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Week 3 going on 4- Horrible Depression

Posted , 5 users are following.

ashley678
ashley678

Hi all, I need some help as I feel so alone and hopeless right now taking Lexpro. I started at 10mg 3 almost 4 weeks ago. I had mild side effects but nothing terrible. I take trazadone as a sleep aid so I didn't experience insomnia. I am very sensitive to starting an SSRI. I was told Lexapro is more fast acrinf with minimal side effects to start. The doctor upped me to 20mg after week 2. In 3 days I will have been on Lexapro 4 weeks. Yesterday and today I have had crying spells, depression, hopeless feelings, anxiety and obsessive thoughts as if my mind was playing a movie over and over. I am not able to shake this depression. Does it get better? When? Should I get on something else in addition to Lexapro? I am an alcoholic that is sober now so I can't take benzos or xanax. Thanks friends.

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • amber09486
    amber09486 ashley678

    Posted

    Ashley, hang in there. It took me a solid 5 weeks from starting Lexapro to start improving. I also had a rough patch at 4 weeks then started to see the light as I approached my 5th week. By 6 weeks I felt more confident that the good feelings were here to stay and by 8 weeks I was certain of it! I think Lexapro needs the full 6-8 weeks. I think it is a very good sign that you have mild side effects. That’s how I was, just had to keep treading water through the depression and crippling anxiety. My dr upped my dose to 20mg somewhere in my 3rd/4th week and I think 2 weeks after that I was feeling back to my old self. I also started therapy to help train my brain away from my crippling thoughts. Above all, give yourself grace and patience as you move through this to recovery. The whole experience taught me to be patient with myself. My dr, who is amazing, said we really needed to give the lexapro the full 6 weeks to see if it was going to work. And even if I saw a little improvement he would have made me go 8 weeks just be sure. You are almost there! Hang in there! Lexapro has been a lifesaver for me and returned to my old happy selfsmile sending thoughts and prayers your way!
    • tbird0904
      tbird0904 amber09486

      Posted

      I’ve been on lexapro for 4 weeks. 2 weeks at 5mg, 2 wks at 10 and staring my 3rd week of 10mg. My first week of 5mg was good then upped to 10 and was extra jittery so did an extra wk at 5mg before going to 10 which worked. I had a great week with little anxiety and then bam the last few days have been terrible! Like it was at the beginning. Your message gives me hope this will subside. It is so hard to believe when in the midst of such turmoil. Thank you for your message and words of hope. 
  • tammy76379
    tammy76379 ashley678

    Posted

    Oh Ashley, you are not alone. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! everyone on this sure has been so supportive and encouraging. They have really given me hope. So come here often.

    I've been on 10 mg for the weeks, and today is 3 weeks on 20.

    The anxiety I feel is moderate and with me all day until about 5 pm. I wake up with it, too, which really hasn't taken its toll on me emotionally.

    Yes I cry a few times almost every day, and everything seems so overwhelming.

    I am getting better though!!!! I do see a therapist for my thoughts and fears, what-ifs. I also have been doing a lot of walking that helps boost seratonin....I wish I we're getting skinnier!!! And I journal what I was thankful for that day every night before I go to bed.

    I switched from effexor XR that went generic twice, so it really stopped working and I had to wean off the bad generic before I started generic Lexapro..... All while preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas!!!

    Compared to then and today, I'm about 50% better. My dr. told me that the new stabilization timeframe starts at the increased dose, so basically I'm only 3 weeks into my treatment and relief is supposed to come between 4-6 weeks.

    So everything your experiencing right now is typical. All I can say is to do everything you can to be active. Practice mindfulness by breathing and staying in the moment.... Not allowing your thoughts to run wild. Hang in there and try to be patient! So many of us here know how you feel.

  • Nickie54
    Nickie54 ashley678

    Posted

    Ashley678... Girl just hang in there... We all have all had some of the emotional feeling u r going thru .. Not a picnic but don't look at the way u feel now.. Think about how good u will feel in a few days r weeks... The crying .. The anxious thoughts and what ifs will go away as Lexapro does its job .. Don't get me wrong it's not fun but look toward to end result..keep us posted and know we all need each other's support.. Have a Blest Monday.. Holler if u need someone to reach out to u... Take Care .. Talk Soon

  • tammy76379
    tammy76379 ashley678

    Posted

    Hi Ashley, how are you feeling? Just wondering about you.

    I've been having a bit of bad stretch, since last Thursday actually. But overall, im doing better. I just finished week5 on 20 mg. I don't think it's taken its full effect yet. But I'm confident it will.

    I really hope you're doing better. You're not alone, just remember that. Come here for support, we all know what your going thru.

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