Escitalopram 10mg

[cooperbug]

My gp has prescribed escitalopram 10mg. I was on citalopram 20mg about 6 years ago but didn’t like the side effects excessive sweating, yawning, a shaking sensation at the back of my neck and generally feeling emotionally numb.

I’m still undecided whether to take it as I’m worried about the side effects again and it not working. Think I’m just overthinking things which is part of the problem really.

Does anybody take this drug and how have you found it?

I had side effects all the time on it and awful symptoms withdrawing from it. Some people have no problems at all.
I would never go on an SSRI again if I can help it. It pretty much ruined last year for me. I've been discontinuing it since last October and took my last one (at 1.25mg) 3 weeks ago. Still suffering withdrawal.

Limensoda sorry to hear that. What kind of side effects did you have? I know no two people see the same. Did you feel better mentally on them though and was it just the 10mg?

@32cooperbug They started me on 10mg for bad anxiety. I had horrible side effects, sweating, muscle aches, headaches. After two months, because it hadn't helped they upped it to 15mg. My side effects got worse. I think the anxiety settled after about 4 months but the side effects continued.
I started tapering in October and have been getting withdrawal symptoms the whole time.
I think they started me on too high a dose. Maybe 5mg would have been better and then maximum 10mg. They really didn't suit me at all.

@Limensoda when did the side effects and the reduction in anxiety start to happen?
I have just today started escitalopram 20mg.

@24Hypnotisedmesmerised

Side effects started in the first week. There are many factors to this...and not everyone is the same. I think some of it depends on how an individual thinks.
I was terrified of going on meds and resisted starting them for weeks, so I noticed every little symptom advertise about it.
The side effects never eased for me. My anxiety improved after four months but I did lots of other things that helped that. I did Thai Chi, and relaxation, did a cbt course and had counselling.
I don't think antidepressants are a cure for anxiety, they just dull it down so to get better I really believe you have to change the way you think and what you do.
Endorphins released by the brain with regular exercise are 60 times more powerful than medications for pain and long term, more powerful for anxiety relief.
Obviously, others will say they had no problems and wouldn't be without them so they stay on them long term.
20mg is a very high dose of escitalopram...Have they just started you on that from nothing?

The word advertise appeared in my post....should just read 'every little symptom'

I took it for 8 months with no side effects bar no sex drive. Weaned off it no problem.

Thank you @Limensoda, I’ve been against medication for ever but finally given in and am trying.
I have generalised anxiety disorder but I was prescribed them more so for depression I’ve been experiencing lately and he thought it would be a good option as it supposedly helps both.
I have done some cbt and counselling before but I would definitely like to do some more.
Yes straight onto 20mg. I didn’t think anything of it until I read the leaflet and it said you’re usually started on 5mg or maybe 10mg and then it can be upped to a max of 20mg the doctor has obviously given me what he thinks I need though and I’m now on day two.

@Elliesmommy that’s good to hear! Did it help?

It absolutely did. I had pn anxiety. It gave me the space to just breathe. I would have no problems going on it again if I needed it

I take the 10mg dose and find it fine. I used to take Lexapro and this is the generic version. I agree the withdrawal effects are bad but if you do very slow withdrawal (reduce 2 doses a week to 5 mg then reduce 4 doses per week to 5 mg etc - or even go to 7.5mg and then to 5mg) I think the problem is people decide they want to stop completely at one go and that really does not work. When I have done a slow, 2-3 month withdrawal I've had no bad symptoms.

I would try it and see - I was so bad that I decided any side effect was worth it to calm my mind.

@20Hypnotisedmesmerised
Are you in the UK? NICE have new guidelines for GPs about prescribing SSRIs. They are supposed to warn you of all side effects and start on low dose. They are also supposed to warn about withdrawals.
GPs really don't know enough about these meds.

@Elliesmommy that’s reassuring to hear I’m glad it helped you and you’re feeling better.

@Annasgirl that’s also reassuring but I will keep in mind the withdrawal process for down the line. I’ve accepted them for the same reasons.

@Limensoda yes I’m in the uk. He told me about possible side effects re upset tummy etc but as of yet (touch wood) that’s not happened. I’ve had an incredibly dry mouth and a raging headache last night into this morning but that’s subsided now and I don’t seem to be experiencing anything else as of yet. He didn’t mention anything about withdrawals but I have a review in a month and then he said we’ll try 6 months to start.

@cooperbug how are you getting on with them if you’ve started them yet?

I’ve only just taken my first tablet tonight after having the script since Monday!

I was prescribed 10mg but I’ve snapped the tablet in two and just taken 5mg. I’m overthinking all the potential side effects so I thought that starting on a lower dose was the right thing to do?! Obviously feel no different so far.

Lots of mixed reviews on them I see. I reached a point today when I thought I need to do something to try and make me feel better and reduce the anxiety. Been having lots of intrusive thoughts which are just adding to things. Been placed on the waiting list for cbt but that’s going to take 8-10 weeks.