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Switch from Fluoxetine to Escitalopram after 1 week - Anxiety only, no depression

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kyle26604
kyle26604

I have dealt with mild to moderate anxiety for three to four years now.  After my first panic attack four years ago I suffered from pretty bad lingering generalized anxiety.  I have never, and do not now suffer from any symptoms of depression.  I was subscribed Buspirone 15mg three times daily.  The severe anxiety faded after about a week and the generalized anxiety stopped after about a year, so I stopped taking the meds per instructions by my doctor. 

Fast forward a year to two weeks ago and I started having some pretty bad generalized anxiety and had a couple of panic attacks.  It was starting to keep me from eating and sleeping at night so I went back to the doctor.  I was prescribed 20 mg Fluoxetine (Prozac) and after the first two days my anxiety sky rocketed, both the panic attacks and generalized anxiety, especially early on in the day.  I have hardly eaten and lost nearly 10 pounds in two weeks.  I can hardly function.  

Today I was switched to Escitalopram, 5mg to start then 10mg after five days.  I just took my first pill.  From what I understand, SSRIs can make anxiety worse before it gets better.  Has anyone every had any experience switching medications this early on?  Also, does anyone know if Escitalopram is any easier on the anxiety during the ramp up phase?  I am starting to get worried that this anxiety isnt going away and I just want my life back.  Thank you so much in advance.  

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Ama1405
    Ama1405 kyle26604

    Posted

    Hi Kyle,Sorry about everthing,

    Yes, escitalopram brings out the anxiety in you before calming it for good. The whole process may take between 2 to 4 weeks for some people before they start to feel ok, but the symptoms are not bad for everyone. For me i had tiny dosage of benzos to battle severe panick attacks while we wait for the escitalopram to fully resume its duties.

    But i must warn that, benzos are addictive and must be for just short term use, so talk to your Dr about this option. Also,

    Talk to your doctor about going from 5 to 7.5 for few days, before moving to 10mg, for me, because of how i react to medications, i started at 2.5 and just moved to 5mg, i didnt notice any upping doseage symptoms, follow your body and gradually get to your set goal...

    I hope this helps.

  • lynn67615
    lynn67615 kyle26604

    Posted

    Kyle I am on 10mgs of Escitalopram for 24 days. I think it’s starting to kick in very slowly. Still have anxiety. I think about 80% of responders wait 6-8 weeks. Some people do respond earlier. I too was on Fluoxetine at 20 for 8 weeks and noticed no change, so also went on this one.
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