Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 447477

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Lexapro - start low and go slow not a good idea?

Posted by TomV on January 25, 2005, at 13:32:22

I'm starting Lexapro tomorrow and I believe in the start low, go slow method of dosing. My PDoc said I should start at 2.5 mg for 1 week, 5mg for 2nd week, and on to 10 mg if needed, depending on how the med was working and side effects.

I'm wondering though...perhaps the "start low, go slow" method is not the best method for all meds, particularly Lexapro? I know that Lex has a lot of start up side effects, and I've quit a few meds before I got to the standard dose or quit right when I got to the standard dose because of side effects. Maybe I should move a little quicker on Lex? It seems that most people get relief after 4-6 weeks, after going through a lot of misery. I can imagine myself sitting there at 5mg, fighting the start up effects, and then giving up 3, 4 or 5 weeks into the trial because I never got to the therapeutic level.

Anyway, does anyone think I should move a little quicker than the recommended Pdoc schedule? She gave me the leeway to increase as fast as I can handle it.

Tom

 

Re: Lexapro - start low and go slow not a good idea?

Posted by Emily Elizabeth on January 25, 2005, at 14:33:50

In reply to Lexapro - start low and go slow not a good idea?, posted by TomV on January 25, 2005, at 13:32:22

Are you particularly sensitive to other meds? Is that why your pdoc wants to start slow? My situation was the opposite: my pdoc started me high (10mg) and moved me up quickly (40mg). However, this was probably b/c I typically take more of a med to respond. I had previously been on high doses of Paxil (50mg, I think) and Prozac (50mg) w/o enough of a response.

I don't remember having probs w/ the lex, but then again it didn't totally help me, so maybe that's why I didn't have probs.

Best,
EE

 

Re: Lexapro - start low and go slow not a good idea? » TomV

Posted by Impermanence on January 25, 2005, at 17:40:14

In reply to Lexapro - start low and go slow not a good idea?, posted by TomV on January 25, 2005, at 13:32:22

Personally I think it's a bad idea unless you're particularly sensitive to ssri's or something. It's only going to draw out the time it takes for your body to get used to it. I started on 10mgs and moved up to 15mgs after three weeks. It was hell for two months but I think it's better just to get stuck in and get it over with so you can enjoy the benefits and get on with your life.

 

Re: Lexapro - start low and go slow not a good ide

Posted by CrazyCO on January 25, 2005, at 21:24:01

In reply to Re: Lexapro - start low and go slow not a good idea? » TomV, posted by Impermanence on January 25, 2005, at 17:40:14

I started at 10mg and went up to 20 after 3 days, then eventually had to go up to 40 because 20 just wasn't a theraputic dose for me. I never had any side effects during start up. After being on it a year about half of that time at 40mg I started having severe short term memory problems and had to stop taking it, but I would still be on it if it hadn't been for the memory loss causing me problems with day to day life. It really is a good drug in my opinion. Good Luck

 

Re: Lexapro - start low and go slow not a good idea?

Posted by Keko on January 25, 2005, at 23:58:08

In reply to Lexapro - start low and go slow not a good idea?, posted by TomV on January 25, 2005, at 13:32:22

You're going to get differing opinions, because everyone's chemistry is different. Thank goodness I started low (2.5mg) and *tried* to work up, because I was very sensitive to Lexapro, more sensitive than any of the SSRIs. I could never get past 7.5mg (and that's after titrating up very slowly, over a least a month). I had side effects I couldn't get past, so I discontinued it. If I started at 10mg, I know I would have been a mess. I know many people who have also advised to start low and work up slowly. That's my advice -- perhaps try 2.5mg for a few days, and if you don't get many S/E's, work up to 5mg than 7.5, etc.


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