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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.

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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
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?
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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) :)
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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.....
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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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