My anxiety has spiked recently after three years of being meds free. Recently my BP has spiked because of anxiety and IBS. My doctor wants me to start off with 10mg for six weeks. Then see him again. im nervous about starting up again as i know the first few weeks can be tough and the symptoms of anxiety can be worse. Im thinking of just starting off with 5mg to minimise the initial side effects. Opinions please?
I did the same thing. Started on 5 mg and I haven’t had any bad side effects. I’m going to increase it to 10 mg. I stayed on 5 mg for a couple weeks. iPhone that Lexapro has fewer side effects than some of the other meds. I figure what’s worse, feeling miserable with anxiety all the time or trying a medication that could possibly help. If I don’t do anything I’m stuck feeling anxiety all the time.
Starting back on what Felis? I thought you were doing OK, what about that book you recommend 
You are absolutely right,i was doing really well without lexapro for three years but my general health has deteriorated so will start on 5mg as you did. Thanks for your suggestion much appreciated.
Hi Jackie
You must think im an absolute hypocrite! Let me explain that i came off lexapro at the end of 2017,so been meds free and anxiety free for three years.
However over the last six months there has been many stressors in my life. My son was admitted to hospitale with a virus that attacked his nervous system and he nearly died. My daughter estranged herself from us but is back now. Then my husband lost his job in the airline industry and hasnt flown since March so we are struggling financially. Then our neighbour went ballistic over my husband trimming back trees overhanging our gutter which is a hazard for fire especially with Summer approaching in Australia. He threatened my husband and accused him of being a criminal because we should have got council permission!
All this started off nervousness again and i was doing so well with that book i recommended but all that has happened recently my blood pressure has risen and ive developed IBS so real urgency needing to go to the bathroom. My doctor wants me back on lexapro just for twelve months to give my body a rest.
i also have a close friend who died in July this year from a brain aneurysm sge was 68 and im (69, so that frightened me as she had high blood pressure over her daughters poor behaviour.So as you can see ive been under incredible stress. i will continue to practice what is recommended in the book but i just need help getting back on my feet which for me a low dose of meds is helpful. i will come off them again in about a year and rely on my own resources from all the reading i have done.
Hi Jackie
You must think im an absolute hypocrite! Let me explain that i came off lexapro at the end of 2017,so been meds free and anxiety free for three years.
However over the last six months there has been many stressors in my life. My son was admitted to hospitale with a virus that attacked his nervous system and he nearly died. My daughter estranged herself from us but is back now. Then my husband lost his job in the airline industry and hasnt flown since March so we are struggling financially. Then our neighbour went ballistic over my husband trimming back trees overhanging our gutter which is a hazard for fire especially with Summer approaching in Australia. He threatened my husband and accused him of being a criminal because we should have got council permission!
All this started off nervousness again and i was doing so well with that book i recommended but all that has happened recently my blood pressure has risen and ive developed IBS so real urgency needing to go to the bathroom. My doctor wants me back on lexapro just for twelve months to give my body a rest.
i also have a close friend who died in July this year from a brain aneurysm sge was 68 and im (69, so that frightened me as she had high blood pressure over her daughters poor behaviour.So as you can see ive been under incredible stress. i will continue to practice what is recommended in the book but i just need help getting back on my feet which for me a low dose of meds is helpful. i will come off them again in about a year and rely on my own resources from all the reading i have done.
Please don’t think that, I don’t blame you at all and well done for asking for help 
I didn’t realise you were not in uk, I assumed this was a uk site I have ordered the book and hope it helps me to understand this terrible infliction. 
It’s a shame there is not any professional help on these forums…
Hi again Jackie
Thanks for your support and understanding. im starting my 5mg of lexapro tomorrow night Monday.Its Sunday afternoon here right now. i will keep you and any others updated of my progress because it may help others who are struggling too.
Glad you ordered the book i keep it by my bedside and refer to it if im having a setback. i havent needed it for three years but its always near me for when i do.