Lexapro Update

[sillyava]

I am at week 4 or 5 at the 10mg dose of lexapro.  I took 2.5mg for 10 days, then 5mg for 3 weeks or so.  When I switched to the 10mg dose, there was no added side effects, which was great, because that is what made me take so long to up the dose.  Over the past week or so, I noticed that I am actually feeling a lot better.  I am starting to need my xanax less, which is great.  Today I actually drove, and didn't take a xanax.  I haven't been able to do that in ages.  I still have panic, but only when I am very stressed, or overstimulated.  Maybe that will pass as I have more time on the meds.   For someone that was terrified to take Lexapro to begin with, I have gone through an incredible change.  It is not perfect, but it is miles away from where I was before anything.  I wanted to share this with the board to ease the fears of those who are also afraid of meds. 

[kmwondering]

I'm so glad! I see my psych on Monday and will get my script for 10 instead of the five I've been taking. this helps me be less afraid of the ten.

[allipate28]

Did u feel dizzy when u started on the 2.5 mg

[madchains]

I've been started on 2.5 twice a day, it's only been about 3 or 4 days and I can't say I notice any difference in my anxiety or nervousness, so far the only effect it seems to have is that it's giving me the runs in my sleep! For some reason during the day it doesn't have any side effects, but a few hours after I sleep (regardless of whether its a nap or not) I wake up after a short while and need to race to the bathroom! It's kinda funny but certainly not fun when sleep is the only time you don't feel anxiety.

On the actual anxiety side of things, does it normally take a long time before Lexapro works?

[insights]

On the actual anxiety side of things, does it normally take a long time before Lexapro works?

Antidepressants don't directly impact anxiety chemically in the way benzodiazepines do. They boost the production of new brain cells in the two hippocampus regions of the brain, reversing the effects of chronic stress hormones exposure.  It is increased number of hippocampal cells which ease anxiety and depression. This takes some 3-12 weeks.

Ian

[kmwondering]

I'm going to start 10mg on Friday so I have the weekend with my husband home to adjust. Nervous and hopeful.

[insights]

I'm going to start 10mg on Friday

I suggest you contact the prescribing doctor and ask if you can start on half a tablet, i.e. 5mg. For many with anxiety disorders 10mg can be too much to begin with.

Ian

[jay8510]

I'm going to start 10mg on Friday

I suggest you contact the prescribing doctor and ask if you can start on half a tablet, i.e. 5mg. For many with anxiety disorders 10mg can be too much to begin with.

Ian

What would happen if you started immediately on 10mg?

[kmwondering]

I agree with you, Ian. I've been on 5 for a month and actually started wih 2.5 for about a week.

[allipate28]

Kmwondering did u feel a difference in the 2.5 to 5 mg move

[kmwondering]

A couple of mild headaches that could just be coincidence. Anxiety reduced slightly but came back up again. These could all just as easily be coincidence. I am hopeful tht I will see a real difference with ten.

[allipate28]

Thanks I have been on 2.5 for a week and was planning on moving up Monday to 5mg! U feel its working on making the anxiety go away?

[insights]

What would happen if you started immediately on 10mg?

The initial side-effects might be more severe. 10mg is okay for most with depression, but may be too much for those with an anxiety disorder.

Ian

[kmwondering]

I do feel less anxious, but it is hard to tell which could be from the benzo and which from the ssri. I expect to get a better handle on that when I increase to ten since my dose of benzo won't change.

[jay8510]

What would happen if you started immediately on 10mg?

The initial side-effects might be more severe. 10mg is okay for most with depression, but may be too much for those with an anxiety disorder.

Ian

The side effects will go away over time correct? How long usually will the initial side effects last?

[insights]

The side effects will go away over time correct?

Hopefully, yes. Though some like sexual dysfunction tend to last.

How long usually will the initial side effects last?

Anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Ian