Lexapro day 9.. Any insight?

[Vespaziani]

Today is day 9 on Lexapro.  I have never been on an SSRI before and have struggled this last year with crippling anxiety that came out of no where.  Well maybe not no where.. My mom passed away, I got married and moved across the country.  Anyway my anxiety got so bad I don't go out to dinner, drive, and have a hard time at my job.  I have been in therapy since November and my therapist has strongly suggested medication to help me through this.  I finally cracked 9 days ago when it was either try the medication or admit myself to the hospital.  

So far I have felt like I had the flu and my anxiety is still going strong.  I take my medication at night before bed and find that within three hours I wake up and can't get back to sleep.  The Lexapro has made me feel more groggy but not tired like some said it would.  I am on 5 mg right now.

If anyone has any positive experience they can share I would greatly appreciate it.  I know these things take time to work but will I get any relief in the near future?  

Thank you

[Vespaziani]

Thank you so much for your insight. I just feel lost trying to figure out this process.  I was scared to switch to the morning due to side effects but I think I may take your advice so that I can get my sleep back during the night.  I go back to the doctor next Monday and will talk about my dose.  I need some relief badly

[sunny1018]

No one can guarantee you will find relief on this med.  That being said, Lexapro worked very well for my anxiety and panic disorder for a long time (10 years).  It quit working for me this past December and I have yet to find something else that does.  I don't recall how long it took to kick in for me but it seemed to do so quickly.  5 mg is a very small dose, you will probably need to increase it.  I was on 10 mg most of the time.  Lexapro made me yawn a lot, but that didn't bother me too much.  I can't really complain about the side effects.  You should try taking it in the morning if it is causing you to lose sleep at night.  Good luck to you!