How should i take my first dosage?. I have fallen in this horrible dark hole of depression with my current health issues(back pain issues, spinal tap testing, diverticulitis, hypothyroidism, B12 deficiency) but by far this depression and anxieties and panicAttacks has been the worst. My Endocrinologist starting me with Lexapro 10 mg. How should i gradually take it, What is the best time and dosage to start
How should I begin the first week?
Question posted by Guavaes on 1 Nov 2022
Last updated on 10 November 2022
Answers
Wiley111
2 Nov 2022
You should do exactly as your doc instructs.
I can only tell you about my personal experience.
The first week, I took only 5mg which turned out to be a good plan because I suffered many side effects including dry mouth, diarrhea, headaches, and jaw clenching.
After two weeks, my side effects had become minimal so I ramped up to 10 mg.
I've been on that dosage for 90 days and I now have ZERO side effects.
I should mention that I also take 15mg of Trazodone at bedtime. It has helped me get 8-9 hours of restful sleep, every night, consistently. No more night terrors or cold sweats.
WildcatVet
2 Nov 2022
Hi, Guavaes!
Just start by taking your first tablet and then take 1 tablet each day at about the same time of day. 10mg is the standard initial dose but if you experience troublesome side effects your doctor may have you decrease your dose temporarily. If the 10mg isn't effective enough they may increase your dose. Everybody responds differently so you'll need to find the dose that's most effective for you.
Most people don't have side effects but if you do they generally resolve within just days to a week or so.
When to take it will also need some experimentation. Some users could potentially experience insomnia but it may make others sleepy so you'll just need to see how it affects you if you even have these side effects at all.
Did you have a prescription filled? If/When you do you'll probably get a Patient Information sheet. It would be a good idea to read through it so you understand how the drug works, what possible side effects there are, and how to take the medication.
If you have problems be sure and let your doctor know and if there are questions or concerns we can help with just post again, okay?
Guavaes
4 Nov 2022
Today will be my 4th day taking Lexapro 5mg and still feeling sick to my stomach and major anxiety still. I take it at 11am but it seems to last me all night through morning. I’m also taking Xanax .5 only once a day for temporarily ease the anxiety. I am taking Lex in an empty stomach as someone suggested but, not like i even have an appetite. Any suggestions when to take Xanax? Trying ginger candies, ginger ale and even pepto.
WildcatVet
4 Nov 2022
At four days is a little early to feel a significant improvement although most people do within the first two weeks and it's also a little early for the side effects to have subsided. This kind of medication takes time to build up to a therapeutic level... it doesn't almost immediately work like Xanax or aspirin.
Try eating just a little snack throughout the day like a couple of soda crackers or yogurt or anything that's very bland. You can take it with or without food but I always found that having just a bit in my tummy was better.
Ask your pharmacist to recommend an OTC remedy for the queasy stomach. Something like Dramamine may help more than Pepto but it may make you a little drowsy. Maybe that would help tone down the anxiety too.
I know it feels like an eternity right now and you want to feel better NOW. Try to be patient and get through this initial time. Think positive. Distract yourself with a walk, a book, a good movie, something that'll help you not dwell on the negatives. It'll get better... just try to give it a little more time.
Catholicdad
10 Nov 2022
3rd day for me. 10mg. Only got a few hours of sleep last 2 nights. I still feel the anxiety and without my rest I feel it more. I do take 10mg tablet of melatonin 15 min before bedtime, it helps a little. Waiting for the Lexapro effects to kick in.
Still waiting . . . . You
Related topics
lexapro, depression, pain, back pain, dosage, spinal tap, health
Further information
- Lexapro uses and safety info
- Lexapro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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