For people on Lexapro...?

Question

Can you tell me if you use another drug for anxiety or panic along with Lexapro?

I was prescribed Lexapro about 2 weeks ago, and I still find I need to use Xanax at least once a day, because I feel panicky still. I am far less depressed, I use to cry daily, now I don't cry, and I am not anxious all day everyday like I was, but, I still get a panic attack once or twice a day. It is more mild than it use to be, but my doctor seems to think I shoudn't need the Xanax anymore.

I have heard that Lexapro can take up to 6 weeks to fully work, and I have also heard many people say they are still on something for panic along with the Lexapro.

I don't want my doctor to think I am a drug addict, because I am not, but I am not comfortable with only having the Lexapro. I am down to 4 Xanax, and he isn't going to give me more. That is why I am wondering if it is "normal" to be on something else with the Lex.

Thanks to all who answer!

I have no problem waiting to see the full 6 weeks...but my thing is what am I suppose to do with my panic attacks in the meantime if my doctor doesn't wanna prescribe me mroe Xanax?

Does anyone out there take something along with the Lexapro to help with the Panic attacks...or is that unheard of?

No one has been able to answer my question yet. No one is telling me if they take anything along with the Lexapro to help with panic attacks. That is all I wanna know.

Answer 1

Yes wait out the six weeks, but I am concerned about the xanax because lexapro and those type medications have alsways made my anxiety worse. I think you should talk to your doctor and tell him that you talked to some other people who felt that it made their anxiety worse. I hope things work out, but if he wont listen get another doctor

Yes its commen to take xanax along with it

But be carfull about the xanax because it is addictive and I have been throught the withdrawal from it and its hell on earth

Answer 2

You could ask for 1mg Ativan pills for times that you feel extra anxious or have panic attacks. It very common for doctors to give you Ativan and an SSRI like lexapro especially in the beginning to help you sleep. If you feel that you still need something like xanax along with lexapro, you should ask to be reffered to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist would easily give you both meds as they deal with combinations all the time. Another thing to consider is taking a betablocker medicine along with the lexapro. A betablocker slows your heart down a bit and takes away that pounding heart, flushed skin feeling you get during panic attacks.

Answer 3

It took 6 weeks and 20mg for me to feel the Lexapro work at all. It does NOTHING for my anxiety and panic attacks. I'm now up to 30mg of Lexapro for severe depression but I still need other drugs for my anxiety. I've been on Lexapro for 9 months and I still need additional meds. Lexapro doesn't fix every problem for everyone. Some people need more than one medication!!

At first I was given Ativan for the anxiety/panic attacks but I became addicted. I was switched to Klonopin and it's been great. I take 1mg in the morning and 0.5mg at night. It really helps with the anxiety and I haven't had any panic attacks. I need the Klonopin and my doctor knows it and says it's perfectly normal for me to be on an added medication for extreme anxiety. I also take 20mg of Abilify (anti-psychotic) for mood swings and OCD behavior. It's also supposed to help a bit with anxiety.

Yes, you are normal.

Answer 4

Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling bad. I can't tell you what to take alongside Lexapro, but I can suggest some things to do to stop your panic attacks.

Believe it or not, you're in complete control of whether or not you have a panic attack - recognising that is the first step to overcoming it. The following steps will eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks:

1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks and anxiety. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can take a course for free online at: http://www.livinglifetothefull.com/...... It has been funded by NHS Scotland and has had great results thus far.

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. This site has instructions on how to do it without the tapes (and other useful info): http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resource...

With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!

Answer 5

I have taken 1.5 mg of Xanax per day for the last 20 years for my panic attacks. That keeps them pretty well in check. If I take in too much caffeine or become too excited over something, I merely increase the dosage temporarily to offset the added effects. I've never heard of Lexapro...

Answer 6

first you should wait for the full six weeks. then if you still feel the same lexapro just might not be for you. i used to take it but it made my symptoms worse. it is different for everyone

Answer 7

tammy please bear this one for 6 wks
lets see if it works out
thereaftere can think of another one
plz be patient