Escitalopram.

[hk1993x]

I'm now on week 4 of escitalopram 10mg and still feel anxious and sluggish. Does it get any better? 🥺

@Pineappledancer i am doing a lot better than I was last week thank you for asking, Friday was my worst day where I nearly gave up but I have now been taking propranolol 40mg twice a day and Benadryl to sleep after speaking to the pharmacist, my new worry now is whether I need to increase to 20mg as am worried the 10 won’t work for me, I know they say you don’t feel the effects for 4-6 weeks but previously when on 20mg I did start feeling the effects very quickly, I really hope your side effects start to ease soon it’s not nice feeling so out of control to how our body reacts to medication

@UniqueLilacDreamer glad to hear you are better than you were, and that your pharmacist has been able to help you. I have been close to giving up several times too.

I am in a bit of a dilemma about the dose too. I am almost at the 6 week mark on 10mg. Things are gradually improving, but it is so slow. I am scared to increase the dose as I don't feel like I can cope with increased side effects, I feel like I am still getting over moving up to 10mg.

@Pineappledancer I think I would have given up if it wasn’t for the sleeping tablets, I am glad to hear things are gradually improving as I feel similar to how I did before the tablets at the moment, I have read it can take months for some people, which is a long time to contemplate whether to stick to the dose or up it, it’s hard to know what to do for the best

I’m in to my 6th week now I think? It’s flown in but we also had a 2 week holiday during that time too.

@Pineappledancer glad the weekend wasn’t so bad - I know what you mean when you say better but not better really. Not any worse, not as bad maybe. Hope this continues for you

How are you all doing?

@Pineappledancer are you ok?

I am still experiencing health anxiety re my bladder issues. However, I feel like this week I am calmer finally. It’s still present but not as debilitating at times. I’ve noticed I’m listening to music again in the car and at home. Something I always did but when things got bad in June, I just couldn’t be bothered. I almost surprise myself today dancing along to music in the kitchen when I was folding washing - actually stopped and realised what I was doing.

Sleep has become an issue again though - on holiday I slept so well. Since coming back I’m awake very late again, sometimes in to the early hours. Would love to resolve this as feel it has a huge impact on me.

@Lucillebatwings glad to hear you are noticing some positives with calmness and enjoying some music again.

I am not doing well. Had a bad day yesterday. Finding myself more and more thinking about how this isn't working and what am I going to do. Doctor advised me to hold off upping the dose yet as I am still not eating well and have lost weight. I am terrified of the nausea/appetite problems worsening with an increase. But it is looking more and more like I will have to as the days/weeks pass.

I am also feeling more depression too just now I think.

I’m so sorry things aren’t good @Pineappledancer

Personally I would increase in your shoes - I know it’s scary and the side effects are rubbish but it might be exactly what you need to feel better. You are on a low dose and maybe it’s just now enough. Everyone is different.

Hello 👋 thought I would check in and see how everyone is doing?

@Pineappledancer have been thinking about you and hope you are ok?

I am on week 8 now and feel significantly better. I’m not sure if it’s the meds or a combination of a few things.

I’ve been to a specialist physio about my women’s health issues, am going for a massage every 3 weeks (sports deep muscle not a relaxing massage), doing Pilates, have had acupuncture too. I’ve also taken time off work. All costs money of course but I feel something is helping.

I feel like I have finally turned a corner.

@Lucillebatwings so glad to hear that you are feeling a lot better. I was wondering how you were getting on. That is great news.

After my last post I really spiralled and had a terrible 3 or 4 days. Things have calmed down a bit now but still finding basic things very challenging.

I have been signed off from the new job I am starting and waiting to hear back about a review of my medication from the doctor.

@Catsservant how are you getting on? Did you switch meds?

@Pineappledancer hopefully an increase will help. I think it can take some people time to find their correct dose. I know the side effects worry you though.

@Pineappledancer I’m doing much better it’s been 3 weeks on Venlafaxine and my depression has completely gone and my anxiety is better as well. Unfortunately my appetite has now come back so I’m trying not to eat everything in sight😂

@Catsservant so glad to hear things are better for you, that is great! Did you have many side effects with the new medication, what was the process of switching like? How did it work?

So I cross tapered reducing citalopram whilst increasing the Venlafaxine. The only side effect was less sleep the first week but it’s fine now.

Hope things are starting to settle for you @Pineappledancer ?

@Lucillebatwings

I finally increased my dose about 5 days ago as after 8 weeks I was still not seeing much change.

This has definitely caused an increase in some of my anxiety symptoms, not sure if that is a side effect or just my fear.

Thankfully my eating hasn't been affected too much as this was a major concern for me.

After a rough day and night yesterday, today has started off a little bit more positively.

I guess it will take a while to see if this dose increase is going to kick in and make the difference.

How are you?

I hope so much that you start to notice a difference with the increase soon @Pineappledancer

I still feel significantly better than I did. Far less anxious. Sleep is a big issue though - I either can sleep or waken lots. Previously the meds helped me to sleep. I’m still off work but hope to go back soon.

I also have an insatiable hunger which I’m worried about.