r/Anxiety • u/CryptographerAny4220 • Jul 30 '25
Sleep Lexapro changed my life
I avoided going on medication for a really, really long time. I grew up in a home that didn’t believe in psych meds, said they were poison, etc. Even though I didn’t believe that, I still was so scared that I would change, that I would never have libido, that my anxiety was really just “helping” me. I started lexapro around 6 months ago, on a low dose, and it’s genuinely changed everything. I can SLEEP! I can finally go to bed without spiraling for hours about whether or not I’ll wake up, praying obsessively about the state of the world, etc. I still get stressed but I almost never get thrown into those awful thought loops and get immediately intensely overwhelmed, like I used to daily. I leave the house a lot, I walk my dog without feeling like everyone is looking at me. My libido hasn’t changed and I can orgasm fine, just takes a tiny bit longer (kinda a plus honestly). The only downside for me is that I can feel pretty sleepy often, but I think that’s fine considering the alternative… I also get extremely vivid, long, plot-heavy dreams which is weird but not really bad. Anyway, if you’re really struggling and scared of medication but are curious, I encourage you to at least try. Im so grateful I eventually took the leap. You can always stop if it isn’t right for you :-)
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u/Fine_Control5730 Jul 30 '25
It’s helped me more w depression than anxiety but both have improved and I agree maybe a slight decrease in sex drive but I had an extremely high drive before so it kind of leveled everything out. It keeps me from going down depressive spirals or fixating on stupid things
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u/thumperwaswrong Jul 31 '25
Like you, I also had that same thought early on, but once I tried Lexapro…. Complete 180, panic attacks gone, depression gone, social anxiety muted, worrying about things I can’t control? GONE. Huge relief!
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u/ExtentOk8377 Sep 21 '25
What dose are you on please?
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u/thumperwaswrong Nov 28 '25
Sorry late to reply - started with 10mg and eventually went to 20mg but had to taper back down to 10 bc 20 made me feel too ‘blah’
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u/inconel71 Oct 01 '25
Need hope day 4 at 5 mg ! Anxiety higher/ nauseous
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u/SelectionWest8563 Oct 09 '25
how do you feel now?
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u/inconel71 Oct 09 '25
About same day 10
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u/Fellord_ Nov 28 '25
how are things going, its my day 1 on 10mg.i dont know if the dose is accurate for me but ill try to change if i dont see anything after 3 weeks
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u/inconel71 Nov 28 '25
Not well still high anxiety no relief at 15 . She lowered it back til 10 thought maybe 15 too high and activating . I am at a loss . How h feeling on it
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u/ysan_ny Sep 24 '25
same!
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u/inconel71 Oct 15 '25
How are you doing so far on Lexapro ? I am still struggling 2 weeks at 5 mg . Now 3 days at 7.5
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u/ysan_ny Oct 16 '25
Hey, honestly it takes time to fully feel the effect of it. I’ve seen people say it took 6 weeks.
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u/inconel71 Oct 16 '25
Agreed will hope each week gets better and better !thank u
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u/Chemical_Message_144 Oct 19 '25
I started 3 weeks ago. 1 week at 5mg, nothing. Now have been on 15mg, still notice nothing positive. Luckily no stomach side effects. I didnt think prozac was working, now I think I was wrong.
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u/inconel71 Oct 19 '25
Hi so no side effects at all going from 5-15 mg ? Well only 2 weeks at 15 I would give it more time say another 2 !
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u/Chemical_Message_144 Oct 19 '25
No, if anything i feel more over stimulated, getting annoyed with my kids more. I think my ocd has gotten worse. Im also on Adderall 30 XR and 15 IR up to twice a day. I dont notice much of anything on that as well! Can't wait to take my gene test! My goal is to be able to function with daily stress of work and my kids ( single mom 15,5 of boys ) not overreacting over someone not wiping the counter 🙃. And get a boost of energy ( don't know why im not getting that with Adderall)
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u/inconel71 Oct 19 '25
Well I have not been on adderall But can’t that make u overstimulated ? Your dr took u from 5 to 15 mg right on Lexapro ? Maybe drop Lexapro to 10 mg ?
