My doctor prescribed me Lexapro to help my anxiety and he says it will also help with my minor depression (which I don’t think I have, but I guess I’m still in denial). I’m honestly just scared that taking this medicine will give me anxiety attacks. I don’t want to take it and all of a sudden have my heart rate spike and be stuck in a day long anxiety attack. Has anyone ever experienced that while taking Lexapro?
Is taking Lexapro actually going to help?
Question posted by Taylor_geiser on 7 July 2021
Last updated on 7 July 2021 by WildcatVet
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Answers
WildcatVet
7 July 2021
Hi, Taylor!
My simple answer is that I had no significant side effects at all and this medication literally changed my life for the better for over 7 years until it finally "pooped out".
Anxiety and depression go hand in hand it's true, but it's nice that a single medication can control both.
Increased anxiety can be a common side effect that affects about 1-10% of users but panic attacks are very rare... 0.1-1.0% of users. Knowing that ahead of time will help you to understand that any anxiety you may experience is just a temporary situation that generally subsides within just days to a week or so. Even in the very worst case scenario your doctor can prescribe a very light sedative to use until the Lexapro kicks in.
Don't let your anxiety tell you what to do. Your anxiety is the very reason for taking the medication and who wants to live miserably with anxiety/depression in their life?
Related topics
lexapro, depression, anxiety, doctor, prescription, scar, denial
Further information
- Lexapro uses and safety info
- Lexapro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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