I am new to Lexapro...semi new at least. I was on Paxil CR 25 for about 3 years. In that time I had no anxiety issues...no attacks. I got off of the Paxil because they had pulled the CR off the shelf for a few weeks because of defective coating. I thought it was the best time to go ahead and go through the withdrawls and switch to a new med. So, I got on Lex. 10 about five months ago. At the same time, I lost my job and was out of work for 3 months. After a really bad bought of anxiety six weeks ago, I went up to 15 of Lex. I have had some good days, but when I have my bad days...they're really difficult. I really don't know if I should up my meds again.

When I asked my doctor about upping my meds to 15, he told me to go on up to 20...but I didn't I went to 15 instead. I just don't want to take TOO much. But, I don't know if I've given this medicine long enough to work. I don't know if I'm giving my self talk long enough to work. But, I feel like I'm almost there...just not quite. Advice???

I have always taken Paxil. I have been on and off it for 8 yrs. (pregnancy etc.)
I upped my 10 mg to 15mg. It took a good three weeks to feel better, but I was upset because 10 had always been okay. I'm using the program too and felt like if I upped my meds I would be "cheating" . (Last May I was down to 2.5mg. I was thrilled, but ALOT hit me and I ended up on the cycle again.
Anywhoo-give yourself a little more time. Be patient. I know it stinks. Trust me-I know.
Any reason why you didn't go on regular Paxil?
And was the transition from Paxil to Lexapro hard?
Sometimes we have to even ourselves out on a medication so we can eventually get off of it again. I know how much that stinks too. You need to get to level ground. I pushed for 6 months before I upped mine. big sigh.
Sincerely,
Kristen

I don't remember a lot of symptoms when I switched from Paxil to Lex. Of course, I had just lost my job so it's hard to say what was what at that moment. Now, the reasons for going off of Paxil seem silly because it was really helping me. At least, I think it was. I might talk to my doc about going back on it. Since I've been on Lex is when all my anxiety has really come back. I was so scared of Paxil withdrawls I really wanted to get off and stay off of it. But, again, that seems silly now if it was what was working for me.

I heard Lexapro is very strong, maybe it is causing anxiety.
The thing with meds, the thing that always has me spinning, is...
Am I on it because the side effects of going off were too much for me or do I really need it?
Paxil does help me but I would like to be off it, without side effects confusing my decision.
Very complicated.
Do you mind me asking how old you are?
I'm using the program too. I actually need to get back on a roll with that. I'm on lesson 12.
Sincerely,
Kristen

Kristen,

I can relate to your fears about withdrawals. I didn't even know there was such a thing when I first started on antidepressants, and my doctor did not warn me about them when I tried to wean off; so as soon as I felt those familiar anxiety symptoms, I went right back on, thinking it was the return of the anxiety disorder. I struggled with this for about 14 years until I read on the Internet about withdrawals, so this time when I started weaning off my Celexa, I was prepared. When the anxiety symptoms kicked in, I was able to reassure myself that it was just withdrawals and they would eventually go away. I started the MWC program and followed their advice on diet changes, exercise, positive thinking and lowering my expectations, etc. I am at 5 mg. of Celexa now and feeling better than I ever have in my adult life. Of course, I haven't been "tested" yet, unless you count that I didn't freak out last night when my 6 y/o son started vomiting. I'm emetaphobic (sp?) and I usually run screaming in the other direction when someone starts puking, LOL. Of course, I can't do that with my own kid, so I very calmly held the bucket for him and continued to reassure him that it was okay and he would be fine, etc. I was actually proud of myself for remaining so in control. The REAL test will be when I catch the bug and start vomiting myself... that's always when my anxiety REALLY kicks in; but I'm not going to worry about it. If it happens, it happens, and I will survive. Okay, I'm starting to ramble here, so I'd best sign off.

Jen

I am 27 almost 28. And, my doc actually put me back on my Paxil CR 25 yesterday. Both my GP and my therapist agreed that the lex wasn't working for me. I'm so tired and scared this isn't going to help either...even though it did in the past. I feel very defeated.

Lilsis,
Be patient. Give yourself a good three weeks and lower your expectations. Something always will "work" in time.
Are you doing this program? I highly recommend it.

Jen,
Your down to 5 mg of Celexa!!!!!!!! Good for you. Seriously. You give me hope! I will never give up trying to wean, but I now know to "stablize" before I try that again. I also have the program now too. Man, they need a special place for people to go just to get off meds. They would make a mint and drug companies are going to come up with something to combat the withdrawals, you wait and see.
Hey, both my boys (4&9) threw up MOnday night and Tuesday. Of course I don't want to get sick, but I remind myself that if I do-I will live and recover. No fear....
And good for you! You should be proud. We need to be there for our boys. My poor baby threw up in the mall infront of the McDonald's entrance. Yum. Oh, well. Thank you Jesus that the people in the mall were so good to me.
My anxiety takes a back seat when it comes to caring for my babies. They are the best motivator. You too.
Sincerely,
Kristen

I`ve been on lexapro 20 for a couple yrs. now and doing real well. I went from 100 mg.zoloft
strait into 20 mg. lexapro. If your not feeling as good as you should,Do what your Dr. says and go up to 20.

Doodlebug,

Did you experience any side effets from switching?

Did you have to decrease the zoloft and take a low dose of lexapro? or did you just immediatley stop the zoloft and just start the lexapro?

Thanks for your info. Best wishes.

I was just coming on here to post a topic related to this subject. I am on Lexapro 10mg and am still have panic attacks. My psychiatrist and family doctor want to bump me up to 20mg. I am scared of the effects and I also want to get pregnant this summer, I don't wanna drug my baby. Help!!

Leigh How long have you been on lexapro? I'm also on it and my Doctor said it would take a while before I would feel the effects.

shnauzermom~
I had forgotten all about this,
didnt even see your question till today. Sorry
Yes I went off zoloft strait on to lexapro.
Have been on it a couple yrs. and doing great!

Doodlebug,

Thanks OK. I know we get busy, it is OK.
I decided to stay on the Zoloft, upped it to 100mg. So far, so good. I was afraid of the anaorgasm with the Lexapro. SSRI's have taken away my full libido, so I wanted to be left with something! Thanks! Warm wishes, LizB

schnauzermom, Just wanted to let you know about something that could possibly help your libido. Google Amazon Herb Co. Search for Illumination. So far it's worked for me and a friend. Didn't even expect it, but it gave me energy & the libido was the bonus.

I have been on laxapro fro over a year now. It helps for most of the time and I am on 10. Dr wanted me to up it to 15, but the 10 seems to be working. I stopped paxil due to som,e unwated side effects that were making my loife more miserable.