On lexapro 19 days no relief so far please help
What do you feel like when an antidepressant starts to work I have major depression anxiety ptsd?
- Asked
- 7 Jul 2013 by theresa06
- Updated
- 12 March 2021
- Topics
- lexapro, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, antidepressant
38 Answers
weenett
7 Jul 2013
it will feel a little less exhausting every day, i used to feel like my legs were made of leg and my thoughts were at crazy speeds once the meds kicked in i began to feel like my mind was more able to ignore them and i began to feel a bit pysically stronger to be able or bothered to do stuff to distract my mind. took a while tho so hang in there ur on your way but give it a definate 3 month try of u can or all the awful se will b for nothing, obviously if ur not gelling well go back to ur gp
weenett
7 Jul 2013
lead not my legs were made of legs!! soz lol and u start to feel like u can smile and laugh again without it being forced
theresa06
7 Jul 2013
Thank u would u be able to share with me some of your story I feel so scared and hopless right now
jen62
15 Jul 2013
3 months?? I've been almost 7 weeks, and still no changes for the better. I think it's time to change now.
azimoto9
30 Apr 2015
can confirm, my legs feel like they are made of leg
recover705
6 Aug 2015
ya definitely give it a try. you mey feel dizzy in the beginning or nauseous . but you need to give it time .
it takes a wail to get us to not feeling terrible wen that's what your used too... that's from my experience, good luck and i hope you can feel happy and love yourself :)
robertestokley
16 Jun 2016
I feel like my anxiety as lifted but the depression is lingering. been on meds 2 weeks, with paxil and klonopin. Before i was trying this and that, now I'm just going to stick with paxil for depression and the klonopin fro anxiety.
Ofelia21
6 Feb 2018
It’s my 8 day dr started me at 10mg now I’m taking 20mg and today I felt more relaxed today like wanted to do stuff but still wanting to lay around and do nothing but a lol better my legs still hurt body aches a bit I want to get better for myself n my daughter
Ofelia21
6 Feb 2018
It’s my 8 day dr started me at 10mg now I’m taking 20mg and today I felt more relaxed today like wanted to do stuff but still wanting to lay around and do nothing but a lol better my legs still hurt body aches a bit I want to get better for myself n my daughter
Dubaday
3 Nov 2018
It worked for me back in the day 5/6 years ago.. Then they came out with generic and I got so sick.. 2 family members were on it at the same time. One is fine with generic and one was hospitalized and then ppl believed me.
endlessPred
8 Jul 2013
Hello Theresa. Being scared goes with the depression and anxiety. You are going to be just fine. Definitely the smile will slip out and your laugh will get stronger. A sunny day will bring a smile and you will feel, well, better.
It is important for you to work with a therapist. They work on the part that keeps one anxious and with low self esteem. They can help sort out the troubles that hold you back from your true potential. It does take work as no pill can change our life. But it can help to change your life when the two are together. So I wish you to be true to yourself and start to heal. It is more than time for you. I have traveled your path and know it well.
We may have had different events, but I know you can find your way back to happiness. Write whenever you wish. Plenty of support here. Karen
Davo86
6 Oct 2016
Hello Karen,
I am currently having a weak form of panic disorder I used to have very bad panic attacks. Since I have started with Zoloft and psychoanalysis I fell better and better. You mentioned about combining medication with therapy may I kindly ask you what was your problem and which mdeication/therapy helped you out and how long it took you?
Thank you in advance.
Warm Regards
Davit
Sleepymomma5
13 Oct 2016
Karen are you still on here? I feel so awful but I need to start on something. Dr. Gave me Lexapro. I'm still waiting to take it but it scares me. If you get this can you talk to me pls?
Reny44
25 Jun 2017
I just want to say to this reply it helped me hearing the optimism. I'm sure it helped others as well
Hadrian01
15 Nov 2018
Karen
I have been seeing a therapist for 5 sessions and only went back on medication 4 weeks ago. I don't feel the therapist is helping. I don't know how therapy is supposed to work, but I thought SHE would be leading me - instead she seems to expect ME to decide what we talk about. Is this normal?
Daewrynn
22 Nov 2018
Hi, Hadrian.
