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Is a low dose of Lexapro, 2.5 mg, therapeutic?

Posted , 2 users are following.

jen43371
jen43371

I started Lexapro at 2 mg and was suppose to increase it by 1 mg per week until I reached 5 mg. I use the liquid so I can dose out easier. I am very sensitive to medications and the 2 mg was causing me extreme anxiety so my doctor had me go to 1 mg for 10 days and then increase to 2 mg for 10 days. When I tried to go to the 3 mg it once again gave me extreme anxiety and agitation so I went back to the 2 mg for a couple days and recently increased to 2.5 mg. Last week I tried to go the 3 mg again and I am feeling more lightheaded and depressed. I seemed to feel pretty good at the 2.5 mg but I am not sure if that dose is even going to be enough since I see so many people are on at least 10 mg. I also have Valium that I can take for the anxiety and I did notice when I was on the 2.5 mg that I was not as anxious and was able to cut back on the Valium.

Thank you for any advice or experience you can offer me.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • matts4912
    matts4912 jen43371

    Posted

    2.5mg of Lexapro is quite a small dose for sure, but I have seen a few people stabalise on that level. Who is to say what is therapeutic? This is what is recommended by the pharma who produce it, but everyone's tolerance and neuro-makeup will be different.

    Just because others need 10mg to become stable DOES NOT mean you do to. If you feel good at 2.5mg, then stay there. See how you are in a few more weeks once the settling in period has passed (10-12 weeks on the SAME dose). Then re-evaluate from there.

    • jen43371
      jen43371 matts4912

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your response. I like your idea of staying at the same dose for the 10-12 weeks as I think it is harder for me to try and adjust when I keep changing the dose. I need to get through the "settling in period" at one dose and as you said re-evaluate from there. I see my Psychiatrist next week and the good thing is he is not one to push for higher doses.

    • matts4912
      matts4912 jen43371

      Posted

      Glad to hear your p-doc has got it right. Unless you have a history of AD's which tells a GP/Primary a suitable dose, AD's should be approached very carefully to begin with.

      I wish you well with your dose and please keep us updated. Anything else you need, just let me know.

      Matt

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