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Back on Cipralex (Lexapro)

Well i'm on day 3 of a 2nd try at taking Lexapro on the advice of my physician. Last time the increase from 5 mg to 10mg after two days caused intense side effects that made me stop taking it. This time I am taking a much slower increase 5 mg for first week, then to 10mg to try and reduce the impact of the symptoms but I can tell after 3 days I am a bit more aggitated, nervous, anxious but nothing like last time. Also last time I was really against taking medication.. now... i'm ok with it.... my doc said if you have a cold you take something to minimize the symptoms... in a way this is the same thing.

I am wondering how long these "adapting" side effects typically last before my body gets used to the drug? I am hearing a week to two weeks for the side effects and then 4-6 weeks before the therapeutic effect of the drug to start really kicking in.  

I have suspended all my business travel for one month to give this a chance to work so hoping for the best. I will say that already i feel less "nervous" emotionally....its almost like my mind is getting calmer but my body is still agitated. Don't know if that's possible after only 3 days but it feels that way.

Best Answer
Avatar universal
I'm glad you are taking it slower with the increases in dosage.  Anxiety is like any other medical condition that requires daily medication to control the symptoms.  Too many people get caught up in because it's a mental issue...they should be able to handle it on their own...but rarely is this possible.  Glad you realize this!  There are side effects during the first week or two due to your body adjusting to the medication, and it will reach full therapeutic level in 4-6 weeks. I'm not sure you would feel anything after only a few days, it may just be that you feel better knowing you are finally doing something to help with all of this.  You're on the right track and I wish you all the best!
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Avatar universal
Hi I started lexapro this was day 2 & the side effects are just too much for me to handle sick stomach, nausea, light headedness which i do get at times, & I'm hyper had to take a xanax to calm down
Iam going to stick with my half a xanax when I need it & try some natural choices I am into a very healthy life style & I run on my treadmill & work out which is a big help
Tomorrow I am going to my thereapist to discuss trying natural ways
I have heard such wonderful things from people on Lexapro I just am very sensitive to alot of medicines
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello all,

Wondering if theres anyone on here that has been taking Lexapro for a while? I recently switched from Celexa - have been on Lexapro for 4 weeks. The initial increased anxiety has disappeared and I'm now feeling much more stable i.e. it's working! The only problem is that I'm dead tired all the time. This started during week 3 and is starting to drive me crazy - I could literally sleep all day and sometimes when I try to walk I feel really weak and unsteady. I'm not sure if these side effects will go away or if I should consider switching to something else?
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Hey hon.  I've replied on the thread you started!
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Avatar universal
I am on day 3 of 5mg of cipralex and I feel awful.  I need to know that this gets better.  Iam very agitated and crying in the morning.  Headachy and no interest in doing my normal stuff.  Please tell me it gets better!
Thanks so much!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
yes I've had similar feelings.  You are correct the meds magnify the feelings.  I had those symptoms for a month.  I just found out from my therapist I was on a maintenance dose, of 10 mg. Had I been on a higher dosage I probably would've felt better.  It's been hell, as my Dr. just put me on the A.D.'s and explained nothing!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have just been increased to 15 mg. of cipralex for obsessive thoughts, and I'm rather spacey and tired today.  It's so frustrating I was on 10 mg for two months and went off as I was feeling well ~big mistake!  I've now been back on since Jan 16. I'm finding it extremely frustrating with the side effects.  I'm focusing on it continually, it's taken over my life as I'm not feeling well.  Can I expect better results being on the 15.

