Escitalopram 8 weeks - 18 days on increased dose of 20mg

Mental health
1

Hi there, I just really wanted some advice and to see if anyone could relate. I’ve been taking Escitalopram for almost 8 weeks on Friday for severe anxiety and panic attacks. Although I have seen improvement I am still having  very anxious days and still having panic attacks although not as regularly. I was hoping for better reasults by now. I have spoken with my psychiatrist who is encouraging me to persevere as he thinks it is working albeit slowly! I’m concerned that at this stage 8 weeks I’m likely not to see any further benefit or does it continue to get better? Pls let me know if you have any thoughts? Many thanks 

2

Hi dear

I used to have panic attacks as well, I went to the heart hospital in PTA. The doctor prescribes meds for me and I a see difference.you need medication that will lower your fear. That's what's iam drinking at the moment..

3

Hi Rebecca,

I’m on 10 mg  citalopram. Did you start at 20mg ? If you didn’t each time you go up or down your side effects start over. 

No 8 weeks is not too early I really didn’t see good changes until after 4 months and then after 6 months I got the “WOW” factor. That is Lois’s line. I can’t steal it from her. Please Let me know how you are doing. Cut out caffeine. And walk...

Will😎

4

Will20275 this gives me hope! So many of the post sound like 2 weeks into the meds and your cured! I feel a long way off from well! Thank you! 

I started at 10mg Escitalopram then 15mg for a week and now 20mg for the last 18 days but I’m still struggling.....panics attacks and anxiety are certainly not gone! There is improvement but it’s slow....

5

Wow increasing 5 mg each time is a lot. The symptoms start over each time you increase . Why didn’t you stay at 10 or 15 to give it time. You might be better at lower dose. I’ve read and talked with many that lower dose is better. I’m glad your noticing improvements. It’s acriller coaster ride with the side effects. 

6

Hi Rebecca:

I am taking Escitalopram too starting from Aug 27 and I do see improvement on my anxiety . I am also taking other meds in combination to help my anxiety do I don’t know if you are in the same situation . I could just say after the escitalopram kicked in i do see an improvement . My panic attack occurs a lot less . It could take months for a SSRI to its full effect so I suggest you to hang in there . 

Are you taking any other meds besides lexapro ?