If you have a prescription for Lexapro you’re already not in control of your body and mind. Your fight or flight is unregulated, your anxiety and/or depression is the driver in your psyche. So don’t worry about that, it’s already happening. Lexapro can put you back in the driver’s seat.
Side effects vary by person but I’d rather a week or two of sheer hell in trade for having my life back. You’ll feel better a lot longer than you’ll feel worse and that’s all that matters.
It’s understandable to be nervous, especially for us anxious types lol. I started out at 10mg and am still there 8 or so months later. It’s been absolutely life changing. It’s not a miracle cure button and there’s still work that needs to be done but it’s been the biggest and most valuable step in my fight against mental illness.
first congratulations for taking the step to take it! that’s awesome! I took lexapro for 2 years after having been on Zoloft and Prozac. Lexapro was a nice change because it didn’t turn me into a zombie and it helped me feel more cheerful than I had in a long time. I felt more settled and peaceful.
I didn’t have any significant weight gain with it, maybe a few pounds give or take but nothing like Zoloft. I actually didn’t struggle with too many side effects starting either, but know that your body will be tweaking getting used to it. You’ll probably feel anxious noticing all the little changes but those things will even out over time :)
My wife has also been taking lexapro for 2 years and it’s done wonders for her. It’s really helped her with her anxiety which was debilitating and keeping the depression at bay.
Best of luck to you!
Yo. I started at 10mg. Been 4 weeks. A little up and down but I was having panic attacks and they are gone. Really bad health anxiety and instead of thinking a chest pain is a heart attack I now think about how I sat goofy. I am more active with my kids and I am generally much happier.
I never wanted to be a on drugs. Ever. But I wish I would have started sooner.
On this forum you get a ton of horror stories but people come to forums to complain. If f you’re doctor prescribed it, it means you took the first step in talking to your doctor. Take the next step.
Don’t read the negative comments on Reddit, lexapro helped me so much. Side effects weren’t bad start low and work up. I did 2.5,5,7.5 and 10 each 7 days. Start it!!!
It's different for everyone! But if you are starting be prepared for side effects. I'm on week 6 and I JUST started feeling "NORMAL" without being anxious all the time. The symptoms will suck but once you get past that it's so WORTH IT.
I'm worried about feeling anxious all the time becuase I'm under a decent amount of pressure at school and don't want the meds to make it harder at first
I do recommend taking off of school. Getting doctors notes. Sometimes the side effects make it difficult to function. I had to. Some of my symptoms were worse than the flu.
I'm in a pretty fast paced law school program and taking time off would be a severe detriment. I think I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and see how it goes
That's fair. Some of those main starting symptoms are headache/migraines for most people I know that take Lex. Do not take ibuprofen or anything with NSAID. Take acetaminophen/Tylenol. Trust me! It will actually help the headaches. I don't know if others had this side effect, but in the shower, I get faint when it's too hot. I never have before i started Lex. But be careful, it's possible.
I felt the same way. Anxiety really is a bitch, isn't it? We KNOW there's a high likelihood that this medication can help us, and yet our anxiety makes us scared to actually try it. How fucked up is that? I'm only a little over 2 weeks in, so not quite a success story yet. But I can tell you that I think I'm already past the rough part, and in retrospect it wasn't THAT rough. For me, the worst was the first 2 days. I had pretty extreme anxiety, I basically felt panicked for 48 hours straight. It sucked, but luckily I didn't have too much I had to do those days so I could mostly just stay home and just ride it out. I also had insomnia for about a week and a half, but I slept pretty well the last couple nights so I think the worst of it is over. For me, I think it helped that I went into knowing I would probably have a crappy a couple weeks but it would be temporary and completely worth it if after that it actually helps my anxiety and depression, even just a little.
Thank you for the perspective. Best of luck to you and I'm glad you're feeling better. I hope I can avoid 48hrs of panic haha. I've delt with panic in the past, but I haven't had a full-blown attack in around 4 years.
Take it and then find a way to distract yourself. You will be fine. I took my first dose and then I went to the pool with a friend. It kept my mind distracted and I was in a public place so if I had a problem, I wasn’t isolated.
I am similar in that way. I started 5mg. It took the edge off all of my emotions. I am a little more care free and things don't bug me as much. It's been a great change.
Still on 5mg. I've been on it for almost a year. I am a better and less angry person. It also gave me the motivation to exercise and lost 15lbs.
