For 7 days I was jittery, shaky, unable to eat, and taking 2 Xanax just to get through the day with very low energy. It started within hours of taking the 1st tablet, so I kept taking them thinking they would start working soon and I'd be back to normal. Went to my doctor on day 7 she told me stop taking them they shouldn't be making me feel just that bad. Anyways a year later I plucked up the courage to try a different one Venlafex 37.5mg low and behold within 3hrs of taking it I'm the same all jittery like something niggling inside me all over jittery and shaky. Now I don't know if am I doing it to myself as I've been so anxious about taking them or is it I am reacting to them again. I had to take Xanax twice yesterday and this morning to stop me from going into full panic mode. I keep telling myself to stick with them till they start to do their job but I'm weary of putting myself through another week of feeling like this and not being able to eat a thing just to be told to stop taking them again.
About a year ago I was put on 10mg of Lexapro.It was horrendous.
Question posted by Cillms1 on 5 May 2023
Last updated on 18 May 2023
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Answers
Hi, Cillms!
Unfortunately, almost all antidepressants have the potential to cause increased anxiety initially but it generally resolves within about 7 to 10 days. Everybody responds differently to these medications and most have few, if any, side effects but a small percentage of users may have even severe ones. You may be unusually sensitive and it's not at all uncommon for people to have to try several to find the one that works for them with less chance of any side effects. Doctors can do tests for physical conditions but there aren't any dependable tests for mental health issues so what to prescribe is tough.
You might be adding to it a little by letting your anxiety feed your anxiety. Hard as it is, try to think positively that you'll get through this and the medication will do it's job.
You may want to ask your doctor to start you on a lower dose. I started Lexapro on 5 mg. After one week I was supposed to increase to 10 mg. I tried the 10 mg for a week and was experiencing stomach issues, increased anxiety and jittery feelings. I stepped dosage back down to 5 mg and have been on dose several months with great relief of anxiety symptoms. I am very sensitive to SSRI’s and have found in the past that a very low dose provides me relief.
Good point! The best dose for you is the one that works best and is not causing problems. I think there's a 25mg one that might help all this go a little more smoothly and give you less trouble. Your system could adjust more quickly to the drug and any increases would be done gradually.
It's also a good way to find the lowest dose that's effective for you
Talk to your doctor about it. WC
Related topics
lexapro, xanax, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, energy, tablet
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