I have been on Lexapro 10 mg off 8.5 years with great results, combined with CBT. Last fall I felt an increase in anxiety and panic. My doctor advised to go to 15 mg, it that caused nighttime panic attacks so I have been taking 12.5 mg for about 6 weeks. It isn’t really helping. I am considering going up to the recommended 15 mg. It is hard for me as I have extreme fear of medication coupled with ocd. But I’m ready to feel better! I am scared Lexapro just doesn’t work for me anymore, so if anyone has success stories on finding relief after increasing to a therapeutic dose, please share!
Also, any good news on cross tapering from Zoloft to Lexapro?
Thanks!
Any success with increasing Lexapro dose?
Question posted by NotAPolarBear on 26 Jan 2018
Last updated on 9 May 2022
Answers
Tabathabelle
3 Dec 2018
Did this end up working for you? The increase?
Nicola131276
26 Jan 2018
Hi there,my experience with lexapro is similar to yours,I was on this for about 13 yrs on and off as it was the only antidepressant that helped both my depression and anxiety but unfortunately it no longer was working and I started by having anxiety attacks then the depression followed and both I and my Dr knew it was time for a change. Now the therapeutic dose is different for everyone but I will say that when you do adjust lexapro I found an incase in anxiety for a short period,did your Dr give you anything for your anxiety in the meantime?
NotAPolarBear
26 Jan 2018
Thanks for your response. My doctor prescribed clonazepam for anxiety, I typically will take 1/4-1/2 of a .5 mg tablet, but when I feel an increase in symptoms I will take 1/2-3/4 tablet. I am very cautious with the usage of it.
When Lexapro stopped working what did you do? My doctor brought up cross-tapering to Zoloft but I am so scared about that prospect.
Nicola131276
26 Jan 2018
I'm now started on vortloxetine (brentillix) been 6 wks and still my anxiety and depression is all over the place. She has now increased my dosage by another 5mg so I will be on 15mg with added zopiclone for sleep and 2mg of diazapam 8hrly as required. I live in hope this works. How you feeling at the moment?
NotAPolarBear
27 Jan 2018
Loads better today. I was on Gabapentin 100 mg at bedtime for 3 days and by day 3 felt very down, lethargic and hopeless. Nearing 48 hours off of that, and while my anxiety is a bit higher now, it’s nice to not feel like I am in a dark place with no return. Trusting that increasing Lexapro and clonazepam as needed will continue to work it’s way to me feeling better. I just upped my dose in mid-December. I’m ready for a few calm days. I’m sure you can relate.
Nicola131276
27 Jan 2018
Sounds like your on the upwards I'm so happy for you. Keep up the great work. nicola.
NotAPolarBear
28 Jan 2018
Thank you so much. Today was a good day. I’m hoping for more.
ssg9466
9 May 2022
How are you doing now Notapolarbear?
I am in a very similar situation. Lexapro worked for me for 12 years at 20mg. Like i felt completely normal. I lowered about 3 years ago to 10mg and was ok until February when my panic disorder came back in full force. My general doctor tried adding some other medicines that just made me feel worse.
Now I’m just trying the increase to 20mg and it’s been 3 weeks now. I think I might be doing slightly better, but still not good. I finally get into the psychiatrist this Thursday after waiting for a couple months. Not sure if I should stick out the higher dose or if he’s going to want me to switch to another antidepressant. Which I’m like you…that freaks me out!
Related topics
lexapro, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, dosage, doctor, cognitive behavioral therapy
Further information
- Lexapro uses and safety info
- Lexapro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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