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Looking for someone who understands

Posted , 4 users are following.

robin06253
robin06253

Hello,

I'm 40 and have been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks for about 10 years.  Over the summer I had been feeling good and convinced my doctor to let me wean off my lexapro.  I did ok for a few months and then about a month ago had a panic attack that sent me into a spiral.  I was either having a panic attack, worried about having a panic attack or down in the dumps about feeling so anxious all the time.  Last week I saw my doctor who convinced me to restart the lexapro.  I'm having a horrible time with side effects - panicky, jittery, weepy.  I haven't been to work in a week.  Please someone, tell me you've been through this and that it gets better and that it's worth it in the end!  None of my friends or family have been through this and I'm feeling very alone.

2 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest robin06253

    Posted

    You are not alone, and this definitely sounds like anxiety. Did you have these side effects the first time around when you started the medication? Sometimes it takes a lot of playing around with different medication and dosages before you find the right fit for you, even if something worked for you for a certain amount of time. Hang in there, it WILL get better. Sending hugs. 
    • robin06253
      robin06253 Guest

      Posted

      Thank you for your response!  I think I did feel worse before I felt better the last time too.  I’m just so down about it all.  I feel like the world is passing me by.  So glad to have found this group of people who have been there!
    • robin06253
      robin06253

      Posted

      I am struggling thinking about taking my lexapro tonight knowing it is causing me such uncomfortable side effects...
    • Guest
      Guest robin06253

      Posted

      I am right there with you! I struggle with health anxiety, so I am diagnosing myself with a new disease almost every day. I get angry with myself for wasting so much time worrying about things I can’t even control, as opposed to enjoying whatever time I have on this earth. We are all technically dying, and I wish I had a life to where if I was on my death bed, I’d be happy with what I did and everything I experienced. Unfortunately, the brain is a powerful thing and it’s a vicious cycle that you sometimes can’t change on your own/without help. No matter how many people tell me how stupid it is to worry about things that are gonna happen with or without me worrying, I still do it because that’s how my brain is wired. I’m waiting for my insurance to kick in next month so I can start to address my issues. Always remember you are so far from alone and that you are doing the right thing by going to the doctor. I’m not sure if you’ve ever tried counseling or anything like that, but it has been extremely helpful for me to talk to someone who isn’t gonna call me crazy (even though I am lol) and who can help get to the root of the anxiety, why it’s there, and tools other than medication that can help. 
    • Guest
      Guest

      Posted

      Is there anyone you could hang out with after taking your Lexapro that would maybe help take your mind off the side effects? I would definitely tell your doctor if you’re still experiencing these things in another week or so. 
  • borderriever
    borderriever robin06253

    Posted

    Robin

    Your body will take time to get used to the medication, allow about five weeks and see how it goes.

    Sometimes going back to the same drug can cause problems. In this case give yourself time become used to the drug once more

  • robin06253
    robin06253

    Posted

    I saw my doctor yesterday.  The side effects are lessening thankfully.  She wants me to up my disease to 10mg and I’m wondering if I should expect the side effects to increase again?  Any thoughts?
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