switching from celexa to lexepro

David,

My doctor has me taking one Lexapro in the morning and 1mg Klonopin along with the Lexapro should I not be taking the Klonopin with the Lexapro???? Maybe that would make me feel a little better.

Vivian hi, just wanted to chime in. I was provided both also, when I first started Lexapro. Everyone is different but, the Klonopin I was told should only be used for when you have a very bad panic attack that would really warrant you to take it. I took it once when I started with the Lexapro and I didn't like the feeling. I literally couldn't think at all. I was totally numb but, I guess if your really having a bad attack that's better than suffering through it. Many people have told me it's best not to the Klonopin if you can. It's a benzo and highly addictive. Some have advised me it is quite dangerous. For me, I was worried about memory loss with it. I'm not a doctor but, I'm sure you can find that information online also. Hope you feel better. I'm on the Lexapro 10 weeks. It was the only med to calm me but, I still have some anxiety. Take Care!!

Yeah, I dont think you need the kolonopin once the Lexepro starts working. My doctor has me take mine after dinner with food. I dont know the reasoning behind taking them in the morning, its going to wipe you out and make you feel exhausted during the day. Has that been happening to you? Well, if it is, now you know why. I dont know, maybe call your doctor and ask if you can take them after dinner instead, or dont call him and switch the times yourself. I think the reason is that the lexepro hasnt been in your system long enough and he doesnt want you having a panic attack during the day (while his office is open ?) So i guess a sleepy, groggy, hazzy day is better than a panic attack day ? Like i said i take mine at night and i only use my benzo in times of panic attack or if i cant sleep. Honestly, i am guessing at the reasoning behind it. Makes no sense to me. My opinion is that you should not need the kolonpin at all if you are not exhibiting any anxiety symptoms. Sonif you are symptom free, and have been stabile for a couple weeks without episode, you may feel better in a few days if you stop taking the kolonopin and just keep taking the lexepro. Just make sure you take that kolonopin with you in case of an attack. I dont know why they gave you konolopin anyway, its like the worse benzo you can get, in my opinion. I take xanex and i dont have that hazzy, groggy, weighed down, exhausted feeling that kolonopin gives. I was on kolonopin and i switched because i didnt like the way it made me feel. I feel funny telling you not to take it if the doctor says you need it. Its just weird because my doctor told me yo take mine lexepro at night and xanex as needed for panic attacks and sleep.

Thanks David I took my first Lexepro this morning and hoping for the best I always have my Xanax on hand they are my life savers. Thanks for the feedback xx

Wait, I thought you said you were taking 1mg kolonopin with the lexepro in the morning ? Its actually xanex ? I am confused. Do you have 2 benzos or just 1 ? I did some research on why the doctor may have told you to take the lexepro in the morning. It turns out some people experience insomnia if they take the lexepro after dinner, while others get sleepy. So for those who the medication makes sleepy they recommend taking it after dinner, while those who suffer the insomnia effects, they recommend taking the medication in the morning. So are you having a problem sleeping at night, if so, thats why the doctor has you take it in the morning. If it makes you sleepy once it gets into your system, then you should take it after dinner. I hope this helps. Get back to me about my questions when you have a chance.

i think Vivien mentioned klonopin i only take xanax now and again ,x

I am taking 1mg in the morning before I take my Lexapro as I wake up with anxiety.

i think the kolonopin in the morning is a mistake but if you are waking up with anxiety, then i understand it.

HI most doctors have you take an anxiety med when starting an anti depressant, I am on the opposite end,I was prescribed anxiety meds for years,doctor are prescribing antidepressants for tapering off anxiety meds.

I take xanax only a half of 0.5 mg so its only a very small dose but it just takes he edge off. My second day of switching to Lexepro from Celexa my anxiety was pretty bad this morning . I just so tired of all this .

It sounds like you are getting frustrated, dont. It gets better, way better. Just hang in there and give the medication a chance to do its magic. My xanex is also 0.5mg and I use it for extreme panic emergencies and as a sleep aid as needed. Xanex is wonderful stuff and I have it with me whenever I go anywhere, because you never know what could happen. Biggest fear is road rage, or a car accident and I dont have the xanex on me and go into full melt down mode. So I am sure I have my security dose with me at all time. Honestly, I rarely need it or take it. The Lexepro does a really good job of controlling my anxiety without taking the xanex. Point is not to get so tired of all this and let the anxiety win, you have to keep trying and keep fighting, it does get better.

Thank you everyone for your support and advice.......I am going into my 2nd week on the Lexapro and was thinking maybe I shouldn't take the Klonopin but I still have anxiety when I wake up and can't hold out till 7Am when I take the Lexapro, it is a struggle but I will continue with the program..I just hope the Lexapro will be worth all this suffering...I just want to be me again............

Vivian, dont rush it, wait another week before you stop taking your benzo, you will know when to stop taking the kolonopin. One day you will wake up without the anxiety, thats when its time to stop taking the kolonopin. But dont get rid of the kolonopin completely, keep it on hand for cases of emergency. Panic attacks can still happen even though you are medicated. So keep the kolonopin bottle full and handy.

thank you David your answers are always supportive and give me hope!