I have always struggled with anxiety, some months better than others.
I recently saw my GP because I feel like I'm stressed or anxious most of the time (ie going to work makes me feel sick, leaving the house with the kids is always so stressful, I often imagine the worst case scenario, etc). I don't feel like I'm in crisis or anything, but I'm tired of feeling like this and want to be the best version of myself for my husband and two young daughters. I can't imagine I'm very much fun to be around.
The GP prescribed me Lexapro 10mg and I am on day 4 of taking it and feel really strange (kind of in a daze and slightly more anxious than normal). I googled Lexapro and am now having major second thoughts about taking it...
Have any of you had a good experience in taking Lexapro for anxiety? I'm terrified of gaining weight or messing with my brain, but I also am so tired of feeling like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. I could really use some input please!!
6 Replies
The first week or two can be the hardest when taking a new anti depressant or anxiety med.
Go back to your GP. Sometimes one isn't quite right for you and another is better etc but it takes a week or two for everything to feel right.
Usually when I go back on meds I feel light headed for about a week.
Some people will have side effects, most won't but the most vocal feedback always comes from the minority. It's like going to a hotel most people will have an excellent experience and majority won't post a review, but you can guarantee the few who do have a bad experience will let the world know about it.
I would not look medical info up in the Internet. Talk to your pharmacist and your GP.
When I was prescribed Lexapro , the brilliant pharmacist asked me if I had been on it before. When I said it was my first time he said "This will make you feel more like yourself."
He was absolutely right. The first week or two your body has to adjust to it. I also found that I didn't notice any weight gain, so I hope you have the same experience.
I have been taking it for a couple of years now - 10mg daily. I had the same fears and worries you did at first; the irony was, I felt anxious about taking my anxiety medication. I'd never been on any meds before and never diagnosed with any mental illness before, so it was all a bit confronting, but I knew I ha to deal with it head on after years of trying to just cope. The first couple of weeks are a bit funny; some nausea, but now I feel fine.
My OH has been on lexapro for nearly 2 years for anxiety and it works great for him. The first couple of weeks you do feel strange, it takes 2 weeks to work the way its supposed to. But everyone is different. Stick it out for the 2 weeks and if you still dont feel right see the GP again
My husband takes Lexapro and has been since the birth of our first child 7 years ago. My personal experiences with him and his struggles with depression and anxiety is that it is a lifesaver!
He has changed back into the man I fell in love with, passionate, motivated and clear headed and a kind patient husband and father. The first month for him was a really hard adjustment but without this extra help for him to cope with I'm sure he would be in a dark and lonely place mentally.
Stick with it, if it doesn't work go back to your GP but give it a few weeks to start to adjust
I was on lexapro a few years ago. I got quiet sick for the first couple of weeks, I felt really weird. After that first couple of weeks passed I didn't feel sick nor did I gain any weight through the period I was on it. It was a big help to me. After about a year I stopped taking it as I felt I should try to deal with things without any help.
It's been 4 years and I haven't needed to go back. What ever you choose to do lexapro or not good luck with it :)