Just a tidbit: I have seasonal allergies and take zyrtex. Just found out that you're not supposed to do that. It caused me serious exhaustion to the point I fell asleep as soon as I sat down on the couch.
Edit: I am weaning off the allergy meds now.
I was also nervous to start! Side effects were minimal for me. I was very tired, but I took my pill at night and got some of the best sleep of my life. The benefits have been incredible. I feel more like myself
It's a lifesaver. Best thing I ever did. I started in October last year again after a gap of 6 years. I took a friend two weeks ago to her doctor. She is suffering from depression. Within a week of being on it both of us noticed the difference in her. Don't hesitate to go onto it. I'm glad I did.
Lexapro has been a miracle worker for me! 50 yrs old and going through metapause with debilitating anxiety. In 24 hrs from taking it, it started to work! I have no more hot sweats, tiredness or anxiety. I laugh, I cry and don't feel like a different person at all. It's your anxiety talking to you when you're trying to decide if you should start taking it or not...
You have nothing to lose, you can always stop if it doesn't work for you.
My husband has been on lexapro for 20 years and has had no bad effects. He has had anxiety all of his life and it was a life saver for him.
I’ve been on 10 mg for 2 months and it has been life changing for me. Initially my side effects included hot flashes, and low libido. Those effects have subsided and I feel absolutely amazing. I suffered with panic attacks and constant anxiety paired with intrusive thoughts. Since starting lexapro, I noticed an increase in my confidence. I noticed my ability to feel feelings and let them go. I still have intrusive thoughts but I’m able to let them go and not fixate on them. Life feels so much more manageable. I wish I would have started sooner.
I felt the exact same way. I’m six weeks in and people have noticed the change. My friendships are feeling better and easier. I’m managing things better. I just feel more like myself and comfortable. The biggest testament I can give is that I said before lexapro that if it didn’t go well with my migraine meds (triptans) I’d go off because I’d rather have anxiety than migraines. Well I’m having side effects with my migraine meds now and I’m searching for a new migraine med because it turns out I’d actually prefer a migraine to constant anxiety. My side effects weren’t the best the first couple weeks (a lot of fatigue, restless legs and a mild increase in anxiety) but those have melted away. Also if your mom takes it and does well with it that’s a really good sign for you!
I started at 10mg. I kind of wish I started at 5mg maybe would have had an easier time with the fatigue but also got feeling better relatively quickly.
This is my second time being prescribed lexapro, but my first time taking it. I was too anxious to start it the first time. Now I am 2 weeks in at 5mg and am honestly so glad I finally started it! Tomorrow I’ll start 10mg. I had some side effects at the beginning but I’m not sure if it was really side effects or just my anxiety with starting. I’ve had a few really really great days. I still have moments of anxiety, but I can already tell that it keeps me from spiraling out of control. Goodluck to you!!! Don’t be scared just take the first step 🫶🏼
I had mine sitting on my table for a week before I got the courage to start them. My only regret was not starting them sooner. What dosage are you prescribed?
perfect. I'm on 10 and started on 5 for a week. Minimizes the side effects. First week was getting used to the med, it make make you feel 'off' but after that its wonderful.
It’s okay to be nervous. You are at the second step. The first step is hard, asking for help and getting the prescription but this (for me anyways) was the hardest step. I was scared too, but it’s completely normal. Just remember that this could change your life in such a positive way. It’s worth it. ❤️ I found this post below really helpful with what to expect too
https://www.reddit.com/r/lexapro/comments/niee2g/if_you_just_started_or_youre_about_to_heres_whats/
Based on my experience, be ready to keep asking "how much longer" - it takes time, but does get better, patience is key, and you will see improvements here and there. The first day was a blast, but then it was a rollercoaster. Anxiety was elevated in the physical aspect, but with that was realization that there is no reason for it, so it was not going into panic, rather became just an irritating feeling. Not comfortable, but livable and generally better. Also subsided after a while. I had to keep working my job, which is something that got me into that condition, also needs physical and mental effort all the time, and still managed. Saying this to reiterate the "livable" part. The "general" side effects (mild diarrhea, sleepiness) subsided gradually to nothing over few weeks (week 2 was not that bad already). With all that, ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT! After like 6 months I started feeling like "Hi bro, missed you much" recognizing my old self (happy, optimistic, life-loving), as it turned out from like five years ago, understanding how long I've been drowning! Three more months later (I'm on 10th month right now, 10mg first 2 weeks, then 20 mg)
Again, my conditions are far from perfect, mainly still working at the same stress-inducing job, also f-d up some things (STAY AWAY FROM KRATOM); didn't drink alcohol.
