I need some more advice and comforting. I have been on that drug for 5 and half weeks now and it’s been a difficult journey. I feel drugged during the day, my balance is all over the place and still experiencing dizziness and sick feeling at times. How long did it take for any of you to have those effects go away? It’s calmed some parts of the anxiety but added new bits due to the side effects. What is the drug and what is anxiety? Will it go away?
Escitalopram 5-6 weeks side effects?
Question posted by Fred73 on 27 May 2021
Last updated on 31 May 2021
Answers
TyreseTl
27 May 2021
Hello,
Lexapro(escitalopram) is an antidepressant that belongs to a drug class called SSRI( Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor). Escitalopram work to balance serotonin in the brain to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Side effects from this drug are mild and resolve within a few days to a week. Since it has been 5 weeks and still struggling with side effects. I’ll suggest you speaking with your health care provider, so he/she can prescribe a short term medication to ease the symptoms. Because you state that “it calms some part of the anxiety” which indicates the medication is starting to work. This specific medication become fully effective during 6-8 weeks, while it may take longer for others. Now is the time to speak with your provider, okay?
The therapeutic dose for lexapro(escitalopram) is 5-20mg.
May I ask what is your current dose?
What is anxiety? Anxiety is your body response to stress and is a normal part of life. But people with anxiety disorders usually experiencing symptoms such as: excessive worrying or fear, sweating, rapid heart rate, trouble sleeping etc. that may affect daily life and activities.
I hope this help you and wish you the best.
Tyrese
Trallyn
31 May 2021
Hi, Tyrese is spot on, it do take about 6 to 8 weeks for you to start feeling the effects of this med. When I went into my second bottle, my appetite came back and the dizziness and unbalance goes away as well. It keeps me calm and I have a whole new understanding about anxiety, panic disorder etc... mad respect til everyday is a New Day and I'm able to feel better, and you will to. Talk with your doctor its important, let him/her know how you're feeling. I'm on the 5mg escitalopram, truly it does help, the side effects will subside so hang in there.
Fred73
31 May 2021
I had to stop the medication as it was making me proper ill. Went to A&E 3 times in a huge panic until they realised I had to be on something else. I was waking up sick every night. I have switched to a new one now, will keep you updated on how I go
TyreseTl
31 May 2021
Whenever you try a new medication, I’ll suggest you getting a pill cutter. They’re inexpensive and useful. You can split the pill in half or quartz. In other words, taking a much smaller dose for a few days may prevent serious symptoms.
Related topics
escitalopram, side effect, balance, drug
Further information
- Escitalopram uses and safety info
- Escitalopram prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Escitalopram (detailed)
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