I’ve been through therapy before, and yes, that’s usually how it goes. They want you to open up to them about things you feel like you can talk about at the time, I suppose. I always found that hard, but it becomes easier over time. The more time you invest, the easier it’ll be to vent.
janiebme
8 Jul 2013
I have PTSD, depression and anxiety disorder. Sometimes the antidepressant can make the depression and anxiety worst the first couple of weeks if not longer. If you can, try to make it to the 30 day mark. If the symptoms do not decrease by then, it may not be the med for you. Just my opinion but no need to suffer any longer then you have to. Talk to your doctor regarding your continued symptoms, especially if you depression gets worst. PTSD is best treated in conjuction with therapy. If you can have supportive people around you. There are great, caring informed people on this site for support too.
I was in your place 2 months ago, so I know how isolated and scared you can feel. You are not alone. There is hope. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
theresa06
8 Jul 2013
Thank u how were u able to get better?
a b
9 Nov 2015
Every one is different. It took me 5 weeks until I started to feel better . Then I had a good happy feeling which got stronger every day.It took me a while until a found the right medicine. Good luck.
smileyhappy
9 Jul 2013
Hi there,
I had a few depressions and 2 major depressions. My last one I was hospitalised for 6 months before they found meds that worked finally. Once you find what works you will feel a little happiness here and there. You will feel like yourself a bit. And everyday gets better then. It can take awhile to find the right meds so don't get discouraged, it takes patience.
Good luck and take care,
Oh yeah, keep a log on meds you try and side effects and if they work at all the doctors need to know what is working for you to treat you well.
animalfan
18 Aug 2013
The main points that have been made are true for me as well.You kind of notice one day that the depression that has been so crushing, isn't so bad. At first I think it's my imagination, but it slowly gets better. The other thing I found to be true, was how you feel like yourself again, even if you hadn't realized you weren't yourself. The idea to keep the log of meds, is something that can help you and your dr. get you on the right med for you.
angel1662
9 Jul 2013
Truthfully, it is hard for one person as u well no to answer this ? for everyone's body is different and what I may feel u may not have the same feeling/side effects... some people can't take them at all..for me a lot of antideppresents gave me akathisia till my doctor tried me on the last one I was ready to give up, but stuck it out n it worked... also your have to allow at least 4-6 weeks for the med to reach it's fell therapeutic level to no if it's the right one for u..a lot of people make the mistake of taking it for 10 days or so n say oh this isn't helping n move on to the next, when that could have well as been the right one for them... please don't make the same mistake... you can experience any side effects sick as insomnia, bit more anxious and the list goes on, but these r only short lived until your body gets adjusted to the med in your system...
if you have any allergic reactions or anything u feel is off... contact your doctor immediately..such as confusion, swollen reaction, anything u find unusual as I said contact doc... I say give it at least another two weeks n still if nothing contact the prescribing doc he may need to up it or put u on something totally different you didn't say what mg u r on... if you r on a low dose it may be that u just need a higher dosage..be patient n stick it out as I said for at least 2- 2 1/2 weeks n if still nothing u need to contact your doctor... keep us posted as to your progress u truely care here at dc..
jen62
15 Jul 2013
Angel, this is good advice... I've been on Lexapro 20 mg for anxiety/depression for 7+weeks now with no change. I've looked into Celexa and Wellbutrin and the user comments and saw a lot good about Celexa (but I did too about the Lexapro which is why I've given it so long). However, getting ready to start another job and can't have that dibilitating morning anxiety with that. I have a doc appt Friday to try one of these. Prob the Celexa. I am so sick of feeling sick, as I guess everyone else is too.
