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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Impermanence on May 11, 2004, at 13:52:57
I'm only two weeks on lexapro and over the last three days I've been experiencing major agitation, nervousness and feeling like a panic attack is going to come on. I'm tapering off bromazepam slowly over the last couple of months but I know it's the lexapro causing this. I also have to stretch and fart all the time which is not as fun as it sounds. Is it normal to be so anxious when starting on ssri's? Should I just stick it out or is this a sign that lexapro is not for me?
Posted by SLS on May 11, 2004, at 14:04:25
In reply to Lexapro problems, posted by Impermanence on May 11, 2004, at 13:52:57
> I'm only two weeks on lexapro and over the last three days I've been experiencing major agitation, nervousness and feeling like a panic attack is going to come on. I'm tapering off bromazepam slowly over the last couple of months but I know it's the lexapro causing this. I also have to stretch and fart all the time which is not as fun as it sounds. Is it normal to be so anxious when starting on ssri's? Should I just stick it out or is this a sign that lexapro is not for me?
It is very common for anxiety to appear in the second and third weeks of treatment with Lexapro. It usually disappears by week 4.
- Scott
Posted by Wildflower on May 11, 2004, at 14:07:51
In reply to Lexapro problems, posted by Impermanence on May 11, 2004, at 13:52:57
If you do a search on this site you'll find many stories that are similar to what you're experiencing. It may just take a little bit longer for your body to get adjusted to the lexapro. You didn't up your dosage, did you? (Some docs start you off with a very small dose for a week or two and then up it.)
Try to hang in there for a bit longer.
Posted by Impermanence on May 11, 2004, at 14:20:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro problems » Impermanence, posted by Wildflower on May 11, 2004, at 14:07:51
I started on 10mg and am still on that dose. Thanks for the vote of confidence guys, I'll give it a chance to work.
Posted by SLS on May 11, 2004, at 14:22:58
In reply to Re: Lexapro problems, posted by Impermanence on May 11, 2004, at 14:20:41
You might go through a period of fatigue after the anxiety. That usually disappears too.
- Scott
Posted by Simoncat on May 11, 2004, at 19:26:58
In reply to Lexapro problems, posted by Impermanence on May 11, 2004, at 13:52:57
I too experienced a bit of nervousness upon starting Lexapro. I have been on it about a month now and all that is gone. Just ride out the not-so-fun side effects and everything will be fine.
Posted by MGOLDW on May 12, 2004, at 11:12:52
In reply to Lexapro problems, posted by Impermanence on May 11, 2004, at 13:52:57
> I'm only two weeks on lexapro and over the last three days I've been experiencing major agitation, nervousness and feeling like a panic attack is going to come on. I'm tapering off bromazepam slowly over the last couple of months but I know it's the lexapro causing this. I also have to stretch and fart all the time which is not as fun as it sounds. Is it normal to be so anxious when starting on ssri's? Should I just stick it out or is this a sign that lexapro is not for me?
Hi there, te first two to three weeks on Lexapro can be hell. But hang in there, after 4 weeks I started to feel much better, depression almost gone, anxiety can now be managed without Xanax.
I am now in week 7 and fell almost completely normal, only a little tired.
good luck!
Posted by Impermanence on May 12, 2004, at 17:34:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro problems, posted by MGOLDW on May 12, 2004, at 11:12:52
Thats really good to hear, my anxiety levels are bad enough as it is without added problems but theres light at the end of the tunnel ehh!!
Thanks.
Posted by lelebug on May 12, 2004, at 22:41:54
In reply to Re: Lexapro problems, posted by Impermanence on May 12, 2004, at 17:34:03
I totally had anxiety attacks when I started taking my Lexapro. I have SEVERE anxiety problems. I was so freaked out. But I came here and asked my questions. I got the strength to keep taking it and sure enough after a short while it started to work. I leveled out and was actually pretty damn happy. I am now on 20mg. Most of the initial side effects disappear after a while. Good luck. Stick with it hope it works out for you.
Posted by Cairo on May 13, 2004, at 6:38:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro problems, posted by MGOLDW on May 12, 2004, at 11:12:52
I did not do well on Lexapro or any SSRI that I tried (Celexa, Effexor at low doses). The side effects you described did not go away for me after 3 months and additionally I had severe muscle aches. For some reason, my new doc prescribed Prozac despite my telling him that I can't handle SSRIs, but I stuck with it just to prove that I'm compliant, but it's 4 weeks since I've discontinued that, and I'm still experiencing the panic, shakes, nervousness. It's getting better and walking seems to help. I'll be trying imipramine next. I think it hits the 5HT2A receptors less. Good luck!
Cairo
Posted by anxious babe on May 14, 2004, at 13:26:35
In reply to Re: Lexapro problems, posted by Cairo on May 13, 2004, at 6:38:14
Hi... I have been on the lexapro for about 7 weeks now and have experienced all the awful side effects, but now I am happy to say that they have all subsided even the one that I liked which was the supressed appetite. I now feel much better and my anxiety has somewhat gone away. I use to have to take a xanax everynight before bed but since the Lexapro kicked in I have only taken 3 in a seven week period.
So try to hang on - I almost gave up and flushed them down the toilet but this site helped me to stick with it and now I am so glad that I did.
Anxious babe :)
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