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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ichiru on June 3, 2006, at 19:17:58
Hello all,
I'm currently in my 2nd week of a Lexapro trial, going up slow (currently on 7.5 mgs) since in the past I've always called it quits on my SSRI trials in a matter of days. I'm again having increased anxiety symptoms, mild akathesia, waves of panic which come out of no where, and dp/dr. My psych assures me that this is always the case in the beginning, that it's "normal" for things to get a bit worse before they (maybe) get better, and to just take more Klonopin.I'm not concerned about the other side effects like super dry mouth and major headaches, but waves of panic and feelings of impending doom seem to be, to me, abnormal side effects. Is this really normal and should I keep pushing? Sorry if this question is too lame, but I'm totally new to this stuff.
thanks...rula
Posted by Glydin on June 3, 2006, at 20:10:12
In reply to New to SSRI's, advice needed badly!, posted by ichiru on June 3, 2006, at 19:17:58
> Hello all,
> I'm currently in my 2nd week of a Lexapro trial, going up slow (currently on 7.5 mgs) since in the past I've always called it quits on my SSRI trials in a matter of days. I'm again having increased anxiety symptoms, mild akathesia, waves of panic which come out of no where, and dp/dr. My psych assures me that this is always the case in the beginning, that it's "normal" for things to get a bit worse before they (maybe) get better, and to just take more Klonopin.
>
> I'm not concerned about the other side effects like super dry mouth and major headaches, but waves of panic and feelings of impending doom seem to be, to me, abnormal side effects. Is this really normal and should I keep pushing? Sorry if this question is too lame, but I'm totally new to this stuff.
>
> thanks...rula
>~~~ No lame questions here.
I had many the same experiences as you and I did FINALLY soldier through a decent startup time with Lexapro and it's been a wonderful treatment for me. Using K with startup was very helpful. At about 2-3 weeks the freezing up toxic anxiety symptoms during startup began to abate gradually. Things were great for me by about 6ish weeks. I know that sounds like a lifetime but it wasn't for me once I got thru the getting thru. That was over a year ago and things are still good. I have even been able to decrease the K use to as needed after three years of continued use of K only prior to beginning Lex.
I hope you find Lex will treat you well if given a chance. The first few weeks were rough but it was worth it for me to endure and proceed to a much better quality of life.
Glydin
Posted by bassman on June 3, 2006, at 20:24:37
In reply to New to SSRI's, advice needed badly!, posted by ichiru on June 3, 2006, at 19:17:58
I'm afraid that all SSRI's actually cause panic in some folks (like me) when starting or increasing the dose. Yes, I'd get some relief from the Klonopin during startup-that's a really standard thing to do. That's the problem with so much psychoactive medication: when you are feeling badly (that would be why you're taking the meds!), it makes you feel WORSE, at least for a little while. But Lexapro has a good rep in the anxiety community and is definately worth trying; as un-fun as it is now. Hang in there, man.
Posted by Phillipa on June 3, 2006, at 22:19:44
In reply to Re: New to SSRI's, advice needed badly!, posted by bassman on June 3, 2006, at 20:24:37
Listen to the above posters. Hang in there. Love Phillipa
Posted by butternut on June 4, 2006, at 19:50:13
In reply to New to SSRI's, advice needed badly!, posted by ichiru on June 3, 2006, at 19:17:58
Hi,
Just wanted to let you know that I too just started lexapro (5mg)about 4 days ago and also have akathesia. klonopin has helped. I'm really tired and clenching my jaw too. I'm willing to give it several weeks, since I took zoloft in the past and it was good to me for many years. It is surprising that a drug that can cause such tension initially can actually help you relax and worry less, but in my case that was true for Z. I'm hoping for a similar result w/Lexapro.How high does your doctor want to take the dose?
Hang in there. Let us know how it goes.
Posted by ichiru on June 5, 2006, at 10:53:25
In reply to Re: New to SSRI's, advice needed badly!, posted by butternut on June 4, 2006, at 19:50:13
Thanks everyone! that makes me feel somewhat better although I have to make the jump to 10mgs soon and I definitely noticed the panic coming with dose increases. At least now I know it's normal :)
> How high does your doctor want to take the dose?Just 10mg for the 1st 8 weeks 'till we see how I respond to it, since I seem to be med sensitive. I sure hope this does something for me, cuz after 2 years of chronic dp/dr I feel like I need some relief or I'm going to explode!
Please keep me posted on how Lex works for you too.
thanks!
rula
This is the end of the thread.
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