Posted by 4WD on July 22, 2005, at 22:22:58
In reply to Cipralex/lexapro - increased anxiety anyone?, posted by catachrest on July 18, 2005, at 12:45:57
> Sorry if this has been discussed before but I ran a search and had a hard time isolating posts that would be relevant.
>
> I've been on Cipralex (Lexapro) for a bit over a month now, and I think it is helping some for my depression, though I've still got a ways to go in that area. Most of the acclimatization symptoms are pretty much past (tiredness, dizziness, inability to think). However, I seem to have more anxiety now than I did before I began taking it.
>
> I'll be sitting at work but won't be able to concentrate or anything because I've got this irrational, objectless anxiety going on - my heart beats faster, sometimes I have to get up and go sit in the washroom or go outside just to be away. But it's not work specifically that scares me or anything. I don't know what is frightening me - there's no target to the anxiety.
>
> I noticed in reading some old posts that some people take Lexapro specifically against anxiety. I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed an *increase* in their anxiety levels while on Lexapro? If I'm alone in this, it's less likely that the drug is a cause....
>
> Any input would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Susan
Hi Susan,Yes, it's possible for an SSRI (including Lexapro or Celexa) to increase anxiety. Some people have a lot more anxiety while starting Lexapro but it gets better after they've been on it for a few weeks.
For some people, though, it can increase anxiety long term. I'd call my doctor and tell him/her what's happening. Maybe a low dose of a benzo for a couple of weeks and then reassess?
Marsha
poster:4WD
thread:529535
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050718/msgs/531931.html