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Avatar universal

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
yeah.... just that feeling again like i drank too much coffee is the best way to describe it..... i went back to 10 mg today and going back up to 12.5 tomorrow then back to 10 on sunday then up to 12.5 on monday and then 15 on tuesday, 12.5 on wed, 15 on thurs, 12.5 on Friday then try to be up to 15 by next saturday..... see how it goes...... doing my best to try and minimize the shock to the system.....
Helpful - 0
784382 tn?1376931040
yea its weird this jitty feeling.....feels like your insides are shaking??

happened to me since i upped the dose......makes me feel crazy!....i had to take a xanax today
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480448 tn?1426948538
Sounds good CG!
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Avatar universal
Day 24 - Definitely felt an increase in the jitteryness yesterday moving up to 12.5 from 10mg but nothing I needed to take a Klonopin to counteract....so decided to do as doc suggested and alternate so today only did 10 mg this morning and tomorrow will do 12.5 again and then try 12.5 on sunday and then try the move up to 15 by mid next week. Start travelling for work again next weekend so would like to be up to 15 before I leave....I am sensitive to this medication and to dose changes so trying to minimize those effects the best I can.....
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Avatar universal
Sleeping has been a bit more difficult but not that bad... i got to the gym at night and tire myself out and it really helps me fall asleep... i wasnt a good sleeper even before this happened so no real significant difference that I can see....
Helpful - 0
784382 tn?1376931040
do you have trouble sleeping on this med?.....i seem to be having trouble with the zoloft

congrats!!!.....keep it up!....your giving me GREAT hope doll!
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