Should I take the Lexapro?

Question

The doctor assures me that it won't cause any side effects and that it is to help me. The doctor prescribed me to take 5 mg a day. Actually this was in March and I haven't taken it yet because some people said that it causes them horrible side effects (like not being able to sleep and dizziness and headaches) and others said that they went through a very difficult period after trying to ween off of the drug. But since March, quite honestly, my anxiety has ONLY gotten worse. I wanted to try and lessen it without the aid of medication and I have a trip coming up in one day. Should I start taking them now? Especially with this trip coming up, should I wait until it's over and take them then? Or should I start taking them now? It says that side effects may cause some drowsiness. I don't really want to be drowsy during this trip, but I don't want to be anxious either.

Answer 1

I took it and it made me feel better in less than three weeks . No sideaffects either

Answer 2

Everyone reacts differently to medications, regardless of what they're for.

For me, Lexapro worked great for my depression. Unfortunately, it also proved to my Psychiatrist that I did, indeed, have bi polar disorder.

Often times, when someone is diagnosed with depression, it's not realized that they actually have bi polar, not until the anti-depressant causes those symptoms to show up more strongly than the depression. Initially, however, I slept MORE when I started taking Lexapro, until my body adjusted to it. Some side effects will last only briefly, as in the first 1-4 weeks, depending on the individual. I would ask the Dr. if there's any way you can start when you return. I can't see why it wouldn't be, but you should make certain.

Part of what helps with depression and anxiety is one's frame of mind or their perception. Try to remind yourself that you'll be alright. Do a reality check...think "is this situation really what it seems or is it possible I'm reading into it?" for example if you feel like people are judging you you might question why it should even matter to you, especially if they're people you'll never see again or rarely see. I hope that was clear and helpful.

This may or may not be what seems to be a worsening in your anxiety. There's no way for you or your Dr. to know if you will have side effects to a medication until you take them.

I do recommend Dr. David Burns' book "The Feeling Good Handbook". I really helps in understanding how your perception affects your mood disorders and how to change that perception to more healthful ones that are based on reality and not imaginings of our minds.

Answer 3

I can't answer for you. All I can do is tell you about my wife.
She has been taking Lexapro 10 mg. for almost a year now. Not only has it helped with anxiety, it has helped her with all the effects of going through menopause. She even sleeps a whole lot better. Her gyno. started her on them, as is happy with the results as well. They never did make her drowsy, nor has she had any side effects that we know of. In her words, "they are a God send." That's about all I can say, again I'm not a doctor and am not telling you what to do. You and your doctor can only do that.
As to taking them before your trip, I do believe they would not do you any good in just a day. I think it took about 2 weeks before my wife started to notice a difference. Now we all have.
Good luck on your trip. God Bless.

Answer 4

Can the 5 mg be split in half? Once a day? Try taking it hour before bed, At half the dose see what happens 2 or 3 days then go to 5mg if all is well. If dizziness or headache that some of your friends expressed occur and you cant handle it, go down by half again for a few days or a week. If you have time consult your phamacist before you go.

Answer 5

Do not listen to what other people tell you, we are all different and you will not know what will work and what will not work. If your doctor prescribed this for you, he/she has a reason. You are suffering needlessly. Give it a week, if the side effects are unbearable, call your doctor. You are thinking about the anxiety and this is making it worse. Take it.

Answer 6

YOU SOUGHT HELP FOR YOUR PROBLEM RIGHT ? SO IF YOU WANT TO GET BETTER YOU NEED TO AT LEAST GIVE THE MEDICATION A CHANCE, IT WILL TAKE AT LEAST 2 WEEKS FOR YOU TOO FEEL ITS FULL EFFECT. SIDE EFFECTS ARE ALSO AT THEIR WORST AT THAT TIME, MOST SIDE EFFECT WILL DIMINISH OVER TIME. DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED IF YOU DO NOT GET GOOD RESULTS FROM THE MEDICATION,AS IT CAN SOMETIMES TAKE AWHILE TO FIND THE RIGHT MEDICATION FOR YOU. I HOPE THAT YOU ARE ALSO SEEING A THERAPIST, AS THERAPY SHOULD ALWAY BE THE PRIMARY SOURCE OF YOUR TREATMENT. DON'T GIVE UP YOU WILL GET BETTER...I DID !

Answer 7

hi my name is tom and i have been on this item for almost 3 years with no trouble. i work in a very and demanding job, and when i came home to the family i was very verbally abusive with in 1 day of taking this stuff i felt better and was myself again. problems at work and home were made tolerable. i take 20mg a day. i did learn it is better to take it when i went to bed i do have a more rest vale sleep. good luck.