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Drank on lexapro and now my anxiety is back

Posted , 5 users are following.

amber09486
amber09486

Hi all. I have been on lexapro almost 6 months (20mg) and it has been controlling my anxiety wonderfully. It was a rough startup but once I hit 5 weeks I was back to my normal self.

I suppose this new found security in my anxiety being controlled lead me to believe I could have a few drinks. I had 4 glasses of wine, felt okay at first then it all hit me like a ton of bricks. I threw up then took my lexapro and went to bed. I then woke at 3am and had a panic attack. The day after drinking was rough, not only hungover but had bad anxiety. I took a klonopin to sleep last night as I was still worked up and slept for about 6 hours. Today, second day from drinking, I still feel anxious. 

I don’t know if the alcohol deprecated my lexapro levels or what but this has been a scary feeling. 

I will NEVER drink with lexapro again which won’t be hard at all since I barely drank as it is. 

Did anyone else experience this? If so, how long did it take you to get back to feeling your self? 

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • deanna42576
    deanna42576 amber09486

    Posted

    I’ve been in your boat. Binge drinking can totally decrease your serotonin levels. Drinking in moderation can be done on these drugs. Four glasses of wine was probably too much. The serotonin level will increase again in a few days with the Lexapro & you’ll feel better again. 

    • amber09486
      amber09486 deanna42576

      Posted

      Thanks for the response! I am not much of a drinker to begin with and this has made me realize it just isn’t worth it. Giving up alcohol will not be hard at all. 

      Just have been so scared that the anxiety has come back. I really hope it goes away in the next couple of days. I took klonopin (.25) today to try and take the anxiety down. Seems to work a little. This whole experience has kind of brought up some PTSD from my debilitating anxiety bf lexapro saved my life!

  • deanna42576
    deanna42576 amber09486

    Posted

    I totally understand Amber. A glass of wine shouldn’t hurt you. Just don’t over do it! I remember how terrible I felt when it happened to me. Take the Klonopin to help & you’ll be back to normal anxiety level soon, promise!

    • amber09486
      amber09486 deanna42576

      Posted

      Thanks Deanna. Still feel pretty anxious today so hoping my lexapro regenerates soon. Just so scary to go back to those feelings!
    • amber09486
      amber09486 deanna42576

      Posted

      Deanna, how long did it take for you to get back to normal when this happened to you? I am day 4 now and still not back to mesad
  • deanna42576
    deanna42576 amber09486

    Posted

    Amber, 

    It took me about a week to feel

    Completely better! Try to be patient. I know it’s so hard when you’re feeling so crappy. Hang in there!!

    • amber09486
      amber09486 deanna42576

      Posted

      Yep, one week and I am 100% again. Thanks for replying to my post! It helps to chat with people who have been there. smile
    • ann55375
      ann55375 amber09486

      Posted

      I am looking for some reassurance on lexapro.

      i have anxiety and depression, anxiety is the worst part.

      dr suggests lexapro after i have failed on mirtazapine and sertraline and others.

      can you tell me what the rough start up weeks are like, is it nausea, and what else as i would like to give this a go but need to know warts and all what will,happen.

    • jennifer32534
      jennifer32534 deanna42576

      Posted

      Hi girls I’m on 20lexapro for just 3 weeks and last weekend I stupidly decided to have a few drinks and since Monday I feel back to square one is this normal
    • amber09486
      amber09486 jennifer32534

      Posted

      Hi Jennifer. Yeah I would say that is normal. I have been on 20 for close to six months and it set my anxiety off for a week. It did take me a full 5 weeks for the lexapro to originally kick in and my week 3/4 week ramp up was tough bc I thought it wasn’t getting better, then at like 4.5 weeks I started to see the light. I wouldn’t drink anymore until the the meds are well on board. You will get there, hang in there. We all know what you are going through and your not alone!
  • deanna42576
    deanna42576 amber09486

    Posted

    Hooray! So glad you’re better Amber. We need to help each other through this!! 
  • arietta62795
    arietta62795 amber09486

    Posted

    I started Escitalopram on 05/2...From 5mg, the first week and portionaly increased 4 days ago to 20mg. I have to refer that I have diagnosed with panic disorder...unfortunatelly every day (since long time ago) I am constantly thinking bad senarios as..may be I am crazy, I am talking to people and feeling stress, I have panic attacs when I am driving,,end so on..Unfortunatelly my mind is connected to these thoughts...Since now I have not seen any difference in my mood, because I can not avoid the thoughts..and often take anti-stressing visodiasepines also...Has anyone had similar symptoms...do you believe that once, I could find peace in my mind and my soul? I am very miserable right now...
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