Starting week 4 of 5 mg of Lexapro. Still have depression and anxiety and small panic attacks. Only changes are appetite is back and I have energy. Still no desire to do anything. PC Dr said I could up Lexapro to 10 mg. Having anxiety attack this AM. Dr had me take buspitone 5 mg yesterday for anxiety. Had major headache. Should I increase Lexapro to 10 mg?
When should I increase dosage to 10 mg?
Question posted by kwgrl on 12 March 2022
Last updated on 12 March 2022
Answers
janiebme
12 March 2022
Hi kwgrl-
Glad to hear that you appetite and energy have returned. There is caution in taking any meds. You did not say how long you have been on Lexapro? Meds can react differently with each person's chemistry. Our thoughts rule a lot of how we think, how we feel and how we react. We are messing with brain chemistry when we are on meds. Give your original dose more time? Maybe, this is just a suggestion; look into the source of your depression, anxiety and panic attacks, as an alternative to increasing, or adding meds.
kwgrl
12 March 2022
Janiebme
Tonight I start week 4. Wish I knew why I am depressed other than I have no interest in doing anything and that is not how I have been before this happened. I realize the meds take time. When you read on internet that after one week on 5 mg it is usually increased to 10 mg. You wonder why you have not been increased. Then Dr says I can increase to 10 mg , you start to think: should I or stay on 5 mg until the 6 weeks have passed. So confusing.
janiebme
12 March 2022
Hi kwgrl-
Yes, it can be confusing. Keep in mind that doctors 'practice medicine'. They usually go follow what the pharmaceutical companies recommend, along experience and patient narrative. Patience is a virtue. Have you had a full blood panel done? Has there been changes in your life, no matter how subtle? Are you taking any vitamins or supplements? Do you have a good support network? Are you over worked or under constant stress? Are you getting enough sleep? Eating a balanced diet? Feeling better can take 4-8 weeks. Try not to let in information you read on the net dictate you're well being. I do admit that I lean towards taking less meds not more. It is a wholistic approach that many MD's tend to over look. Follow your symptoms, when did it start, what changed in your life, what did not change that should have? Keep a daily journal if you can. Is there family medical history, is there childhood trauma? You are the best person for you! Be the best advocate you can be. Your worth it!
WildcatVet
12 March 2022
Hi, kwgirl!
If you're seeing improvements the drug is beginning to work but the 5mg may not be enough to control your symptoms of depression and anxiety... you shouldn't be having panic attacks either.
It seems that your doctor gave you good advice in trying the higher dose and see how you do with it.
Regards and hang in there... this will all work out.
kwgrl
12 March 2022
Thank you.
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depression, anxiety, panic disorder, dosage, appetite, energy
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