I posted a week ago about starting Lexapro to help my anxiety and depression and insomnia issues. I’ve noticed some changes in my anxiety and I’m starting to feel less anxious during the day, but I still have some really terrible days too. I’m not able to sleep still right now without taking Ativan to calm me into a relaxed sleep, even though I’ve tried meditation and everything. When do the side effects of panic and anxiety and intrusive thoughts start to clear up? I’m starting to have doubts because I just reached my two weeks on Lexapro a couple days ago and I just want to start feeling like myself again. Help! Any advice!? Should I keep going!?
2 weeks on Lexapro and I’m nervous?
Question posted by erinw14 on 29 Jan 2022
Last updated on 7 February 2022
Answers
WildcatVet
29 Jan 2022
Hi, erin!
"Side effects have been reported to be generally mild and transient. They are most common during the first 2 weeks of treatment and decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment. They generally do not lead to treatment cessation."
The fact that you're having some improvement shows that the drug is beginning to work but it can take 4-8 weeks to feel the full therapeutic effects.
Erin, as frustrating as it may be I think if you give it just a little more time this medication will put you right.
erinw14
7 Feb 2022
Hello Wildcat!
Thank you for your response!
I’m now on week 4 of taking 10 mg of Lexapro and I’m still having really bad days where I’m panicking/anxious all day, I feel sick to my stomach and I have bad diarrhea. Not every day is like this, but I still have 2-3 days a week where I experience negative feelings.
Is this normal since I’m on week 4? I get so nervous when I have these feelings and it makes me think I’m either on not high enough a dose or maybe this isn’t the medication for me. I’ve been on Lexapro before and never experience side effects or cases like this for this long of time. Maybe because I entered this journey in a bad place.
I just need some guidance and reassurance that I’m going to be okay.
masso
29 Jan 2022
I was on Lexapro for 1 year and it was very helpful for me, remember everyone reacts differently to medications. Having said that, usually one starts to feel better during week 3 to 4 and it takes 4 to 6 weeks for Lexapro to fully reach its therapeutic effect.
Side effects should start to subside within a couple of days, be patient, your organism is adapting to the medication and it does take time to build up in your system in order to start working fully, for me it did during week 5 to 6 and once you feel the full effects of Lexapro you will start to feel your normal self again, be patient Lexapro does work!
erinw14
7 Feb 2022
Hello Masso,
I’m now on week 4 of taking 10 mg of Lexapro and I’m still having really bad days where I’m panicking/anxious all day, I feel sick to my stomach and I have bad diarrhea. Not every day is like this, but I still have 2-3 days a week where I experience negative feelings.
Is this normal since I’m on week 4? I get so nervous when I have these feelings and it makes me think I’m either on not high enough a dose or maybe this isn’t the medication for me. I’ve been on Lexapro before and never experience side effects or cases like this for this long of time. Maybe because I entered this journey in a bad place.
I just need some guidance and reassurance that I’m going to be okay.
Related topics
lexapro, depression, anxiety, insomnia, generalized anxiety disorder, nervous
Further information
- Lexapro uses and safety info
- Lexapro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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