I have had mild anxiety for about 10 years that I was able to handle without medication. about five years ago it got worse so I went to a doctor and was put on Prozac 10 mg. I took that for a few months and didn’t notice much results so stopped taking it. Recently my anxiety has increased a lot so I went back to see a doctor and was prescribed Lexapro 10mg. I took it the first day and had crazy panic attacks all day long. I felt derealization and it was terribly scary because I didn’t know what it was. I’ve read that you have to get through the side effects for it to work so I took it again the next day and had even worst panic attacks. Almost went to the emergency room 100 times. I am now taking my Klonopin way more than I ever have. I haven’t taken the Lexapro for two full days now (doctor said to stop) and I’m not feeling good. I can’t stop crying and the anxiety is out of control. I can only sleep for two hours at a time and wake up pouring sweat and panicking. Will this ever end?
Took Lexapro for 2 days HELP?
Question posted by Steph041808 on 27 Jan 2018
Last updated on 15 March 2018
Answers
Hi Steph. I hope you're feeling a bit better. I've experienced the side effects you're describing. Not with Lexapro, but with other antidepressants - especially the SNRI class of antidepressants. My general approach is that if I feel significantly worse to the point that I'm becoming "dangerously" depressed/anxious, then it's time to call my psychiatrist ASAP and talk about discontinuing the medication or maybe trying a lower dose. Different people can have different side effects (or none at all) to just about any medication, and unfortunately psychiatric drugs can be a lot of trial-and-error before you find what works for you. The good(-ish) news is there are many alternative meds if Lexapro doesn't work out for you.
I just wanted to mention something in case you weren't already aware: You said you were having to take Klonopin more than usual, to help with the Lexapro side effects. Keep in mind that some people build up a tolerance to Klonopin and end up having to take more and more to get the same effect, which can lead to other problems. If you notice that happening, I'd suggest asking your doctor about options to add something else short-term to help with any anxiety caused by Lexapro (if that's still going on). People are usually less likely to build up a tolerance to Klonopin if they take it intermittently. On the other hand, some people take it every day without building up a tolerance.
Also about Klonopin: Personally, I've found that long-term use of Klonopin makes me *more* depressed. My father had the same problem with it. Just something to keep in mind if you notice any pattern. Interestingly, my sister takes Klonopin daily and it's been very helpful for her (mood & anxiety disorders run in our family). So, even genetically related family members can respond differently to the same medication.
Hope that helps.
Thanks for your comment! I got off after the second dose and my doctor said he thinks I may have “overdosed” on seratonin so he switched me from ssris to Abilify which I’ll start tonight. :) I felt a little better everyday but the first 4 days were absolutely terrifying and hope I never experience that again !
I’ve been taking Klonopin for years at bed time (only half of a .5mg) and never had an issue but in the few days I did take a lot more-I was definitely down and depressed more than before. Who knows if that was part of the lexapro issue or the Klonopin but it would make sense that Klonopin would cause those issues!
Hi, Steph! Yes, it will end. Lexapro does have a long half life and it will take about 6 days to be fully out of your system. But that means after 30 hours only 5mg remains, after another 30 hours only 2.5mg remains, etc. You'll start feeling better every day and the effects should wear off quickly.
P.S. Increased anxiety for a couple of days is a "normal" side effect of almost every antidepressant/anxiolytic.
Thank you for responding so quickly. I’ve never felt this terrible in my life. I have no idea how to deal. I told me boyfriend he might have to go check me into a mental hospital because I can’t deal. The depression is so intense.
The anxiety I can almost handle with my Klonopin and the help of family but the depression I’ve never felt before and it’s petrifying.
If you're feeling too overwhelmed or that you might hurt yourself have someone take you to an ER for treatment.
Remember, this WILL be over soon. Can you contact your doctor for advice? If she/he is not available there should be a doctor covering emergencies.
No I don’t feel suicidal or anything like that. It’s just this crazy gloomy feeling that feels like the world is ending and I don’t know how to handle it.
I’m trying my best to keep my mind busy. Cleaning the house and keeping busy but it’s not working.
Yes, that's a common effect of the medication. Normally, it's pretty mild and resolves within just a few days.
Do you have someone that can stay with you?
Yes my boyfriend. He feels terrible because he can’t help. Do you know if it’s possible taking more Klonopin than usual is worsening the depression? I am prescribed .5 mg twice a day. I’ve never taken that much. I usually take half of one to help me sleep. But since the first day of the Lexapro I’ve been taking 2 a day broken into halves and taken four times a day.
I appreciate you talking with me more than I could ever say. Thank you.
Klonopin is a central nervous system/respiratory system depressant and when taken with Lexapro could cause a loss of mental alertness and motor co-ordination. Try to go easy on it and be careful of doing anything hazardous.
How about a TV movie and some popcorn, reading, a hobby, a card game? You've got to try to keep your mind occupied or you'll just keep working yourself into more anxiety. It's a vicious cycle.
I know! How about a hot soak in the tub with some lavender bath salts and soft music?
I’m definitely not doing anything hazardous. Haven’t even left the house. Missed my sons basketball game today. :( I tried watching a movie and can’t seem to concentrate. My mind is constantly back at how bad I feel and if it will ever stop. And then it just spirals into what if it never stops... etc. thank you for your advice.
Well, feel free to post if you start feeling really shaky again. :-)
I took lexapro at 10mg initiAlly and only side effect I remember was a numbness and feeling like I couldn't cry. I hadn't previously stopped crying. I started sertraline and took it for two weeks and like you, never slept panicked hallucinated and was ready to slit my wrists. Everyone reacts differently X
Related topics
lexapro, prozac, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety and stress, doctor, medication
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