Dawnhenry
15 Feb 2015
I have bee taking buspar for almost 2 months now, and it hasn't done anything I am still depressed and have really bad anxiety. I need help don't know what to do
angel1662
15 Feb 2015
Hello jen62
Thank you for your kind words, just here to try to help like all... anyway as for the celexa/ lexapro they r kinda similiar... google the difference between celexa and lexapro and you will see what I mean... I didn't do very well at all when trying celexa but that don't mean you won't... when I was on it for over a mth it gave me extreme anxiety, but like I said we are all different and that doesn't mean this will happen to you..as you well no we all react differently to medications... it's all trial and error until you find the right one... I wish you success in finding the right med that works for you and if you ever want to talk feel free to pm me... your friend...
angel1662
15 Feb 2015
Hi dawnhenry
Have you spoken to your psych or prescribing dr about the med not working for you, if not I advise you to make an appt asap and let them no, this is no way to live/ there r so many meds out there that can work for you..finding the right one is all trial and error but so worth it when you do find the right one... make yourself an appt..your dr ain't going to be able to help you if you are not being totally upfront and letting them no it's doing absolutely nothing for you..write down a list if you have to of all the things you are feeling and going through this way when you get there you leave nothing out... best wishes for a brighter tomorrow... hang in there, there is hope you just have to talk to your dr and let him/ her no you ain't any better... GOD BLESS, I will be praying for you..
missmalibudarby
19 Sep 2018
Honestly, I would rather die than try to keep finding the right antidepressant forever
Cathcnz
6 Oct 2019
Hi ANgel 1662, I know this is an old thread, but it was one I can relate too. I have been getting akathisia too (first from trying to increase my paroexitine dose, now from my Mirtazapine which I started 8 weeks ago). I feel crap but don't want to change incase the next thing is more crappy! Lexapro has been the one med that didn't cause this but it pooped out on me 7 years ago after I'd been on it for 4 years (am thinking about trying it again... just don't know if it will work after its pooped out before). Are you still on the med that you found was good? DId you find with the others that the akathisia is dose related?
Inactive
17 Jul 2013
Hello Theresa
Well I had a bad experience with Paxil and Zoloft..however Celexa and Lexapro are supposed to be better..I believe Lexapro is the stereoisomer of Celexa
As others have noted..it takes more than 3 weeks for an antidepressant to work I think over time you will also feel some relief from the PTSD
After having a bad experience with 2 SSRis my Doc put me on Effexor and buspar He picked out the Effexor I asked him for the Buspar Low dose Effexor and buspar have me feeling better than I have for years
And I once said I would never take another SSRi or SSNRi
It may take a little time to kick in or another med may be right for you..but when you find the med that works you will have increased confidence, less depression, less anxiety these drugs are truly life changing for the better
Sincerely,
Jerry
Sandy7298
5 Apr 2016
I don't know where u got the information that celexa and lexapro is better. Maybe for u but u can't say that bc everybody is different
Stupet
13 Nov 2015
Hi, I have just started on ADs I have just started a new job but have had to be signed off for a week due to debilitating thoughts on my commute. I am looking forward to the meds working and feeling happy again. I really hope it works out for you and good luck. Keep going.
repatrick
20 Nov 2015
It is so nice to hear many of you speaking of improvements with treatment, especially having "a happy thought!" I truly don't want to make anyone more depressed, but I, too have Major Treatment Resistant Depression, PTSD, and Anxiety, and have been undergoing treatment for almost 30 years... both medication and psychotherapy. Unfortunately, I have never had that "one happy thought." I no longer take antidepressants, as I discovered that 30% of people don't respond to them, and I promise that I took each one way, way longer than six weeks. I've always been willing to try anything, but my Psychiatrist agreed that I must be one of that 30%. I do feel that being able to talk to my therapist has been the thing that has allowed me to survive, along with some group therapy.
If I can't fix it with medication, the only thing I know to do is try to learn other ways to cope with it, and act as if I'm happy for other people's sake! I desperately hope that something new will come along that will finally allow me to crawl out of the deep, dark hole, but in the meantime, I recommend doing what I do if you're in the same situation, or waiting for a drug to finally take effect: try to make other people happy, and hope that you will make someone's day, even if it's just with a smile. I wish you all luck, and hope that the meds work for you, but wanted to give another viewpoint.
Plswork
28 Dec 2015
A very new drug is now on the market for people with Treatment Resistant Depression. It is called an "add on" drug as you are to take along with your main anti- depression medication. It is called Rexulti. I am to start it tonight. I hope this info helps. I feel your frustration-I am tired of being sad after taking almost every available rx. Here's hoping!!
