Escitalopram. HELP please

[Scotland1960]

I wonder if there are any words of encouragement out there. My GP prescribed Escitalopram 5mg as an alternative to Sertraline 50mg which gave me horrendous nausea. Day 2 yesterday of Escitalopram and im feeling even more yuck with nausea and sickness. I dont want to take Day 3 today. I took the tablet mid morning after food in attempt to minimise side effects but it made no difference.
I know I need this treatment & want to persevere. Anyone else had side effects and came good in the end? I feel such a woos!!
The other thing i thought of was anti sickness pills but I believe there are interactions, not sure.
Thank you.

Hi could it be that you're still nauseous from the sertraline?
Did you do a direct switch?

Escitalopram has been amazing for me been on it over 10 years with no side effects. Everyone reacts different to different types of antidepressants but I do think you need to give it longer

Thank you for replying. Sertraline was 2 months ago and I lasted 2 days! So there was quite a gap. GP was very good and explained that Sertraline and Escitalopram had the best tolerance rates (that's not to say some ppl didnt have side effects but fewer than other AD's). Ive seen the benefits of these drugs in a couple of family members and friends and all bar one had zero side effects.

I must have a sensitive stomach !

Thank you. Pleased for you. I know once I get over the morning sickness feeling, ill not look back.

I never had sickness with either but you can buy anti sickness migraine tablets over the counter - as long as you tell them they’re for migraine as that’s the only thing they’re licensed for.

It’s Buccastem/ Prochloperazine. Works a treat for a hangover too! I take Sertraline and have taken together many times.

Sertraline is newer and more tolerated than escitalopram I thought

I’ve been on escitalopram for many years and never experienced nausea. Have you tried taking it at night time. That’s when I take mine and any other tablets that list nausea as a side effect. I hate feeling sick!

If you’re taking it for anxiety it may just be that getting worse. I always find the first 2-3 days awful. Then it just pfft disappears

Op I've got a very sensitive stomach too, unfortunately I think you're best to get some anti sickness meds.
This will help. Plus anxiety is a direct route to my stomach problems and I have IBS so it's a difficult one.
A real catch 22.
Hang on in there xx

Thank you. I might go back to GP for anti sickness tablets and I guess gp will be able to prescribe those that you mention. Sertraline is the go to number one for AD's so you might be right there.

Thank you, a few ppl mentioned taking it before bed.

Could you take before you go to sleep that works for me

Yes for anxiety. I had read anxiety can worsen in first few days of starting it.

Snap! I have IBS too which makes it even more important to take anti anxiety meds. Definitely will pursue anti sickness meds. Thank you for your support xx

Snap! I have IBS too which makes it even more important to take anti anxiety meds. Definitely will pursue anti sickness meds. Thank you for your support xx

Doctor can prescribe same meds but if you pay for your prescriptions it’s cheaper to buy from Boots - and easier!

Hi wondering did the nausea get better as I’m now in the same boat with escitalopram having switched a month ago from sertraline. I was fine until I upped my dose to 7.5 from 5 mg. How are you getting on now?

Honestly? I had nil nausea with Escitalopram 5mg and it helped me so much in the long run. I did experience a metallic taste even with toothpaste during first few days but overall no sickness. I have since stopped Escitalopram as my personal situation has resolved. My GP gave me anti sickness pills alongside Escitalopram (knowing how sick I was on Sertraline) but she did say that Escitalopram 5mg was a low dose and I probably wouldn't need them (which i didn't but might have done on a higher dose).

Please do stick with it (easy for me to say )
Good luck

Apologies, just re-read my original post. I did experience nausea on day 3 and for few days after but not actually sick (nothing like whilst on Sertraline.

Sorry again for confusion. Anyway the nausea did subside and I was on Escitalopram for 6 months before coming off it. As I said gp gave me anti sickness pills but I don't remember taking any.

The side effects usually die down the more we use the medication over time.

The side effects usually die down the more we use the medication over time.

Thanks both. Really struggling at the moment. Early mornings are worse.

@Scotland1960 did you stick with 5mg rather than go up. I seem to be fine ( no nausea more energy) on that - had to give up on 7.5. Just hoping it kicks in in a few weeks. Anxiety is awful. Starting counselling next week hope that helps too.

@oldermum12 yes I stuck with 5mg Escitalopram for approximately 6 month's & didn't feel the need to increase. These meds took the edge off my anxiety and curtailed spiralling thoughts. The nervous knot in my stomach each morning seemed to disappear. It took about 3 /4 weeks to feel better. For me, Esciralopram 5mg worked but everyone is different. Other ppl say that sickness/nausea does subside on higher dose but as I say I didn't increase.
Anxiety is horrible but there are things that can help (such as counselling) and I wish you well 😊

@Scotland1960 thanks so much for replying. This has given me hope.I hope you stay well