Hi everyone. I’m hoping to get a little encouragement here.
I’ve been on Lexapro for 6 years at 5mg, and recently I went through a life changing event that slowly pushed me into a depressive and anxious state. The 5mg just wasn’t cutting it anymore. After talking with my psychiatrist, we decided to increase the dose to 10mg. I started at 7.5mg for about 4 days, then moved up to 10mg.
I’m now about 12 days in. So far it’s been mostly smooth just some increased anxiety, brain fog, and feeling pretty lethargic. But on day 12, in the afternoon before my usual 4pm dose, I had what felt like an almost full-blown panic attack something I haven’t experienced in years. Since then, my anxiety feels like it’s spiked. I couldn’t sleep that night, was sweating a lot, and felt hot, which hadn’t been happening before.
Is this normal? I know it takes 4–6 weeks to settle, and I was actually doing pretty well until that happened. On the upside, I’ve noticed a big improvement in my depression and emotional resilience.
I’ve been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression.
Thanks to anyone who reads this and can share their experience or support.
Upping Lexapro to 10mg after 6 years of 5mg need a helping hand?
Question posted by Jbastidas29 on 3 days ago
Last updated on 25 May 2025
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Answers
Hi, j!
I won't be of much help because I've been on escitalopram (Lexapro) for over 10yrs with no problems. It really sounds a lot like common side effects (increased anxiety, insomnia, flushing, and sweating) which might occur after a dosage increase but after 2 weeks in? It can happen but I think this warrants reporting it to your doctor just to get their professional advice.
Regards and I hope all is well soon for you.
Wildcat
Thank you wild, yes i was on 5mg for 6 years an i had a really stress time after surgery and just yesterday out of no where i got that panic feeling an i got those side effects. People say is part of the upping but ill definitely tell my doc. Ive notice your pretty active have you come across similar scenario that it increase the anxiety?
Actually it's all fairly common and generally resolves within a week or two.
"Psychiatric
Very common (10% or more of users): Insomnia (up to 14%)
Common (1% to 10% of users): Agitation, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness
Dermatologic
Common (1% to 10% of users): Increased sweating"
I wonder if this isn't side effects which came on on the late side. Maybe that's what your doctor will tell you and to hang on for a llittle while longer. Let us know.
WC
Related topics
lexapro, depression, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, hand
Further information
- Lexapro uses and safety info
- Lexapro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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