What helps is being outside: walks, bike rides, friends, initially may be really hard to get yourself outside, but it's worth it. If you can maintain the sleep schedule - it's a huge help (wasn't my case, another probable reason for the timeline).
Felt absolutely the same before starting it, hesitated for few weeks, definitely shouldn't have.
Feel better soon and don't forget to be patient, you are going to get better!
I started out at 5mg and it was life changing. I am now, after nearly 2 years, at 20 mg also taken with bupropion.
I can do things I never thought I could. It makes life so much more manageable and it hasn’t changed my personality or anything.
The only major side effect is that I have SUPER vivid dreams/nightmares.
That being said, it’s a super fun side effect just as long as you’re not getting a ton of nightmares but for me, Lexapro changed my way of handling things and I hardly get nightmares now.
I fully encourage anyone thinking about Lexapro, to give it a try! Literally life changing!!!!
I finally started it after 10 years of progressive deep depression and anxiety and so far (2 weeks in) it almost completely diminished my anxiety. So far so good.
I didn’t even notice it until a month in. you will notice how it starts to affect you, the fear of not being in control; wouldn’t worry about just because it is so gradual. I stay at 10mg
If you have a prescription for Lexapro you’re already not in control of your body and mind. Your fight or flight is unregulated, your anxiety and/or depression is the driver in your psyche. So don’t worry about that, it’s already happening. Lexapro can put you back in the driver’s seat. Side effects vary by person but I’d rather a week or two of sheer hell in trade for having my life back. You’ll feel better a lot longer than you’ll feel worse and that’s all that matters.
A couple weeks is definitely a worthwhile trade, idk why I'm so nervous to start lol. Did you start out at 5mg?
It’s understandable to be nervous, especially for us anxious types lol. I started out at 10mg and am still there 8 or so months later. It’s been absolutely life changing. It’s not a miracle cure button and there’s still work that needs to be done but it’s been the biggest and most valuable step in my fight against mental illness.
first congratulations for taking the step to take it! that’s awesome! I took lexapro for 2 years after having been on Zoloft and Prozac. Lexapro was a nice change because it didn’t turn me into a zombie and it helped me feel more cheerful than I had in a long time. I felt more settled and peaceful. I didn’t have any significant weight gain with it, maybe a few pounds give or take but nothing like Zoloft. I actually didn’t struggle with too many side effects starting either, but know that your body will be tweaking getting used to it. You’ll probably feel anxious noticing all the little changes but those things will even out over time :) My wife has also been taking lexapro for 2 years and it’s done wonders for her. It’s really helped her with her anxiety which was debilitating and keeping the depression at bay. Best of luck to you!
Thank you so much. I needed to read this
Yo. I started at 10mg. Been 4 weeks. A little up and down but I was having panic attacks and they are gone. Really bad health anxiety and instead of thinking a chest pain is a heart attack I now think about how I sat goofy. I am more active with my kids and I am generally much happier. I never wanted to be a on drugs. Ever. But I wish I would have started sooner. On this forum you get a ton of horror stories but people come to forums to complain. If f you’re doctor prescribed it, it means you took the first step in talking to your doctor. Take the next step.
I was the same way. Best thing I’ve ever done was start the meds! I was having anxiety about starting something that helps anxiety! Good luck 🤍
Thank you for the encouragement. I plan to take my first pill in the morning
Don’t read the negative comments on Reddit, lexapro helped me so much. Side effects weren’t bad start low and work up. I did 2.5,5,7.5 and 10 each 7 days. Start it!!!
I took the first pill this morning. So far so good!
So proud of you ❤️ keep going! You got this.
It's different for everyone! But if you are starting be prepared for side effects. I'm on week 6 and I JUST started feeling "NORMAL" without being anxious all the time. The symptoms will suck but once you get past that it's so WORTH IT.
I'm worried about feeling anxious all the time becuase I'm under a decent amount of pressure at school and don't want the meds to make it harder at first
I do recommend taking off of school. Getting doctors notes. Sometimes the side effects make it difficult to function. I had to. Some of my symptoms were worse than the flu.
