Lexapro and side effects

I have been on 10 mg of lexapro for a short time a few years ago for acute anxiety. I then went on to 5mg and was only on it for a total of a year and a half. During this time I gained 40 lbs.had blurry vision, and painful intercourse. I weaned off of it very slowly by cutting the pill in half for two days each..each time making the pill smaller and smaller until I ended up taking a tiny pebble for the last time. This withdrawal lasted about 2 weeks and I had no withdrawal symptoms thank God.

After getting off I did lose a few lbs but still not enough. I am still trying. Now I have school and sometimes and going under a lot of stress, family wise, love, school, life and even death. I have to present or speak publicly and my anxiety has returned. I had a panic attack and walked out of class before I was supposed to introduce myself to the class. I did not return to the class and had a friend get my books and my bag from the classroom. Public speaking is very hard for me and I do not want to go back on lexapro or any meds. I now take Propranorolol about 30 mins before I have to present or before I think I'm going to panic. It slows my heart rate and shuts off all of the physical anxiety symptoms, heart pounding, shaking sweating nervousness etc. I used it once and it worked. I presented privately to my professor and did very well. This drug is not recommended to take on a daily basis though..only for those times when you know it might happen. It lasts for 4 hours total. I did not experience any side effects form this one time. I am really beginning to hate grad school because of this public speaking problem.

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Side effects of lexapro

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Public speaking anxiety and stress

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