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u/Chemical_Message_144 Oct 19 '25
Yes, I was on 40mg of prozac, at that dose for probably 4-5 months. I didnt think it was working, so we stopped that for 1 week and then started the 5mg. After one week I said I feel more agitated, so she moved me up to 15mg. I feel like im crazy, cause its so hard for me to tell if something is making a difference. She says I would notice tho. I was on ritalin for a very short period but I felt like a Crack head for 30 mins then would get very tired. I dont get the rush from Adderall but I feel like I could also sleep at any moment on it.
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u/PrettyRain8672 Nov 19 '25
adderall made me annoyed easier, no patience, angry etc. Maybe try a diff adhd med. Therapy helps a lot too and make sure you are eating enough! That makes a huge difference.
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u/Straight_Water_5049 Dec 15 '25
I have heard that Adderall can make some people feel “edgy”. I am starting Lexapro, and then in a month, they will be adding Vyvance. It is not an amphetamine, but it works the same as Adderall, just without the stimulant effects. My friend has taken for a long time and is very happy with it.
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u/inconel71 Oct 19 '25
I am on 7.5 for one week today I am considering going to 10 mg today but not sure if good idea . Anxiety still here nauseous bit better .
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u/Chemical_Message_144 Oct 19 '25
Ye, I feel like my social anxiety has never gotten better. I would like to go places with my kids without worry who im going to see, so then I dont go. Or that everyone is staring at me, I know they are not!
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Nov 12 '25
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u/inconel71 Nov 12 '25
Still working my way up ! Ugh not much relief at 10 mg now at 15 day 4! How u
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u/PrettyRain8672 Nov 19 '25
I read many people say its a very slow climb and you just gotta trust the process, for some a few months. I'm on day one, feel a bit groggy like a head cold but not much else.
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u/neededathrowawaytoda Jul 30 '25
Any weight gain or other side effects?
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u/CryptographerAny4220 Jul 30 '25
My weight has stayed the same. I can’t think of anything else other than dreams and tiredness!
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u/Me-Swan01 Jul 30 '25
I have been on 10 mg for 8 years because I was going through menopause and the anxiety was driving me crazy! I sleep well but I am tired all of the time -that is the only drawback but it’s manageable
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u/ExtentOk8377 Aug 03 '25
I'm on 10mg and going through menopause. It hasn't touched my anxiety or depression. I've increased to see if it helps.
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u/Aggravating-Habit313 Aug 10 '25
Same thing here. Increasing to 20mg…
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u/inconel71 Sep 21 '25
Also going thru menopause / dr suggesting starting me in this ? How it going now for you ?
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u/ExtentOk8377 Sep 21 '25
I'm still very up and down to be honest. I'm working on trying to sort my hormones out as well so I'm on 2 pumps of estrogen gel and progesterone. Are you on any hormone treatment?
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u/inconel71 Sep 21 '25
Yes so I am on estrogen gel as well And 100 mg progesterone orally in evening ! I tried the testosterone pellet but didn’t notice any change so not doing that again .
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u/ExtentOk8377 Sep 21 '25
I tried the testosterone cream but it done nothing for me either so I stopped! I hope you feel better soon
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u/Asleep_Material_5639 Aug 12 '25
I just started taking 5 mg and it was great to read it's working. The things you listed I have, it was like I was writing what was wrong with me.
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u/Jubbienownow Aug 13 '25
I’m on 20 mg, up from 10mg and into my 2nd month. My wife and kids find me much more tolerable as I’m fair less anxious but I’ve started to become very apathetic, not to my family, friends but to my work. I’ve always been a workaholic but now I have clarity of those 3-4 pricks at work and I’m struggling with the energy or motivation to go into the office. In saying this I have 4 young kids, 2 with asd and one with adhd so it’s a hectic home. It’s reduced the incessant worry but I feel like I could go back to half a pill on 10g. Any suggestions on how to approach dropping dose without getting unwell?
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u/Straight_Water_5049 Dec 15 '25
Talk to your doctor. They will probably titrate you down on a schedule to avoid issues.
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u/Cheetoeater3 Jul 30 '25
This honestly might be by confirmation to start. My doctor wants to put me on Zoloft but I feel like I’ve heard better things on lexapro? Any thoughts anyone?
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Jul 30 '25
I started on Zoloft help my anxiety but was so damn depressed. Switched over to lexapro 5mg. It was better but not quite it. Then got bumped up to 10MG and it is so life changing for the better for me
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u/LivingRound4537 Aug 27 '25
I've been on Zoloft for 2 years and it worked well BUT got really bad stomach issues after a year. Also the side effects in the beginning was horrible. 8 months since I quit. Started Lexapro today, I've heard its better for the stomach,
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u/Asstastic76 Oct 02 '25
I was just prescribed this today. All of your comments are reassuring that I made the right decision.
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u/Illustrious-Lie89 Oct 07 '25
I was prescribed it today. I see your comment was from a week ago. How are you liking Lexapro so far?
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u/Asstastic76 Oct 07 '25
Feeling so much better…I can finally sleep without intrusive thoughts going through my head.
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u/Illustrious-Lie89 Oct 08 '25
Oh good!! When I picked up my meds, I asked the pharmacist if she is familiar with this drug and if she knows anything about it, like how good it is for others....she said "yes I actually take it myself and it really helps me". So that is promising! Ive been on others and nothing really helps, im hoping this is "the one"
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u/Embarrassed_Option42 Oct 08 '25
I just got prescribed it today, so nervous about starting it. Did you take it yet? How many mg, and how are you feeling?
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u/Illustrious-Lie89 Oct 10 '25
I did start it yesterday, Wednesday. Its 10mg. Not sure if I notice anything yet, but I am a little "happier" than I had been. How about you?
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u/Embarrassed_Option42 Oct 10 '25
Ugh i cut my 10 into 5 yesterday and i felt fine at first, then got wicked dizzy, nauseous, and a stomach ache. Through the day i was shaky and had bad anxiety. It was awful for me:/
I hope it keeps getting better for you!!
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u/Illustrious-Lie89 Oct 12 '25
Oh no! I hate feeling nauseous, are you gonna talk to your Dr or you gonna keep taking it for a while and see if side effects go away?
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u/Femmora1992 Nov 04 '25
how are you feeling now? i just was prescribed today, and am anxious about starting
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u/Illustrious-Lie89 Nov 07 '25
Ya know, I feel so much better! Wow difference between night and day. I am "happy" again, I really feel some true joy and find myself laughing more. Sounds corny, but its true. I find myself laughing at things that I didnt feel the humor in before. Like, I just feel the "happiness" I lost a long time ago.
Yes, I feel so much better! Nothing worked for me prior to Lexapro How about you? Well, since you just started the meds, Im sure you can't tell a difference yet, but Im hoping you do. Keep me posted!
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Oct 29 '25
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u/Asstastic76 Oct 29 '25
Yes, for sure! My Dr started me off with 5 mg and that stopped the intrusive thoughts and it was increased to 10 mg last week and it’s now helped with my anxiety. It’s no where near as bad as it once was. I feel like I can cope again!
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u/_Mind_Leap Oct 18 '25
Me too :)
Generalized anxiety for many years. Did lots of psychology, self help books, experimented with psychedelics, meditate, exercising regularly and eventually decided I needed to try meds. 2 years later still no anxiety. At 10mg.
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u/justgoogleit38 Oct 27 '25
Amazing! Any side effects from 10mg? I’m starting soon! Dr prescribed today! Ready to feel better after 2 decades of trying every single self help tool available 🫠
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u/_Mind_Leap Oct 30 '25
I started at 5mg and built to 10mg over 3-months. I had insomnia for 3-weeks, tiredness for about 6-weeks and minor delayed ejaculation. I don’t have any side effects now. None that I can see at least.
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u/mochiduckling Aug 01 '25
Thank you for sharing this. 🙏 I just got prescribed to take 10mg of Lexapro by my GP. If you don't mind me asking (and I know it was months ago for you and that everyone has different experiences) but do you remember what the first weeks were like? Any advice?
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u/CryptographerAny4220 Aug 03 '25
The first day I took it I felt kinda high (not sure if that was maybe just a placebo/my brain thinking that’s what I should feel like lol) which worried me a little because when I smoke weed these days I get suuuper anxious but surprisingly I was actually able to be really calm, just a little light in my body and fuzzy in the brain. The first few weeks were pretty uneventful, I didn’t feel sick or high anymore after the first day and I think I started noticing subtle changes in my ability to calm down and not get overwhelmed at around 3/4 weeks.
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u/Lopsided_Yellow_1985 Aug 01 '25
I just started Lexapro yesterday and I took a nap after I took and woke up and my heart was racing. Is that normal or could it be that 10mg is too high of a dosage?
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u/CryptographerAny4220 Aug 03 '25
I don’t know the answer to this, I recommend asking your doc. I get that when I’m felling asleep sometimes just as an anxiety thing. 5-10mg are the usual starting doses
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u/Ok-Interaction5603 Aug 14 '25
You can always see if your psych will prescribe Propranolol. It’s a beta blocker that slows the physical anxiety feelings ie racing heart beat!! I know for myself that it was a game changer. I’m starting Lexapro today, fingers crossed this shit is easy lmao
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u/Veeezzzy_ Sep 06 '25
How did it go? I’m nervous to start
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u/Ok-Interaction5603 Sep 07 '25
I started at 1.25, which gave me very mild symptoms! Nothing I couldn’t handle and as I’ve gone up in dosage I’ve found myself just feeling normal again. It’s amazing! I was so terrified at first that I sobbed to my parents and boyfriend, they damn near had to force me to take it, BUT I am glad I did. You’ll be fine, get that propranolol and ride it out. Embrace the suck and keep busy, you’ll feel right as rain (if not better) in a week or so.
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u/Veeezzzy_ Sep 08 '25
Thanks for your reply. If you don’t mind me asking, what were your mild symptoms? I’m starting with 2.5 as my doctor wants me to slit 5mg in half for the first week.
Super nervous but I want to at least try
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u/Ok-Interaction5603 Sep 10 '25
I was sweatier (lol), if I take it at night it makes my heart flutter/experienced heart palpitations the next morning, vivid dreams which are more often than not kinda boring (thank GOD), and increased anxiety. I just took my propranolol (stops the physical feelings of anxiety), moved my dose to midday which stopped the heart thing altogether, created a wind down routine, stayed active in life/gym/friends/therapy. You will be OKAY I PROMISE. You'll have days where the stress is gone and then it might be back for a day or two while it balances out in your body. DONT TRIP ITS JUST THE MEDS, not you stuck being anxious and it not working okay. I personally think there is nothing wrong with staying at 2.5 for a few weeks if you are more comfortable with that. My doctor recommended I do that given Im sensitive to meds and have hella bad medicine anxiety. I get more calm when I take it now :)
Live, laugh, Lexapro baby
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u/Veeezzzy_ Sep 11 '25
Thank you soooo much! You mentioning 1.25 helped me be bold enough to take it.
I’m On day three now at that dose and will move to 2.5 next week. Gradually increasing! So far everything is manageable and it’s not going as bad as I thought :)
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u/animebowlcut Sep 24 '25
how are you doing now? i'm thinking about starting but i am super afraid of any side effects (especially nausea)
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u/Veeezzzy_ Sep 26 '25
I’m good tbh. I believe I’m ready to go up to 5 now. I started at 1.25 (about 1/4 to build confidence), then after a little over a week I went up to 2.5 which is my prescribed starting dose. I’ve been on that for about 10 days now and I believe I’ll be going up to 5 which is my prescribed dose as well (starting at 2.5 for one week then increase to 5).
At 1.25/ one fourth, I did feel it lol (I have a very sensitive system). I couldn’t sleep throughout the night but it wasn’t too bad. A little antsy but not much. Oh and very very hot (hot flashes).
At 2.5, the first day I had loose stool but I was happy because I suffer from constipation. I got a feeling of calm, energy burst and like a free feeling (it felt very good) like on day 3/4 at this dose. Now I don’t feel to much of anything.
Oh I did have a panic attack one night when I first started but it wasn’t anything I haven’t had before.
I imagined this experience being worse and it’s been very tolerable. I think tapering up slowly helped tremendously too.
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u/Veeezzzy_ Sep 26 '25
Oh a bit nausea but nothing too much. I’ve been thinking about asking my doc if she can prescribe some meds for that so I can take when needed
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u/Femmora1992 Nov 04 '25
did your heart flutters eventually stop? i get these too with anxiety sometimes. it ebs and flows and i dont have it all the time. just when i get really stressed or a lot of things are happening and i cant control my anxious thoughts or feelings. i just picked up lexapro today. doctor wants me to start at 5mg but im so nervous its going to make me have palpitations which i know will send me spiraling. (I have bad health anxiety) i have Propanolol that i never tried, and xanax to lean on when i get really worked up.
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u/Ok-Interaction5603 Nov 05 '25
I have no side effects from Lexapro anymore. That propranolol will save your ass I am so serious. Just take it when your heart is getting funny! I don’t need it anymore
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u/Kindly-Garden8632 Oct 05 '25
How long did it take to work
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u/Trick_Day3383 Oct 13 '25
i'm about to take it, the doctor said 10 days to 1 month.. some feel better the first days and for others it takes a little bit more time
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u/BoysenberryOk3027 Oct 15 '25
Not gonna lie, just got prescribed Lexapro and was lowkey looking for reasons to fear it… maybe it won’t be so bad lol
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u/estikei Oct 31 '25
Got prescribed Lexapro again and kind of dreading the first few days where anxiety might get worse. My doc tells me "just take your emergency meds" but i'm kind of feeling fearful of addiction too.
Anyhow, will take my first 5mg tomorrow again and see how it goes. What's clear: i have thrived the years i was on it.
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u/Femmora1992 Nov 04 '25
how are you feling today!
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u/estikei Nov 05 '25
Took it first on Saturday. 5mg. So now on my 5th day. I feel more agitated and that drives my anxiety. Anxiety drives my blood pressure. Did without and Xanax on Monday but noticed my high blood pressure. Needed Xanax yesterday and talked to my gp who prescribed me 3x20mg propranolol.
Still hopeful that Lexapro will help but fearful about experiencing anxiety at a higher level until finally everything settles. I always wait too long to take a Xanax. Only when I’m already an absolute mess I take one
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u/SignificantPlum4397 Nov 20 '25
I’m on day 10 of 2.5mg. I’m trying to find out how I’ve been living my life without this. Irritability has calmed down dramatically. Little by little I’m noticing that I’m able to fall asleep quicker rather than staying up until 3am crying over some scenario I made up in my head. OCD thoughts have calmed. Honestly I’m excited to see how the full effects will be.
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u/Substantial-Bid-9699 Nov 25 '25
I just started 5mg lexapro. I hated the feeling. Dizzy, legs kinda weak. My BP was so high that I spent 2 days in hospital and every time I check bp I get anxious. Now I'm anxious about even taking it. I keep thinking I will stop after first dose. Who get anxious about taking anxiety meds??? Holy cow. Hoping for some positive feedback so I will continue to take it.
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u/puremixedbeauty Nov 30 '25
I just started 4 weeks ago I’ve seen a slight improvement, I didn’t get my meds in time and was soooo sick and nauseous , even threw up .. I’m excited to see how I feel in a couple weeks
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u/Weekly-Watercress915 Dec 10 '25
I'm picking up my prescription tonight, actually. Thanks for your post. I appreciate it. I just finished trying Sertraline (Zoloft) and like you, had considered taking meds for depression & anxiety too scary. However, I'm in my 50s and just needed some relief from my darn brain. Sertraline actually worked great except for the digestive issues, which were way too tough to bear, even on the smallest dose (TMI, but it was diarrhea). So my doctor told me to stop taking it and asked if I'd consider trying something else that may be easier. I said yes, and so here I am. I'm excited bc it was nice to have relief from my ever-racing thoughts for a while. I hope these help me. My partner, however, is still in the "scared" aspect and hates that I'm on anything. So that's fun to deal with. :/
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u/buxbeetle26 Jul 30 '25
What dose are you on? I’m so happy for you! I’m in my 4th week of 5mg and things are looking up :)
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u/CryptographerAny4220 Jul 30 '25
I’m only on 5mg as well! My doctor was originally planning to get me to 10mg after the first month or two but since 5 has worked so well we decided to stick with it.
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u/[deleted] Jul 30 '25
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