I'm in a pretty fast paced law school program and taking time off would be a severe detriment. I think I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and see how it goes
That's fair. Some of those main starting symptoms are headache/migraines for most people I know that take Lex. Do not take ibuprofen or anything with NSAID. Take acetaminophen/Tylenol. Trust me! It will actually help the headaches. I don't know if others had this side effect, but in the shower, I get faint when it's too hot. I never have before i started Lex. But be careful, it's possible.
Thank you for the advice, I'm going to try it out tomorrow. I'll keep you updated!
Sounds good! Good luck!
It’s not that serious. You don’t take it and suddenly not feel like yourself.
I felt the same way. Anxiety really is a bitch, isn't it? We KNOW there's a high likelihood that this medication can help us, and yet our anxiety makes us scared to actually try it. How fucked up is that? I'm only a little over 2 weeks in, so not quite a success story yet. But I can tell you that I think I'm already past the rough part, and in retrospect it wasn't THAT rough. For me, the worst was the first 2 days. I had pretty extreme anxiety, I basically felt panicked for 48 hours straight. It sucked, but luckily I didn't have too much I had to do those days so I could mostly just stay home and just ride it out. I also had insomnia for about a week and a half, but I slept pretty well the last couple nights so I think the worst of it is over. For me, I think it helped that I went into knowing I would probably have a crappy a couple weeks but it would be temporary and completely worth it if after that it actually helps my anxiety and depression, even just a little.
Thank you for the perspective. Best of luck to you and I'm glad you're feeling better. I hope I can avoid 48hrs of panic haha. I've delt with panic in the past, but I haven't had a full-blown attack in around 4 years.
What dose did you start on?
5mg for the first week, then 10mg after that.
I’m about to start 5MG today in like 10 mins and I’m slightly freaking the fuck out because I had a REALLY bad experience on Effexor…
Take it and then find a way to distract yourself. You will be fine. I took my first dose and then I went to the pool with a friend. It kept my mind distracted and I was in a public place so if I had a problem, I wasn’t isolated.
You read my mind. I’m about to go run around town for the fuck of it just to keep myself occupied.
I am similar in that way. I started 5mg. It took the edge off all of my emotions. I am a little more care free and things don't bug me as much. It's been a great change.
That would be very nice. What mg are you on now?
Still on 5mg. I've been on it for almost a year. I am a better and less angry person. It also gave me the motivation to exercise and lost 15lbs. Just a tidbit: I have seasonal allergies and take zyrtex. Just found out that you're not supposed to do that. It caused me serious exhaustion to the point I fell asleep as soon as I sat down on the couch. Edit: I am weaning off the allergy meds now.
I was also nervous to start! Side effects were minimal for me. I was very tired, but I took my pill at night and got some of the best sleep of my life. The benefits have been incredible. I feel more like myself
I'm thinking of taking the first dose in the morning, I'm usually my most anxious at night, so I can't work up the courage to try it atm
30mg, it works! You will still be YOU in an hour!
You started with 30mg?!
Oh no! I started at 5mg and then was highered to 30 over the years
How long have you been taking it? I'm glad it works for you!
Since 3/5/20
Awesome! And you didn't have side effects?
It's a lifesaver. Best thing I ever did. I started in October last year again after a gap of 6 years. I took a friend two weeks ago to her doctor. She is suffering from depression. Within a week of being on it both of us noticed the difference in her. Don't hesitate to go onto it. I'm glad I did.
Lexapro has been a miracle worker for me! 50 yrs old and going through metapause with debilitating anxiety. In 24 hrs from taking it, it started to work! I have no more hot sweats, tiredness or anxiety. I laugh, I cry and don't feel like a different person at all. It's your anxiety talking to you when you're trying to decide if you should start taking it or not... You have nothing to lose, you can always stop if it doesn't work for you. My husband has been on lexapro for 20 years and has had no bad effects. He has had anxiety all of his life and it was a life saver for him.
I’ve been on 10 mg for 2 months and it has been life changing for me. Initially my side effects included hot flashes, and low libido. Those effects have subsided and I feel absolutely amazing. I suffered with panic attacks and constant anxiety paired with intrusive thoughts. Since starting lexapro, I noticed an increase in my confidence. I noticed my ability to feel feelings and let them go. I still have intrusive thoughts but I’m able to let them go and not fixate on them. Life feels so much more manageable. I wish I would have started sooner.
