On 10mg escitalopram (Lexapro) for about 1 year. Recent anxiety and depression increase?
Question posted by rj777 on 22 June 2022
Last updated on 25 June 2022
Hello everyone, I've been on escitalopram for almost 2 years now. Felt "normal" for the most part, but had a surge of hopelessness and panic the past couple months as I moved to a new city to work a new job. I have never really cried as I do now and the excitement I would feel around the enjoyable things in my life feel empty.
I am talking to a psychiatrist soon and considering increasing the dose from 10mg to 15mg to see if it helps me gain my footing again. Like many of you might be, I am very resistant to medication as I am afraid to dip back down into an even darker place because of side effects. I am also away from my support system/friends/family in this new city. I'm trying to shake this feeling and take the leap as I know I shouldn't be ashamed or scared to accept medication changes for my mental health.
I have never felt this hopeless and helpless before and I would be very grateful to hear if anyone else has advice or experience with increasing their dosage in this way. Thank you so much everyone.
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3 Answers
WI
WildcatVet
22 June 2022
Hi, rj! I agree that a 5mg increase isn't a major step considering that you've been tolerating the lower dose. Breakthrough anxiety/panic is understandable and needs to be treated if only temporarily as you adjust to your new life situation. Okay, it's possible that you might have some side effects but if you do they would be pretty mild and resolve within days to a couple of weeks. Living through that would be far preferable to the months of misery you're currently enduring. When I was taking escitalopram I also needed the 20mg dose for it to be effective for me. Everyone is different in their response to medication and I'm very resistant too... I'm maxed out on most of my medications, but so what? They work for me and that's all that matters. Talk to your doctor and I'm sure you'll come up with the best plan. Best regards and I hope you're feeling better quickly.
Votes: +2
MI
migrainesuf1166
22 June 2022
Agreed, I have the tolerance issue with almost any medication after a while and I couldn’t even tell I was on anything until the dose was increased to the 20mg. As said we are all different and I think it’s great 10 mg worked well for that long. Also, while I am definitely happy with this med for now, I was on it many years ago and after a few years it stopped helping so we just changed to another medication. Now it’s working well, it’s day to day I feel like but, if it’s worked for this long I’d for sure try to increase to 20 before trying to switch to another. Over the past 20 years I’ve been on all but a very few on the market and in my personal experience I would stay with SSRI’s apposed to SNRI’s if possible. Again, best of luck!
RJ
rj777
22 June 2022
Thanks for the message Wildcat, I appreciate you. And you’re right, I can set my price aside and accept the help so I can start living my life again. I’m used to being a goofy, outgoing guy and it’s hard to look in the mirror and feel I’m not looking at the same person these days. Accepting the help and going up to 15 or even 20mg is well worth any potential temporary side effects.
Part of me is just worried about the possibility it doesn’t help still or I get worse and feel my back is then against the wall with no other options, but I know that’s my anxious mind catastrophizing. It’s just a rough internal battle as you guys know too well
WI
WildcatVet
22 June 2022
That may be your anxiety talking. Think positive, think it will work! But if needs be there are many other options you can try. Take care and good luck.
MI
migrainesuf1166
22 June 2022
I agree with previous answer…I’ve been on just about everything out there, both SSRI’s and SNRI’s (for me aren’t a good thing). I had been on one form or another for the last 20+ years and was taking ability and while on a vacation forgot it somehow and was fine, actually felt better and was off all meds for almost a year until I also had some life issues and developed severe anxiety and led to the depression. So, knowing lexapro worked well for me in the past I asked for it and started at the 10mg with little to no relief. After 2 months my dr increased to 20mg. It has helped…nothing of course will in my opinion “fix” the issues but, I would personally skip 15mg and go right to 20mg if your dr agrees. Just be completely honest…for me it took 2 months back on it at 10 and I was having a hard time. Dr went right to 20mg and I can finally feel some relief.
Sorry to ramble, I just hate hearing anyone suffers this pain. Feel free to reach out, I’m happy to offer my personal experiences. I think for any of us going through big life changes alone is a big trigger but, you’ll get through it. Hang in there and be 100% honest w your docs!
Votes: +1
RJ
rj777
22 June 2022
Thank you so much for your reply migrainesuf! I appreciate you taking the time to type that out. In your personal experience, did increasing directly to 20mg cause much in terms of side effects? And how quickly did you start to notice a positive change?
I understand everyone is different in their responses to changes, but I’m curious as I may take the first increased dose tonight
MI
migrainesuf1166
25 June 2022
Increasing for me didn’t give me any side effects, the only thing I’ve noticed that’s changed since the start is an increase in appetite bc I was barely eating at all before bc I was so worked up or depressed so Dr and I agree it’s a good thing to eat normally. So I’ve gained about 5lbs but that’s the only thing I’ve remotely noticed. The increase for me was from 10mg to 20mg (sorry may have said that) and I could see it working in a few weeks maybe 2/3? But think it’s still continuing to get better. I hope you’re feeling a bit better than last time I responded. There are SO many different meds and other treatment and I know it’s SO hard but, just be honest and advocate for yourself and you’ll find what works for you.
CA
Caiyubing
22 June 2022
I don't consider 10 mg to be very therapeutic. You have a good idea by going up to 15 mg. Your body should handle it well since you've already been on Lexapro for a year. For my panic disorder I have to be at 20 mg for the best effect.
Votes: +2
RJ
rj777
22 June 2022
Thanks for the response Caiyubing! That seems to be the experience of many others too. I just need to trust it and take that leap. The only reason I was considering transitioning to 15mg first and later 20 if necessary is really just the comfort of taking a smaller step, but I know that’s purely mental and because I’m scared of the change
CA
Caiyubing
22 June 2022
No worries! I am like that too. I'd rather titrate slowly. You don't have to jump right to 20 mg. I say start 15 mg for at least 2 weeks before increasing to 20 mg. You may not need to increase that high at all, so just see how it goes on 15 mg first, and if it isn't therapeutic then I'm sure 20 mg will be. Lexapro is a good drug!
