Lexapro - can it start making you feel worse before making you feel better?

I have been on escitalopram for anxiety for 18 days and was feeling amazing! Day 13 something switched and I'm feeling panicy, tingly, dizzy, hyper, and can't calm down. I've been taking ativan to slow down but I just don't know if this will end? Has anyone experienced this? Great then Bad?

i’ve been on 10 mg for a little over a week for anxiety and panic. i’ve noticed some reprieve, but no relief with the racing heart feeling which keeps me up at night. anyone else experience palpitations?

Your m.d. is correct. It took me about a week for the adjustment symptoms (anxiety, etc.) to go away. At about 10 days, my outlook started to lift. And, things started to look better with each day.
I probably levelled off at about a month. You have some great growth ahead of you. At least, that is my experience. I've been on Lexapro generic for several years. Works well for me.

I feel terrible. I was on 5mg for one week, then 10 for 2, now am back at 5 because my anxiety and headaches were so bad. I’ve had bad tummy trouble and nausea. I had a terrible argument with my spouse last night, which has had me reeling.

I started lexapro 9 days ago. First 4 days on 5g then went up to the full 10g 5 days ago. Today I had my first ever proper panic attack and just had a second smaller one a few hours after. I’m guessing it was a panic attack but it’s scared the crap out of me as I have some undiagnosed heart stuff going on so it’s a vicious cycle. Did this happen to anyone? I was warned it would get worse before it got better but I really don’t want the panic attacks to continue (if that’s what they are) any answers would be so helpful as I’m freaking myself out x

Hey guys. So my experience is a little different wondering if anyone has any advice or been in a similar situation. I started on 10 mg lexapro 5 years ago. After I had my son I had my first episode of panic attacks and anxiety which led to depression. The lexapro worked wonders and I stayed on the same dose all those years until suddenly last week I had a terrible panic attack out of nowhere and it just sent me into a spiral of constant anxiety and panic attacks then depression. Went to the doc last Wednesday and he upped my dose to 20 I’ve been on 15 for a week now and I have waves throughout the day of feeling ok I feel very anxious panicky and depressed still. I want to just stay at 15 but I don’t know if it will be enough or if I should go ahead tomorrow and start with the 20. Anyone have any advice? Anything would be appreciated!

I think that's a common response, I'm on them for anxiety and definitely felt a little worse before I felt better... trust in the process and be gentle with yourself... if you can distract yourself from thinking about it too much that can help.. walks, housework, coffee with friends, a book... this will pass... if you do feel very much worse or that it's not easing go back to your GP... best if luck x

Seven days ago I started Lexapro(generic) 10mg for anxiety and feeling of hopelessness. My symptoms have gotten worse with a lot of anxiety, nervousness feeling of hopelessness. My PCP says to give it more time and gave me xanax to help in the meantime. Xanax does help a bit but causes drowsiness. I relly appreciate all the posts as it seems that it is common to feel worse initially. I have taken zoloft in the past but was off anti depressents until a week ago. May God help us all.

I’ve been taking 20mg of Lexapro generic for almost 5 weeks, still need Klonopin for anxiety and I’m feeling more depressed do I need to give it more time?

I’ve been taking escitalopram for about 8 days now.5 mg for the first 7 days and I just upped it to 10 mg this morning. Started feeling nauseated but went away by day 4. Now I am starting to feel very “spacey” and having a hard time focusing as well as feeling like I’m having a hard time gathering my thoughts... Is this normal?? Have you experienced this as well? Is this only temporary?

Im 24 years old i have been having severe panick attacks and anxiety nonstop every day..so severe i went to the emergency room. They put me on 10 mg lexapro and gave me some xanax when its too severe that i cant take it. Its been day 3 on lexapro and im basically losing my mind with anxiety, wanting to cry, having weird dreams..i dont know i feel like i will never be the same again need encouragement/advice. I never use to be like this.

I've been on Lexapro (or its generic) for 4 years. Give it at least three weeks for your body to adjust. Try not to worry. 10mg is a low dose. It will not harm you other than some transient side effects.
I think Lexapro is the cleanest of the SSRIs. That is, it is effective with the least side effects of any of the other antidepressant meds. For me, it cleared my mind, gave me mental stability and confidence. It put an end to my anxiety problems. Please give it a chance.r

I just want to thank you all for your responses on this thread. I started Lexapro 2 weeks ago. Started with 5mg the first week and then increased to 10 mg. I started it because of the bad anxiety I have. I have felt so depressed. I haven’t been able to work or take care of my family. I’m having panic attacks and thought I was going out of my mind this morning. After reading this thread it gives me hope to keep going. Thank you so much. I’m praying that I’m getting over the worst and can start feeling better real soon.

I started on lexapro 5mg a week ago and just started on 10mg today. My anxiety throughout the week has been so bad and today I’ve started getting dizzy spells. My mind is running like crazy thinking that there’s something wrong. I just want to make sure this is normal when starting on this medication. Any help will do!