Anxiety - should I start off taking 5 mg of escitalopram?

Escitalopram second time on it. First time in 2014-15. On 5mg an then on 10mg. I didnt give it long enough. So now back on it after 13 other meds with bad sideeffects or didnt help mentally. GAD, depression an poss bi-polar 2 (50% sure since most antidepressants are not working in my mood outbursts but Im actually worried an comes out yelling anger then fefl like a monster an depressed). So Im on 5mg of Lexapro or generic. Slowly starting out. Im sensitive to meds apparently. On day 8. Also on Clonazepam 0.5mg 1 to 1 an half a day or 1 a day. We will see if it helps. I think 5mg is a good start with Lexapro. But yes you will have sideeffects going up to 10mg but prob not as pronounced but everyone diff. Just pay attention to ur moods.

Hello Chelsea Dawn:

WildCatVet is correct that 10 mg is the recommended dose. And you may well end up there. However, I believe less can be more sometimes with these medications. You can always go higher but it is much more difficult to reduce these medication. It's your body. If you want to try just 5 mg, I say go for it. If in 8 weeks you are not happy with your anxiety level, you can always go to 10 mg. Lexapro also comes in 5 mg tablets if you want to stay there. Meanwhile, the 10 mg tablets are scored so they are easily cut in half.

Take care for now and all the best.

Hi, Chelsea! 10mg is the recommended initial and maintenance dose for escitalopram (Lexapro). Why not give it a try as directed and see if you have any side effects? If you do and they last more than a few days you can always cut your dose temporarily.
One thing though, if you start at 5mg and have side effects that resolve you might experience them again when you increase your dose.
Be sure to read the product insert that came with your prescription and familiarize yourself with the potential side effects so you don't panic out if you feel a little funny. And always feel free to post any questions or concerns you may encounter, okay?