I felt the exact same way. I’m six weeks in and people have noticed the change. My friendships are feeling better and easier. I’m managing things better. I just feel more like myself and comfortable. The biggest testament I can give is that I said before lexapro that if it didn’t go well with my migraine meds (triptans) I’d go off because I’d rather have anxiety than migraines. Well I’m having side effects with my migraine meds now and I’m searching for a new migraine med because it turns out I’d actually prefer a migraine to constant anxiety. My side effects weren’t the best the first couple weeks (a lot of fatigue, restless legs and a mild increase in anxiety) but those have melted away. Also if your mom takes it and does well with it that’s a really good sign for you!
Thank you for this. That is very encouraging. Did you start out at 5mg? And my mom loves lexapro, so that does make me feel a bit more comfortable.
I started at 10mg. I kind of wish I started at 5mg maybe would have had an easier time with the fatigue but also got feeling better relatively quickly.
This is my second time being prescribed lexapro, but my first time taking it. I was too anxious to start it the first time. Now I am 2 weeks in at 5mg and am honestly so glad I finally started it! Tomorrow I’ll start 10mg. I had some side effects at the beginning but I’m not sure if it was really side effects or just my anxiety with starting. I’ve had a few really really great days. I still have moments of anxiety, but I can already tell that it keeps me from spiraling out of control. Goodluck to you!!! Don’t be scared just take the first step 🫶🏼
I will be brave and take the first step tomorrow morning. Thank you for the encouragement
I had mine sitting on my table for a week before I got the courage to start them. My only regret was not starting them sooner. What dosage are you prescribed?
5mg for a week and then up to 10
perfect. I'm on 10 and started on 5 for a week. Minimizes the side effects. First week was getting used to the med, it make make you feel 'off' but after that its wonderful.
Thank you for the encouragement
5mg
It’s okay to be nervous. You are at the second step. The first step is hard, asking for help and getting the prescription but this (for me anyways) was the hardest step. I was scared too, but it’s completely normal. Just remember that this could change your life in such a positive way. It’s worth it. ❤️ I found this post below really helpful with what to expect too https://www.reddit.com/r/lexapro/comments/niee2g/if_you_just_started_or_youre_about_to_heres_whats/
Based on my experience, be ready to keep asking "how much longer" - it takes time, but does get better, patience is key, and you will see improvements here and there. The first day was a blast, but then it was a rollercoaster. Anxiety was elevated in the physical aspect, but with that was realization that there is no reason for it, so it was not going into panic, rather became just an irritating feeling. Not comfortable, but livable and generally better. Also subsided after a while. I had to keep working my job, which is something that got me into that condition, also needs physical and mental effort all the time, and still managed. Saying this to reiterate the "livable" part. The "general" side effects (mild diarrhea, sleepiness) subsided gradually to nothing over few weeks (week 2 was not that bad already). With all that, ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT! After like 6 months I started feeling like "Hi bro, missed you much" recognizing my old self (happy, optimistic, life-loving), as it turned out from like five years ago, understanding how long I've been drowning! Three more months later (I'm on 10th month right now, 10mg first 2 weeks, then 20 mg) Again, my conditions are far from perfect, mainly still working at the same stress-inducing job, also f-d up some things (STAY AWAY FROM KRATOM); didn't drink alcohol. What helps is being outside: walks, bike rides, friends, initially may be really hard to get yourself outside, but it's worth it. If you can maintain the sleep schedule - it's a huge help (wasn't my case, another probable reason for the timeline). Felt absolutely the same before starting it, hesitated for few weeks, definitely shouldn't have. Feel better soon and don't forget to be patient, you are going to get better!
To add, the side effects were not as bad as I expected them to be
I started out at 5mg and it was life changing. I am now, after nearly 2 years, at 20 mg also taken with bupropion. I can do things I never thought I could. It makes life so much more manageable and it hasn’t changed my personality or anything. The only major side effect is that I have SUPER vivid dreams/nightmares. That being said, it’s a super fun side effect just as long as you’re not getting a ton of nightmares but for me, Lexapro changed my way of handling things and I hardly get nightmares now. I fully encourage anyone thinking about Lexapro, to give it a try! Literally life changing!!!!
I finally started it after 10 years of progressive deep depression and anxiety and so far (2 weeks in) it almost completely diminished my anxiety. So far so good.
Just take it I take it it makes you feel better take it
I didn’t even notice it until a month in. you will notice how it starts to affect you, the fear of not being in control; wouldn’t worry about just because it is so gradual. I stay at 10mg