quick lexapro advice?

irish89 · Post by **irish89** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 6:40 am

My panic started 8 months ago. Did CBT but didn't practice what was preached and still some general anxiety and some panic. Recently, much better...panic yesterday but first time in 4 weeks. General anxiety much better as following CBT guidelines hard. Therapist just said "perhaps we put you on 5mg Lexapro for a short time just to take the edge off and get you "stable" (don't think he used this word but this is what he was going for) and then pull you back off"....I seem not to quite get over the hump so this was his suggestion. I've really resisted meds as 8 months ago my primary doctor gave me Prozac which I stopped after 5 days due to major side effects. Therapist noted this is mild dose and only for a short term. Anyone who can talk Lexapro or been in a similar situation who can share words of wisdom?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 6:59 am

Hi Irish89, I was given a low dose of Celexa, which I was told was a similar, new, state of the art SSRI and that was for depression. I did push me into a hyper state in just 3 days, similar to your prozac experience. I know we are supposed to "consult medical doctors" however I feel like they are throwing darts and saying lets try this. By the way, me reaction was with a very low dose and I was assured it was safe. Maybe a second opinion is in order?

KAB · Post by **KAB** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 12:48 pm

I take 10mg of Lexapro and I feel fine on it and it has worked wonders for me, I feel totally like myself on it. I had about a week of stomache issues and a mild increase in anxiety but it was nothing compared to what I was having prior to the Lex. I feel it has totally stabled me out. So I have had great results with it. The key is to give it at least 2 weeks before you make a decision on it, you need to comnmit to take it at least the 2 weeks to start seeing the benefits. I think highlky of this med and this was the forst AD I have ever been on and I was very hesitant about taking it but very glad I did.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 1:39 am

My psych is doing the same thing. I couldn't take the side effects of the full 10mg, so we stopped for a week, then did 5mg for 2 weeks, no side effects, now on 7.5mg for 2 weeks with just a tiny bit of "nervousness" about 3 hrs after taking it, but nothing I can't ignore, and hopefully on up to 10 to get therapeutic. Best of luck to ya.

BookOfPsalms · Post by **BookOfPsalms** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 4:35 am

Okay, dumb question: why 5mg versus 10mg? My doc says get on 5, take the "edge off", then go off in a few months. Some of you seem to start at 10 or are working your way up to 10. I don't know enough about this, but is 10 a magic number for some reason? I started on 10mg of Prozac 8 months ago and dropped it after 5 days of bad side effects....I'm a little hesitant of the word "10mg"!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 4:57 am

Everyone reacts differently to medication(s). What is a great dosage for one, may not be for another.

My Psych started me on Lexapro... 10mg, I went thru the roof on day 4... backed me off to 5mg and still very anxious. So, he tried me on the elixir (liquid), beginning with just TWO drops a day and trying to work way up... got to 9 drops a day and had to come off... I just cannot tolerate the SSRI's... so sad for me, as I know so many that have really benefited from them!

Be open to treament...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 2:42 pm

Originally posted by irish89:
Okay, dumb question: why 5mg versus 10mg? My doc says get on 5, take the "edge off", then go off in a few months. Some of you seem to start at 10 or are working your way up to 10. I don't know enough about this, but is 10 a magic number for some reason? I started on 10mg of Prozac 8 months ago and dropped it after 5 days of bad side effects....I'm a little hesitant of the word "10mg"!!

Most of us start at 10mg because it is the lowest recommended theraputic dose you should be on. Some are fine on 5mg, but for many it doesnt do enough.