Is anyone taking Lexapro for GAD with Protonix for GERD?
I have been on 15mg of Lexapro for 31 days now. I have noticed a good improvement, but had to start taking Protonix due to middle of the night acid reflux which is getting better. I am also on Klonopin.
My recent increased anxiety could be due to the holidays coming up, I live alone and despite having many friends, I am still not well enough to wane to be out with them a lot. I would have thought that Lexapro would ease some of these irrational anxieties, but I am worried that Protonix could be working against Lexapro? Is that possible? Two different psychiatrist say no, and they don't believe Protonix would reduce the impact of Lexapro.
Also, anyone else gets anxious around the holidays?
Protonix with Lexapro?
Question posted by LexaHelp on 17 Nov 2014
Last updated on 18 November 2014 by croftiee1982
4 Answers
I think it's probably the holiday season that is upon us. I know that it has that effect on me.
I have been on protonix for about a year after giving up nexium for diarrhea problems, I also take Lexapro 40 mg for years with no problems.
First, Protonix will not cause a problem with the Lexapro. You are on a moderate dose of Lexapro. Maximum recommended dose is 20mgs. I, too, suffer from anxiety which gets worse around the holidays. Unlikely that medication alone is going to curb this problem. Working with your therapist is probably your best bet. I have learned to accept that my anxiety is going to be worse during stressful times. By accepting, I have actually made progress in decreasing it. Ironic, but true. It takes Lexapro several weeks to reach max effectiveness as it is one of the antidepressants that works relatively quick. Relax and let the medication work. Keep up the the therapy and hang in there, the holidays don't last for ever.
Laurie,
Thank you for your reply. So you think 32 days at 15mg is not enough? I should give it more time?
It is so strange to me that even last year, I was excited about taking time off of work and spending it with myself at home or go meet friends etc... This year, it is causing me anxiety where I dread it. Do you take a benzo to take the edge off?
Klonopin helps me a lot, but I hate having to take it constantly, I am on a low dose of 1mg, but might have to increase it to 1.5mg until the holidays are over.
I am a 46 year old male. Do you mind me asking how old you are?
Thank You again
I'm 53 yrs old. I use to take Klonopin, but tapered off this year as I gained some control over my anxiety. While I still live with a low level of chronic anxiety I have decided to try and overcome through talk therapy rather than more medication. You are on a low dose of Klonopin, and therefore may benefit from an increase. You may find that the Lexapro will increase in effectiveness as you have not been taking all that long.
How much Klonopin did you take before please? Is 1.5mg still a low dose?
I took 0.5mgs three times a day for a total of 1.5mgs a day which is an average dose.
You are on a low dose of Lexapro. Protonix isn't interfering with it. Maybe you need the dose bumped up a little bit.
Thanks for the reply.
I have met most of my fears in the past 2 months, coming back home to live alone in my home town, going back to work, socializing to some extent, going back to gym etc... I have gotten my life back to some extent. My anxiety is now mostly around what to do on weekends and Holidays. I am not sure if medication is the answer to all of this. Do you agree? Would it be wiser to increase the Klonopin during the holidays. I am also doing CBT with a therapist. Don't you think that should address some of my irrational thinking and anxiety as a result?
Some people say that you can not expect full results from the medication until 2-3 months in to the new dose. Is that true? I have been on 15mg Lexapro for 4 weeks, and have seen improvements, but somethings like Holidays are still making me very anxious.
I am on protonix and 40mg of Lexapro, with no problems for years.
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lexapro, protonix, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, gerd
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