I have been taking Lexapro 10 mg for 7 years. I recently have had worsened panic and obsessive thoughts. Last Thursday I began taking 12.5 mg. 5 Days in and I can only sleep about 2 hours, awaken with a panic attack, racing thoughts, intrusive/scary thoughts along with the feeling of not being real.
I want to go back to 10 mg, but am worried of the withdrawal, and only prolonging the side effects. I am thinking of alternating 10 mg and 12.5 mg each night. Anyone have experience with that? I emailed my doctor this morning to no answer. I’m scared I am going to have a complete meltdown and have to be hospitalized. Any input is appreciated.
Lexapro - Keep taking higher dose?
- Asked
- 20 Dec 2017 by NotAPolarBear
- Updated
- 20 December 2017
- Topics
- lexapro, dosage
Details:
Responses (2)
saparsells
20 Dec 2017
Notapolarbear I am not sure what your question is. I am on 20mg and has been for almost 10 years. I started to have some depression and anxiety and my dr added Wellbutrin. I am not sure what the highest dose is.
chuck1957
20 Dec 2017
NotApolarBear; Just want to remind you that when your doctor increased the dose that is when you get a bit worse for a few weeks then it should settle down again but if it continues than talk to the doctor. Also in those times that you can't sleep please do something so you do not dwell on worrying about the hospital or is the panic attack going to keep up. Just know your
not alone and it is not uncommon to go through these tough times meaning the ups and downs when the dose is changed. try to bear with it. Chuck1957
NotAPolarBear
20 Dec 2017
Thanks Chuck.
My doctor said I might feel more energetic, but didn’t mention being up all night, the constant scared feeling or anything like that. It helps knowing I’m not alone, thank you.
Further Information
- Lexapro Information for Consumers
- Lexapro Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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My question is if I should keep taking the higher dose of 12.5 mg even though I have constant feelings of panic and depersonalization or if I should drop back down to my regular 10 mg for a day or two. I have never increased dosage and have quite a bit of fear that comes with medication, so my first reaction is to go back down, just looking to see if others get through this agitated state.
I would not change your dosage until you speak with your Dr. I know it is scary but I think once you get used to the new dose you should be ok. Please keep us posted on how things are going.
Thank you for this. I will for sure, perhaps even tonight as I sit awake ruminating. Haha.