite the difficulty...and that can make all the difference in getting the results that you need!

We are cheering you on, so keep us updated and we'll do our best to keep you encouraged.

S.C.
Posted 9/11/2019 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Cashless - I am starting up lexapro after being off it for over a year. I think the anxiousness and shakiness is from the increase. Just my opinion as I'm experiencing some of that as well. I hope it starts to level out for you!
Posted 9/11/2019 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you JRF, things seem to be a bit better. One day at a time, I guess. I hope it gets better for you too!
Posted 9/11/2019 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
I started Lexapro for the first time about three weeks ago. I like it so far. But when I get side effects off of an SSRI it is usually a month to six weeks in.

One day at a time is right. Thinking that way helps curb the anxiety for me. One minute at a time if needed.

I wish you the best with the increase. Keep hanging in there. You have come to a good place. A lot of caring members hang out here.

Have a good rest of the day.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 9/12/2019 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Karen. Glad you are having positive results with your Lexapro. It has worked well for me until a few months ago. I am hoping the increase will be all I need. It is up and down so far. I wish you continued improvement.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply