Escitalopram: Please tell the anxiety gets better?
Question posted by CedarRose on 14 Aug 2021
Last updated on 15 August 2021
Today is Day 23 since starting escitalopram 10mg. Day 9 since increasing to 20mg. I took it cus of a panic attack at work. I generally have social and generalized anxiety disorder which I took CBD oil for in the past, but this panic attack was an eye opener that it wasn't enough. My job has high demands of perfection and speed. My boss is a bit of a tyrant.
The first week I began about 5 days in, I started to feel calmer, social and generally happier. But maybe that was a placebo. It didn't take long for the depression and anxiety to return. Then I increased it at 2 weeks, thinking I needed the extra bit. And I know that with increase theres a possibility of increased anxiety as a side effect. This Thursday will be 4 weeks since beginning and 2 weeks since increase. Has it taken this long for anyone else to get the therapeutic effect?
Hi, Cedar Rose! It's frustrating to have to wait but these medications just need time to become fully effective. "It usually takes between 4 and 8 weeks before you feel the full benefits. Do not stop taking escitalopram after a week or two just because you feel it's not helping your symptoms. Give the medicine at least 8 weeks to work." Two weeks after the increase should be about when you really start feeling the benefits and you are about there. Unfortunately, in many cases anxiety is slower to respond to medications than is depression. Are you feeling better at all except for those initial days? If not, you may need to give it another couple weeks but it would be a good idea to touch base with your doctor to let them know how you're doing and get their professional advice. Best regards and I hope you're feeling good very soon. Wildcat
Votes: +1
CE
CedarRose
14 Aug 2021
I have noticed that it has helped with my IBS. Those first few weeks, I made steps to improve my life outside of work, I journal every day. But I still dream about making mistakes at work and people getting angry at me, still clench my teeth subconsciously. Still self-conscious. Though the few times since I have made mistakes, I don't get the pain of dread in my gut that I once did. Some days are more positive than others, but right now, I can't attribute it to the escitalopram or whether or not it's a particularly stressful day at work, or a placebo effect. I'll wait it out for another few weeks. I've come this far already, too far to give up.
TR
Trallyn
15 Aug 2021
WC has excellent advice, sure helped me in my early stages of taking escitaloprám. It took about 3 weeks for the side effects to slowly calm down and bout 5, 6 weeks I started getting better. I can feel it helping me. Now I'm calm and good to go!! Hang in there, it does get better. Keep your doctor updated on how you're doing... feel better cause, it gets better!
