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Just started Escitalopram, lowest dose. What to expect the coming 1-2 weeks?

3 replies

MozzarElla84 · Today 15:22

Looking for experiences, hopefully positive ones, of starting escitalopram. I started on 2,5mg today and will go to 5mg in a week. Depending on how that feels I will either go up to 10 or stay on 5 for a while.
I am sensitive to most meds and have health anxiety so it's going to be a challenge dealing with side effects! (Maybe something to do with low BMI, which seems to mean that sometimes I can get away with "pediatric doses" of certain meds..)
Have also been prescribed a benzodiazepine to help if side effects get too bad, but rather not take these (the whole point of starting the SSRI is because I started to become more "dependent" (without actually being addicted) to benzodiazepines (for example needing them every week instead of every 6 months or so, as i had in the past)

I do know it can take up to 6-8 weeks to really feel the positive effects so I really want to give them a fair chance.

I intentionally don't Google all possible side effects as this would probably make things worse (although i let my DH read up on it so that i can ask him what is normal according to the information) and will have weekly contact with the prescribing psychiatrist.

Still, any words of encouragement/wisdom are very welcome.

OP posts:
AnonyMumAuDHD · Today 16:02

Can’t offer any help as just been prescribed it too, but advised to start it after our holiday which is in 10 days time. I’m starting on 5s and titrating up as well. They did this for my DD. We are both AuDHD and apparently slow titration, while frustrating, is supposed to minimise side effects and allow you to stop and switch more easily at the first sign of a negative response.

My DD reported feeling a bit nauseous and having headaches - but she had also read that in the bumpf and is highly suggestible and negative +++.

Hoping someone can comment more helpfully!

MozzarElla84 · Today 16:22

Thank you for sharing anyway! I am also possibly audhd (son diagnosed a few years ago, many shared traits but havent got around to get diagnosed myself yet- not sure if i really need to if the escitalopram does its thing🤞)

OP posts:
TheSlantedOwl · Today 16:32

I started on 10mg, had no side effects and felt positive mood lifting benefits within a couple of weeks.

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