Yafreakinhobo
12 May 2016
There's marijuana.
Meyersji
14 Jan 2018
Something to consider. If saris don't work, I have a life changing suggestion.
My dr put me on 40 mg of Latuda and I am getting my life back. Latuda is indicated for bipolar depression but works in mdd just as well according to my dr. I am weaning off my lexapro
Ask your dr if they will try it. Latuda is working great!!!
Hysterical
12 Jun 2020
Have you ever tried lithium, TMS, Spravato or ECT ?
Lahoftx100
12 Mar 2021
Rexulti caused me to have so much dizziness that I couldn’t walk, much less drive. I was also so incredibly nauseated and every morning, I would wake up in a pool of sweat. It was the worst drug I have EVER been prescribed! It took over a month to get out of my system so I could live my life again. Please be careful!
coloresue
22 Nov 2015
This is an old question but there are some newer questions and answers. I'll add my 2 cents worth on these questions about depression, anxiety and PTSD. There's several people waiting for antidepressants to work. The advice already here on that subject is good... wait for 6-8 weeks to give it a fair try before you move on to another antidepressant. Look up on this site the side effects of a drug if you're concerned about them.
Antidepressants alone don't necessarily take care of anxiety. Anyone trying a new drug will have some increased anxiety at first. That's normal and that's not the anxiety to be concerned about. Persistent anxiety that you've had for weeks or months that interferes with your everyday functioning may well need a drug in addition to an antidepressant. Talk to your Dr. about this. Don't suffer for weeks waiting for an antidepressant to take your anxiety away.
It probably won't.
PTSD is another animal entirely. Counseling is needed and lots of time to heal. Don't expect to conquer this one quickly and you won't be disappointed. Counseling is also very helpful for the other 2 problems, so you will be well off to find a good counselor from the start.
I've had all 3 so I've been where you are and you can recover with the right medications and counseling. You can feel well, happy and normal again. There's always reason to hope!
Sandy7298
20 Mar 2016
I don't think saying that anti depressants don't work for anxiety is correct.
Antidepessants are also for GAD and OCD.
coloresue
21 Mar 2016
I repeat: Antidepressants alone don't necessarily take care of anxiety. This is not the same as what you are objecting to.
Sandy7298
21 Mar 2016
And I'm saying that alone they do work.
coloresue
22 Mar 2016
Yes, for some people some of the time. But not necessarily for all people or all of the time. I would not want to leave hopeless that person who is taking an antidepressant and still having significant anxiety. They need to know to report that anxiety to their Dr. because a certain percent of people on antidepressants will still require an additional anti-anxiety medication.
Jools64
22 Jul 2017
Hi Ian on amatriptolin and been on them for 2 weeks was on metazapine for 9 months before that I take them at night but sleep all day
melissapitcher
17 Dec 2015
You feel like you can breathe. See clearly. Happy to see a new day. Appreciation for the birds chirping. It is a blessing. You will know when it kicks in. All of the sudden life does not seem to miserable. You can find your smile again. You feel less pain both physically and mentally. I am so grateful for antidepressants. They gave me my life back. I wish you the very same.
melissapitcher
17 Dec 2015
Im sorry I also wanted to add... That it can take time to kick in. It can also take time to find the right one. I take Effexor 150mg a day. I used Klonopin for extra anxiety control when needed. Do your research. If one does not help find one that will. Dont give up!
blaaccypher
31 Dec 2015
How have you been able to deal with changing meds? I am at my wits end and can't take much more. You seem to have a good outlook on things.
Tarrenga
21 Apr 2018
I’ve been on lexapro 10 for 6 weeks now Lexapro 20 for 19 days my anxiety seems to have gotten worse not better and experience brain fog and anguish is this normal so far into it?
shbookworm
23 Feb 2016
Anti-depressants made me stop having emotions or a personality. I felt just like a robot or a zombie - totally blank!
missbliss
22 Mar 2016
What if my anxiety is so bad that it's made me unable to show emotions or a personality and I feel like a robot or a zombie and just totally blank! Its been this way for years without being diagnosed and prescribed something decent. Now I'm almost at the point where I'm too uncomfortable to leave my house and I'm desperate for something to work. I'm going to try again and hopefully something works but I will not try paxil, zoloft or any benzodiazepine because they all intensified my anxiety. It's too much of an issue for me, that I have no social connections and I never had any.
