Can not cope - Escitalopram

[PowerToTheMeeple]

Been prescribed Escitalopram a couple of days ago (currently on day 5 of taking). GP started me off on 5mg and I’m meant to increase to 10mg after a week. She prescribed them as I have had two big panic attacks - one on 12th Feb, one on 7th March with anxiety/panic attacks in between. The one on 7th March was particularly bad. When I first went to see her I opted for CBT and propranolol 10mg, but due to anxiety affecting things I went back on 13th March and asked for antidepressants. About 12 hours after taking the first dose I had a very big panic attack, which caused heightened anxiety and panic, resulting in me returning to the GP the next day to ask for help. I was very anxious and agitated, couldn’t sit down and didn’t know what to do with myself. I was pacing a hell of a lot, more than I had been with other episodes of panic. GP prescribed me a couple of days worth on Diazepam 5mg to be taken 3x a day for two days, then 2x a day for a day and finally 2.5mg when needed 2x a day.

Taking the first dose of diazepam was great, calmed me down but didn’t make me sleep. Subsequent doses have been ok, but don’t seem to have been lasting as long. I’ve perservered with the Escitalopram, but there seems to be no let up in the heightened anxiety..I feel a lot of panic in my chest a lot of the time and like I’m not breathing properly/can’t take a deep breath. I’m also having episodes of shaking and jaw clenching, my appetite is greatly reduced. The biggest problem I’m having though is that I’m very conscious of my breathing a lot of the time and I can’t make this feeling go away - has anyone else had this?

I’ve still been taking the propranolol as prescribed, but that’s not having a massive effect, the only thing that kind of helps is the diazepam but not for long. I know it takes time for the Escitalopram to get into the system and that it can make things worse before they get better, but I don’t think I can cope with feeling like this for much longer. There’s no promise that these side effects will go away yet, the first two weeks is meant to be the worst, but I don’t think I can make it to the two weeks to find out - plus there’s always the chance that I get to the two weeks and things are no better.

I don’t know what to do for the best, I don’t think I want to carry on with the Escitalopram as this is hell but obviously I need to do something else to help the anxiety. I know I can’t just stop it, even though I’ve only had 5 doses, so I’ll be trying to get back in with my GP tomorrow to discuss.

Am I being unreasonable to want to stop so soon? I don’t think it helps that I’m not sleeping properly either, but with being on the Diazepam I don’t think the GP will prescribe anything else. I’m terrified of being referred somewhere and kept in..I’ve had instances since starting the Escitalopram where I’ve wanted to go to hospital, but I’d hate to be away from DH and my DC, that would make me so much worse

Anyone any experiences?

Hi
Well done fir going to your gp . That’s the first huge step. The second is starting your medication. You are on day six now so the side effects should start easing, diazepam is brilliant. It will also help reduce your side effects of the citalopram.

If you can, Stick it out - in my experience day 9 is when you actually turn the corner.

Anxiety is awful. Very scary. All your symptoms are common for someone who is suffering with anxiety. I have had and still get those symptoms from time to time.
I have found cbt counselling very helpful. -it’s talking therapy with coping strategies. Once you understand why you get anxious you are better equipped for dealing with it.
Good luck

Thank you so much @Funnyfishface for your reply - I really appreciate it.

I went to my GP and she wanted me to stick it out, so I have. I’ve also gone ahead with the planned bump up to 10mg from 5mg, which I started yesterday. I didn’t feel too bad yesterday, but today I’ve been on edge a bit...pacing this evening and focusing too much on breathing..it’s so annoying and can be distressing. I’ve got 2x 5mg diazepam left, which I could split in half to take 2.5mg but ideally I don’t want to take any of that anymore, not unless I really really need it. I think I’ve had some increased side effects from the bump, not as severe as the first time though.

I think what hasn’t helped is I’ve gone out to drive in the car today (my first panic attack was when I was driving). I didn’t have a massive panic attack, but I was panicking there and back. Just being outside made me a bit panicky too. I absolutely hate feeling like this, it’s absolutely awful. I will continue with the Escitalopram and hope beyond hope that I can get back on an even keel as soon as possible.

They're fuckers aren't they. 2 weeks is usually the worst bit of any antidepressants. If you can hang in there until then you'll feel a lot better. Changing so soon might just prolong the side effects.

Only ones I couldn't give a proper chance were Sertraline and Duloxetine. I'd wait a little bit longer. You don't want to jump out of the frying pan and into the fire.