I started Lexapro very small dose of 2.5 mg. First two weeks have been great. I’ve woken today with extreme anxiety. Is this normal and will it pass? Should I increase my dose or just sit tight for the moment?
Escitalopram - Lexapro advice needed. I am new to this medication.
Question posted by Han23 on 23 March 2021
Last updated on 23 March 2021
Answers
WildcatVet
23 March 2021
Hi, Han!
Most people begin to see some improvement in the first 1-2 weeks... usually better sleep, energy, and appetite, which show that the drug is starting to work for you.
As Tyrese has said, increased anxiety is an unfortunate side effect. Talk to your doctor about your options... an increased dosage or if your extreme anxiety persists you may be able to get a mild sedative to use for the next couple of weeks. It also may be a matter of giving the medication more time to work but 2.5mg IS a very low initial dose.
It may take about 6-8 weeks to feel the full effects of the drug but things should get better with each passing day.
Best regards and stay positive! You'll be feeling better quickly now.
Trallyn
23 March 2021
Wildcat, what I can't understand is why my lost of appetite has been for the whole 3weeks I've been using escitalopram. But when the effects let up I can eat something. Then there's the burning sensation in my chest that comes and go. I'm still feeling some anxiety days which seems to slow down a little. This is day 23 for me and day 8 from not using the xanax waiting on the escitalopram to kick in. Any advice or knowledge goes a long way. How long til your appetite return? However if I take a half pill of xanax shorty after I can eat. Strange...
Trallyn
23 March 2021
Wildcat, what I can't understand is why my lost of appetite has been for the whole 3weeks I've been using escitalopram. But when the effects let up I can eat something. Then there's the burning sensation in my chest that comes and go. I'm still feeling some anxiety days which seems to slow down a little. This is day 23 for me and day 8 from not using the xanax waiting on the escitalopram to kick in. Any advice or knowledge goes a long way. How long til your appetite return? However if I take a half pill of xanax shorty after I can eat. Strange...
WildcatVet
23 March 2021
Yes, It is a little strange. It can cause a decreased appetite in some people but the side effect usually resolves in the first few weeks. Maybe a little more time?
Also, Xanax can stimulate the appetite in some people so that may be why you feel like eating.
Have you asked you doctor about this?
Trallyn
23 March 2021
Hi WC, I will on Thursday, and actually I'm having a better day today seems like it's just like you told someone else mu appetite picked up a little today. It's just amazing my appetite was fine until he put me on escitalopram. At 1st he gave me sertraline and I took 4pills, lost my appetite and stopped. I was able to feel when it let up for me to eat. I'm going into the 4th week and I'm praying that all the side effects will be over. Thank u WC for answering me, it means alot. I didn't want to feel like something else was wrong when I start having negative thoughts.
WildcatVet
23 March 2021
Good that you're seeing your doctor.
Don't let worrying spoil your appetite! :)
Trallyn
23 March 2021
Hey WC, thank you so much, you are awesome. I have stayed up many nights reading your comments, it truly helped me get through. :-) certain side effects may trigger other thoughts in your mind when you suffer from anxiety and panic attacks!! You can learn from someone else's journey that you are not alone.
Han23
23 March 2021
Thanks so much for your reply. I’m waiting on my DNA test to see how I metabolize SSRI's. Would it be fair to say if I’m a slow metabolizer it’s normal the side effects would hit me later then most? That’s why we started on such a low dose as I was on Prozac for 2 weeks ans the third week I couldn’t handle it. It was a much higher dose of 10 for 2 weeks then 20 and the panic and numbness hit me like a tonne of bricks.
Thanks for your knowledge.
TyreseTl
23 March 2021
Hello,
Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety, Increase anxiety/depression is usually a common side effects. It should resolve within a few days to a week. Therefore, you should stay on 2.5mg until your body gets adjusted to the medication, okay?
Tyrese
TyreseTl
23 March 2021
My apologies, I misread. Since you said you felt great for the first two weeks. Your body is already adjusted to the 2.5mg. So maybe you should try up to 5mg. That might ease the anxiety symptoms.
Han23
23 March 2021
Hey Tyrese,
Thanks for your comment. I was unsure if it’s more of the “ placebo” effect for the first few weeks. Scared increasing will heighten my anxiety even more?! :)
TyreseTl
23 March 2021
You should speak with the doctor before increasing. He/she will know what’s best for you, okay?
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lexapro, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, escitalopram, dosage, medication
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