Question about first week on escitalopram

Posted , 6 users are following.

Hello, my doctor prescribed escitalopram 5mg , I have very bad anxiety and depression, and I’m just not my self anymore. I been like this for a year now. I don’t like to leave the house, I don’t like going places. I’m losing my appetite. I overthink, and I worry so much. As this point I’m done feeling like this. I want to try the medicine I’m just scared of how it will make me feel. I had taken it once , and the next day I woke up in a panic. And that made me nervous to take the medicine again. I want to get better! I don’t like feeling like this, my relationship is falling apart because of my anxiety and depression. So can anyone help me and explain to how use were when y’all first took escitalopram. Thank you so much!

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    First of all, 5 mg is a nothing dose.  Your doctor should start you on 5mg only for a week and then increase you to 10mg.  Also, for the first month, you should be taking .5mg of Xanax until the Escitalopram kicks in.  You will feel great in 4 to 6 weeks.  Also, seek therapy.  It helps a lot.  Good Luck
    • Posted

      She gave me .5 Ativan to hold me over till escitalopram kicks in. She only gave me 5 tablets. I’m just not a fan of medicine so I haven’t took any. I never took Ativan before. Thank you for your response!
  • Posted

    Hi Agnes, I know exactly how you feel as I’ve been there. My dr started me on 5mg then 10 and then 15 which I’m now settled on and have been for nearly two years. These tablets have given me my life back and hopefully they will for you.

    You have to be patient and don’t expect to feel any better for about 4-6 weeks possibly longer, it varies with everyone (being truthful so you don’t give up!).

    Hope you have help and support from family although mine didn’t understand as I don’t think you understand unless you’ve been there yourself so please stick with it and good luck, here for a chat or questions if you need it 😊

    • Posted

      My family was supportive , but now I’m just losing the support as time goes on. Only real support was my mom, but she passed away in January, so now I feel alone. I’m scared to try the medicine. But I also don’t like feeling how I do everyday. 
    • Posted

      Susan,  Have you gained weight? Do you think taking 15 mg makes a big difference from the 10mg?
    • Posted

      Hi Judy, I’ve gained a few pounds but nothing to shout about.

      I do try to watch what I eat anyway.

    • Posted

      Agnes, firstly I’m so sorry you have lost your mum. This is obviously why you feel like you do. 

      It’s  hard but please try the tablets, you may feel slightly more anxious to begin with and shaky but 5mg is a small dose so you may not get side effects.

      You will get relief but it will take a while. It will make you feel more confident to face what’s going on in your life. Good luck x

  • Posted

    You’ll be fine you have to have faith in your doctor. When I started I was shaky too just be patient. You need at least 3 to 4 weeks to allow the medication to work. Millions of people have gone through what your dealing with. Try to exercise everyday and get outside. Drink a lot of water keep your self hydrated. 

    Listen to Noah Elkrief on utube about stress, depression, and anxiety he will put your mind at ease. He brought thing into perspective for me. God bless and keep you safe. 

  • Posted

    Starting out at 5 mg should help keep the side effects minimal :-). Did your doctor say when you should move up? Like someone else said, 10 mg is considered the lowest effective dose, although I have heard of a few people who take 5 mg with great results.

    ?I started on 5 mg for five weeks because I was so nervous about side effects. I'm now on 7.5 mg, and starting to feel the medication is kicking in. I do plan to go up to 10 mg soon :-).

    ?Taking that first pill is the hardest. After you've taken it for a few days and realize that nothing horrible is going to happen, you will feel more confident about taking them. Like others have said, it does take weeks or longer for it to start to work, and you very possibly will have to increase your dose before you feel any positive effects.

  • Posted

    Hi Agnes, You are not alone,

    Just take the meds as prescribed and gradually increase if neccessary, once you feel better, you will wonder why you did not start the meds early enough... smile

    Avoid processed foods and sugar, eat more of freshly cooked meals, fruits and vegs alot alot alot of water and try to exercise the little way u can, these meds work better in smaller doses when you keep your body healthy, this practice workes so well for me and stopped the anxiety and panicks...

    All the best!!!

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