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Posted 4/10/2018 1:20 PM (GMT -5)
Hi All. New here and was prescribed Lexapro 10mg for Anxiety this morning from my GP. I've been on a laundry list of SSRI's and SNRI's and always had the WORST side effects from them. I'm currently going through a divorce and under major stress at work. Trying to take care of my kid on my own while I struggle financially because my soon to be ex doesn't feel he needs to help.

I haven't picked my meds up from the pharmacy yet, but I read my notes from the Dr and it says to just take 10mg every morning. No tittering up, no concerns on sleepiness, so I'm here for some advice. I've read most start at 5mg and go up to 10mg. Should I do that, or just start out with the 10mg dose? Should I expect my anxiety/anger to get worse before this starts working? He refused to prescribe xanax or klonnopin while the Lexapro built up in my system.
Posted 4/10/2018 2:20 PM (GMT -5)
Hi

First of all welcome to the forum I am pleased you have found us and I know you will find good support here from other members who can relate to what you are going through.

I used to take Lexapro and started at 10mg dose and did not have to many start up side effects and it's probably the best antidepressant I have taken. It is a very activating ssri so it's best to take it first thing in the morning as if you take it at night it will cause sleep problems.

When starting any new medication you can expect things to get worse before they get better again and this period usually lasts around 2 weeks so stick with it until then and see if it helps. In the meantime double up on any coping strategies you have to help with the extra anxiety. We have some great links in our resources section so take a look I can recommend the Mindfulness links.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 4/10/2018 3:48 PM (GMT -5)
Hello TGJ and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of the stress burden you are carrying currently...and the understandable amount of anxiety you are experiencing.

It is great however that you are getting help from your doctor, as well as reaching out...well done!

I echo Hibee's advice above, and don't have much else to add but encouragement that things won't always be this tough...and better times are coming your way!

Post with us anytime you want to share or need support!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 4/11/2018 7:40 AM (GMT -5)
I started on lex about a year and a half ago and I started at a teeny amount, just 2.5 mgs. I stopped at 5 mgs, because that seemed to relieve my anxiety. I didn’t have any start up effects starting at that low of a dose. Good luck!
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