About to start antidepressant Lexapro - AIBU to ask for advice, tips...?

[anxietyaunt]

Okay, I'll start again as I should probably use the "proper" name.

Sorry, I realise there are a lot of antidepressant threads up at the moment.

I've bitten the bullet and decided to try antidepressants.

My GP has prescribed Lexapro (10mg) and the chemist has given me Loxalate, which is apparently the same thing.

Would like to hear from those who have taken this on their experiences.

Any particular time you recommend I take it? I can't work out whether to take it first thing in the morning or last thing at night.

Anything I can do to prepare for it? I know there can be side effects.

Anything else helpful you can share?

Thanks

Anyone?

Hi, I haven't heard of this particular drug but the ssri ones all work in roughly the same way. Main advice would be take it easy for your first week or two, you might feel a bit off,
expect some headaches, go to bed early, be kind to yourself basically. I have found taking my meds at bed time the best.

Same as citalopram. May May you feel pretty ill for a few days then will be fine.

Hi, I haven't heard of this particular drug but the ssri ones all work in roughly the same way. Main advice would be take it easy for your first week or two, you might feel a bit off,
expect some headaches, go to bed early, be kind to yourself basically. I have found taking my meds at bed time the best.

@cleowasmycat

Same as citalopram. May May you feel pretty ill for a few days then will be fine.

I assume citalopram the same as Escitalopram, which is the active ingredient in Lexapro?

Argh, so confusing. Some sites recommend taking AD in the morning so they don’t keep you awake. Other day at night in case they make you drowsy.

*others say

Lexapro made me drowsy (but didn't make me incapably knocked out) so I took at night. Give me a great nights sleep and always woke up clear headed. Did the opposite for a friend and she had to take in the mornings.

My recommendation would be to start at weekend (or whenever you have a couple of days off work) and take in the morning. If you get drowsy then you swop to evening just before bed.

I had no side effects other than drowsy (but insomnia was a symptom of my depression so being able to sleep was a blessing!). Friend had no side effects either. Found I was clear headed on them and could think without going into anxiety loops.

@Thingsdogetbetter

Lexapro made me drowsy (but didn't make me incapably knocked out) so I took at night. Give me a great nights sleep and always woke up clear headed. Did the opposite for a friend and she had to take in the mornings.

My recommendation would be to start at weekend (or whenever you have a couple of days off work) and take in the morning. If you get drowsy then you swop to evening just before bed.

I had no side effects other than drowsy (but insomnia was a symptom of my depression so being able to sleep was a blessing!). Friend had no side effects either. Found I was clear headed on them and could think without going into anxiety loops.

Weird that you both experienced different things. I suffer insomnia as well so maybe I’ll try at night like you. Think I’d rather risk a slightly more sleepless night than be even more drowsy in the morning when I have to wrangle my tantrumming toddler.

The prospect of having a clearer head sounds good. And fewer anxiety loops does too. Did you find it has any other positive effects if you don’t mind me asking?!

I just noticed your username. I hope they do!