Increase

Hello healing well family! It’s good to be back on here. Been a couple of months since I last posted.

Question, is it recommended to increase dosage when going through something difficult?

I am currently on lexapro 5mg (not my first time on lex and 5mg has always been my magic dose) Lately I’ve had sooo much stress due to marriage issues and it’s triggering my anxiety, wondering if I should increase? ....before the stress settled in I was doing great with zero anxiety. The anxiety I am getting now is not extreme, very minimal but it puts me in a funk and I hate it.

Appreciate any advice!

Roxy, since you've had more stress lately due to marriage issues, have you tried meditating? It may help you.

Maybe an increase in the medication would make sense, though obviously that is something you should discuss with your physician. As you probably know, sometimes when you increase the dose of medication, you can see an increase in anxiety for the first few weeks. Of course not everybody experiences that, but it is a possibility. As you probably know, 5 mg is a very low dose of Lexapro

There may be some other things you can try to relieve anxiety as well, such as certain teas that tend to be relaxing, exercise, meditation, breathing exercises, etc..

Thank you all, I really appreciate each and everyone of you. You’re advice/knowledge is extremely helpful!

I’d rather not increase in dose...I’ve used lexapro couple times before and this dose has been the one for me.

My anxiety has def lessened a lot, I’ve just done what I can to distract myself, keep my mind busy. And remain positive. I have started to exercise as well. I have never tried to meditate although I would be open to trying it! So if anyone has tips, please share!

I hope everyone else is doing well.

There are lots of free guided meditations available. Many intro to meditation books too. You could read anything by Thich Naht Hanh. Or John Kabatt Zinn. Or get the free Insight Timer app and join the “Beginners Mind” group. Or just sit quietly and focus on your breath. When your mind wanders - as it repeatedly will - notice that, and then refocus your breath. Don’t expect radical change. Meditation isn’t a quick fix. The changes are subtle. I meditate daily.

I am going through the same thing right now Roxy, I mean going through a difficult time with my family and I see my anxiety level go really high, but I’m trying to use other tools to lessen it. I’m using citalopram currently