Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
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!
120 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Its day 30! One month... wow.... I never thought I would make it just a few weeks back. I am up to 15 mg of Lexapro today... feeling good after an hour and a half workout at the gym this morning. Finger joints will prob hurt later today but whatever.... the price for trying to stay healthy in your 40's I guess......
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Even light exercise to start... go for a walk or if you have access to a treadmill that can work as well....it really made a difference for me....
Helpful - 0
1719825 tn?1316265832
Glad to hear you're doing well. Happy to hear that the new psych is taking you on as a patient!

I appreciated your suggestion to incorporate some exercise back into my life, but I haven't figured out how or when yet. I wake up so jittery that I need to drink a protein shake right away, and then I feel a bit better. But my stomach isn't too happy then. Hard to exercise when your stomach is full and upset! I'll have to see if I can figure out another time to do it.
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Yay!  Glad you made the decision!!  I think it will be a positive move!  :0)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Well met with the psychiatrist and she has agreed to take me as a patient so I am moving over and will let my GP know this week that my counselling and medications will now be monitored and dispensed by the psych...... feeling good about that decision
Helpful - 0
1699033 tn?1514113133
The pain in your finger joints is most likely related to something you are doing at the gym.  I am 47 or will be in a few days and I did P90X and now I apparently have some sort or rotator cuff problem that I now have to go get looked at.  I played softball into my 30s and racquet ball into my early 40s and P90X took me down...We aren't spring chickens anymore!  But in any case, certainly bring it up to your new doc.  Best of luck and glad you are feeling much better.  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community

Top Anxiety Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?