Lexapro/Escitalopram - Positively needed

[Blueeveryday]

I was prescribed this a week ago. It’s definitely heightened my anxiety and I am doubting myself if I have done the right thing in taking it. Had bad experiences before on medication.

Though I do believe part of the way I’m feeling is my anxiety. Making me doubt absolutely everything and put a negative spin on it.

So….to help me through this rough start up time, I would love to hear stories on how it benefits your life. It will help me push on.

Thanks

Good luck @Cacksb01

No difference yet. I’m nearly 6 weeks in. Went from 5mg to 15mg. Waiting patiently though

Hi! When you say 6 weeks, is that from the last dose increase? Or from the moment you started it from a low dose up to your current dose? Thanks x

@Beckycw On them 6 weeks in total. Did you start them?

I've been on it for several years for acute anxiety after trying a few other ssri's. Just 5mg here and I'm really settled on it
Definitely persevere. The side effects settle down

@QueenBitch666 the extreme tiredness had stopped for a while but now it’s back again with a vengeance. Sharp pain in head is back too. Above right eye. How long did it take for side effects to settle?

Yes I started on 2.5mg for 2 weeks, then up to 5mg for the last 3 weeks. I’m really up and down. I’m hoping an increased dose will help but I’m not sure to see the psychiatrist until the middle of January. I’ve been on them before and it worked. I’m just hoping they work again 🤞

Update

8 weeks in and last two nights I have experienced awful night sweats. Literally wake up soaking. Is this normal to only start this side effect now?

Tiredness has came back with an almighty bang too.

Sounds like your poorly rather than a side effect, I've been on citalapram for years.....life changing for me, my anxiety is very well managed.

Yes it might be Covid or similar? It’s unusual for side effects to kick in after that amount of time.
how are you doing on it apart from that?

No not normal. I agree it's far too late to be side effects, you may be ill. Take a covid test, sounds like you've picked up the lurgy, you've got the same symptoms of the new strain.

How are you feeling in yourself op? X

I was on escitalopram a few years ago and it gave me night sweats. A small price to pay for feeling good. It happened more around my period. I don’t think it’s anything to worry about x

Wondered how you were getting on.

My 18 year old ds has been on 20mg of escitalopram for about 6 weeks now and we've noticed a big improvement in the last week or so.

Generally more chilled and relaxed, less anxious and neurotic, more spontaneous, ocd thoughts not taking over his life as much. But I'm not convinced things have improved until we give it another few weeks as we've had positive 'blips' before.

He is still very tired though but I think it's a good thing - it's forcing him to relax more.

Seeing the psychiatrist at the end of jan where she will decide whether he needs to switch to sertraline, which I'm worried about.

@Beckycw up and down. But more downs. Very low tonight. Sometimes I think it’s working then I hit a brick wall.

I am finding life very difficult to cope with. Sometimes i don’t want to be here

I'm sorry to hear this. Do you have any family/friend support?

Decided, from tomorrow I will taper down from it and come off it completely. The tiredness is too much tbh. And mood hasn’t changed much at all.

How is everyone else finding it?
good luck on your journey.

Is this the first AD you’ve been on? I’m positive you’ll find one better suited to you. It’s very much trial and error but you will get there. Warm hugs xxx

@Beckycw Unfortunately this is my 5th to try. Very disheartening x

What else have you tried hon? Xxx

Has anybody tried Lithium?

I can definitely relate to what you’re going through — the first couple of weeks on Lexapro can feel rough, and heightened anxiety at the start is actually a pretty common side effect. Try to remind yourself that this early stage usually passes, and many people notice things gradually leveling out after a few weeks. It’s important to give your body and mind the time to adjust, and if things feel overwhelming, keep in touch with your doctor for reassurance.

I’ve been on Lexapro myself for quite a while now, and honestly it’s been life-changing for me. The beginning wasn’t easy, but once I got through that adjustment period, the benefits were clear. The most important thing is to make sure you’re using high-quality Lexapro — that really makes all the difference in how consistent and effective it is. Personally, I’ve been ordering mine from this reliable store: healway.co.uk/lexapro. They always have great prices and I’ve been very happy with the effect. Stay strong, it does get better! ❤