careernavygirl
22 Jan 2019
I was diagnosed in 2011 and retired from the military in 2012. I have worsened over the years and my world has become very small. The majority of my life now is spent at home, In my yard or at my mental health appointments. I have never had a support system other than my therapists. I was thin my whole life until the medication. I’m not me mentally or physically anymore. For the past 7 yrs I cried. Not at home but at every therapy session {Well, I still do that}, in public if someone spoke to me, in group therapy and talking on the phone. Everything made me cry. Then about a year ago I felt anger for the first time. Horrible anger that consumes me at times.
When I retired, I started working immediately at the VA while medicated. I worked for an abusive dentist. He would throw things against the wall if anyone said something he didn’t like, he head~butted me chairside one day and the madness became unbearable but I didn’t know how to quit. So mentally I became worse each day. I was taken from work by ambulance having the worst panic attack ever. The hospital thought I was a heart pt. I was hospitalized for 3 days. I never quit so my psyc dr kept upping my meds so I could survive work. After that job moved other things happened one after the other that are enough to set me back when I’m trying to move forward. I now fear people n for good reason for some atleast but my brain lumps them together. So much has happened and here’s the new kicker ... My adult educated sons have decided they don’t want me in their lives because of my PTSD and all that’s lumped within it. I given them everything they ever wanted. I was a single parent in the military so that part wasn’t easy for them but they have never helped me or have asked how I am. They are grown men, both married and having their children. I told them to have a good life. I have been mistreated so much since I became sick that I can’t deal with it anymore. I lowered one of my meds during the madness because I wanted to feel the true pain and heartache of my sons dumping me!! I’m not going to be in their lives ever again. I’m 56 and I have taken enough. I just want to get better.
Lahoftx100
12 Mar 2021
Me also. I was unable to grieve.
Lahoftx100
12 Mar 2021
Me also. I was unable to grieve.
shbookworm
23 Feb 2016
Antidepressants made me stop having emotions and my personality started to disintegrate ! I felt"blank" ,"robotic" in my opinion they should be banned! I got off of them quickly.
Sandy7298
5 Apr 2016
That was ur experience but they shouldn't be banned bc of it. Many people benefit from these
Inactive
6 Apr 2016
bookworm, I agree with Sandy. I have had excellent results with bupropion sr to treat my anxiety/depression. I didn't want to go anywhere or talk to anyone. Going shopping, like, what's the use? I am so different now. I went to a wedding last weekend and totally enjoyed myself, even danced, lol. I am a better person with the help of this medication. If you continue to read posts on these support groups, you will realize how many peoples' lives have been improved with their medications. I hope you will try again and find the one that gives you a better quality of life also. Good luck!
"G"
Torra919
14 Sep 2017
So I'm diagnosed with depression and just started the medicine yesterday, when should I actually see improvement?
Crz4mrx
5 Apr 2016
Years ago, I had major anxiety with depression due to an extreme stalking and sexual harassment incident at work. I had a melt down lost 8 lbs in 6 days and I am a small person . Symbyax saved my life. It was odd to have it work so quickly but it was so incredible. So for years I have been fine, then recently lost my dad my brother and my brother in law within a year not. Lot of anxiety but just low grade no motivation depression . So started on generic Prozac. Ten days and I am so anxious and depression not better. Is this normal and how long before I see improvement? Don't want to go back on symbyax because of the weight gain and with a family of diabetics , don't like how it messes with my blood sugar . But I am concerned about whether this is the right medication for me or if I am not giving it enough time.
Davo86
17 Feb 2017
Hey there from what I heard Prozac can be very efficient for me Zoloft is very efficient. Let me tell you I think you arent giving it enough time it should take minimum of 3 weeks until medication starts working!
shbookworm
1 May 2016
Warning! I suspect that Some people on here are working for big pharma! Use caution , and always remember ,your milage may vary
WildcatVet
23 Oct 2016
???
Further Information
- Lexapro Information for Consumers
- Lexapro Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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