I'd appreciate any feed back!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have read canuckguy42's posts and they have given me some hope. I am on day 6 of taking lexapro 10mg tabs and my anxiety seems horrible. I am agitated, irritable and find myself so emotional. I find it hard to socialize or enjoy others companying. However, I also, feel like I am scared to the point I want someone with me all the time. These feelings suck and feel more intense since I started taking the meds. But, I am hoping they are just side effects that I will work through in the next few weeks. Has anyone else had similar feelings?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you so much for this posting! I am on day seven and feeling upset over the side effects and set backs. You give me hope. I hope you are still doing well!!
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Avatar universal
HI, your path seems like mine. I have been on Lexapro for over 5 years with amazing results. On Chrsitmas Day I got hit with depression/anxiety. My psy had me up my dose from 20 to 30mg. it has been 6 days and have seen alittle improvement. How long have you noticed it took to see better results from the upped dosage?
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Avatar universal
Great Job CanuckGuy42,

It's been pretty rough for me (minor ups and huge downs this past month) but you give me hope.  

I'm on Prozac 20mg and Klonopin 1mg x2 (4th week, started at 10mg and .5 for a week then to the current dosage) and I don't know if it's working or not because I always feel anxious in the morning, depressed in the afternoon, and better at night (although not "myself").  Prozac 40mg gave me too much of a down (extreme depression) so I went down to 20mg again.  Hopefully I get the same results as you though.

Well,  keep up the good work and good luck maintaining both your physical and mental health (and spiritual if you're religious) :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey all... heading home today after a week on the road.... everything seems to have pretty stabilized and im feeling good..... seeing psychiatrist tomorrow for a check in appt and to get more meds.... but yeah seems i have lept over the "fence" and it feels good on the other side.....
Helpful - 0
1699033 tn?1514113133
OMG it is so nice to read something positive on here right now.  It just seems like there has been a run on anxiety today and it is bringing me down with so many people suffering.  I'm glad we don't have to count you in that group anymore....welcome to the other side of the fence!  
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480448 tn?1426948538
YAY!  Awesome!

Keep in touch!
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Avatar universal
Sorry I havent posted for a few days... been travelling for work.... feeling really good... most side effects are gone now... find it a bit harder to sleep at night than i used to but other than that.... everything else feels fine.... so yeah.... everything is good.....
Helpful - 0
1719825 tn?1316265832
I feel like we made it! I am feeling so much better, so much more like myself. I still have to increase my dose a few times, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Glad you can, too.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thats ok Turkee I had one setback too at day 16/17 and I was pretty upset about it but it reset... its alright to have a setback day.....take the xanax if you need it.... you prob won't tomorrow or the day after.....
Helpful - 0
784382 tn?1376931040
today been kind of a set back....feeling jittery today...not as bad but its there!....makes me wanna cry....i havent taken a xanax in 6 days and i feel like is hould...its day 23...uggggggg i dont want a set back!!!......can someone go respond to my post, i put the same thing.....
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Oh I know CG!  I've been there many times, and it was not the most pleasant thing in the world.  I can see why a lot of people throw in the towel, but sadly, they never get to really see the wonderful changes these meds can bring.

I'm just glad you guys have shared your tales!
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Avatar universal
hahah....yes you did.... but its hard to believe it when you feel like you are crawling out of your skin.... they gotta figure out a way to make these meds not put you through that hell in the beginning... hopefully someone is working on that.....
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
I hate to say it but....

WE TOOOOOOLD YA SO!!!!

:0)
Helpful - 0
784382 tn?1376931040
good for you!!!.....i have to admit i been feeling MUCH MUCH better myself and thanks to all of you i stuck with it too.....its awesome!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Day 31 - really feeling good today... my symptoms are defintely dissipating.... I really believe getting back to the gym everyday has made a HUGE difference...it took a month people.. so if you're not at a month and still feeling like you can't make it... hold out..... its like it literally kicks in in a matter of days and you start to feel better..... and to everyone who said "stick it out" you were right!! and thank you
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Keep up the good work Turkee23..... hopefullty you're starting to feel the side effects start to dissipate.... yeah its nice to share the experiences on here. I don't think without the support of everyone on here I would have stuck it out this long.....so hopefully anyone else starting out or considering whether or not to start will benefit from our chronicles....
Helpful - 0
784382 tn?1376931040
congrats!!!!!.........wow 30 days!....im almost there day 21 for me....3 weeks today and im shocked i made it this far.

glad to see we could all do this together!!!....xoxoxo
Helpful - 0
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