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Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
I just switched this morning from Citalopram to Escitalopram. I've been on Citalopram 40 mg. for 5 years, but 6/7 weeks ago it quit working for me.
My new prescription is for 10 mg. I'm hoping the lower dose will be effective for me (40 mg of Citalopram is actually equivalent to 20 mg. Escitalopram).
I plan on using this thread as a place to update my side effects. Hopefully it will be helpful to anyone else who has to switch to Escitalopram.
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Day 1: Took 5 mg. of the Escitalopram this morning. I had very minor stomach ache a few hours later, probably due to taking it on an empty stomach.
Tonight, I feel a bit spaced out, but that could be due to me hardly eating anything the past week or so (anxiety has killed my appetite).
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Day 2: I had insomnia last night, and ended up having to take two trazedone instead of my typical (for the last few weeks) one. I don't know if that's due to the Escitolopram, or that I've so convinced myself that I'll get bad insomnia with starting up. I suspect the latter;-).
I forced myself to eat a few bites of cereal before taking my pill this morning, and today I never got any stomach pain.
Otherwise, I haven't had any other side effects yet.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
I always took mine with breakfast and had no probs.
Was on it for 5 yrs (10mg) and found it great.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Thanks, Phil! I hope it works as well for me as the Citalopram did for 5 years:-). I'm also I'm hoping I find the 10 mg as an effective dose for me.
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Day 3: I had to take two trazadone again last night in order to sleep; but I still don't know if it's side effects or that I've been so nervous with switching in regards to sleep.
Last night, I felt spaced out again around 5 or 6, plus had this scalp tingling. I then felt very calm and almost back to my old self for most of the evening, which was nice. I managed to read for several hours, and have been to revved up to do that for several days. My appetite also came back with a vengeance around 9 or so, but I didn't eat anything since it was so late. I'm going to force myself to start eating three meals a day, as I think eating as little as I have been probably isn't helping.
I had a little increased anxiety earlier this morning, but now I feel okay.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Took my 4th pill this morning. Two more days of 5 mg., and then up to 10 mg. :-).
Increase in anxiety yesterday afternoon, but it was very manageable.
I got the scalp tingling thing again around the same time.
I had a great evening! No anxiety, I was very calm, and got my appetite back.
I only needed one Trazedone to fall asleep last night, and I'm not sure if I even would've needed it. I'm going to put off taking one until much later tonight to see what happens.
Day 4: This morning, I woke up with a bit of anxiety. But, I did manage to eat a bit more for breakfast than I usually do. I also have a spaced out feeling which worsens when I turn my head.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
The spaced out feeling lasted all morning yesterday. It was especially noticeable when I would look up or to the side.
I also had some stomach issues yesterday morning. That cleared up after I took an Imodium AD.
I had a great afternoon and evening! Some slight anxiety, but it dissipated until it was completely gone by 2 or 3. My appetite came back; I actually ate a normal lunch and dinner.
I also feel asleep with out my sleeping meds:-). Unfortunately, an hour or so later I woke up, in somewhat of a panic. Even after calming down, and I couldn't fall asleep on my own, so I ended up taking one and then eventually two Trazedone.
Day 5: Increased anxiety when I woke up. A feeling of disappointment, and severe nervousness about when I want to up the dosage to 10 mg, and what will happen when I do.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Hi. I am on day 11 of 10 mg. I have noticed that with every day the morning anxiety seems to be getting worse and worse. I wake up in a feeling of panic that feels like it ripples through my whole body. I'm nauseous, my muscles hurt, and every movement feels like I'm wading through quicksand. Usually I keep it all the way until 3 or 4 PM. I keep waiting and praying that it will let up, but it hasn't yet. Hope you aren't on the same track as me and yours will let up sooner!
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Hi, Mommyof1!
I have a feeling mine will get worse, too. I'm dreading the second week, because it seems like side effects are more severe then, but the medication hasn't kicked in yet.
Since you're at Day 11, I have a feeling yours will let up really soon:-).
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
I'm really hoping so because I dont know how much more of this I can take. I'm so confused because everyone in my family keeps telling me there's something wrong and I shouldn't be feeling this way, but then when I read reviews it says that it's normal. I dont know what to think anymore, I just know I'm miserable and trying to survive day to day. I dont live anymore, I simply exist.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
I had a slight increase in anxiety yesterday, which stuck around for most of the day. No appetite, either.
I did sleep a bit better; I fell asleep on my own, but then woke up and couldn't fall back asleep, so took 1 trazadone.
Day 6: I actually slept in a bit today, and had no motivation to get out of bed. Hopefully it's a sign the medication is starting to mellow me out a bit;-).
Anxiety this morning, but I went for a 3 mile walk and felt much better when I got home. I've been feeling very calm and more positive this afternoon, and my appetite is back.
About an hour after taking the pill this morning, I got the spaced out feeling again when I turned my head quickly or looked up or down. It's really strange; I almost feel like I've taken an illegal substance;-).
Mild stomach upset this afternoon.
Otherwise, it's been a pretty good day.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Last night, I fell asleep without taking a trazadone pill :-). I did wake up twice, but managed to fall asleep again in a relatively short amount of time. I keep reminding myself that I've always woken up several times during the night; that is very natural for me, so not a side effect or the result of anxiety.
Day 7: One week down. What a relief.
Some mild stomach upset this morning, and late afternoon. Mild anxiety this morning and early afternoon. Otherwise, there isn't much to report (which is a good thing!).
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Fell asleep on my own last night, but then woke up after an hour with some anxiety and a feeling of dread. I then had to take one trazadone, and it still took me awhile to fall back asleep. I was tempted to take a second one, but resisted, and eventually did go back to sleep. I slept until my alarm went off, which is unusual; I've been waking before it does lately.
Onto the second week:-). I'm still at 5 mg, and I may stay at that until we return from vacation at the end of June.
I hope everyone else is doing okay!!
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Day 9!: I had mild stomach upset yesterday, otherwise that was it for side effects.
Bad insomnia last night. I took one trazadone, but woke after an hour or so, and it took forever for me to fall back asleep. The strange thing though was I wasn't at all concerned about it, which makes me think the escitalopram is starting to kick in a bit?!
I had to force myself out of bed this morning, even after sleeping in an hour later than usual.
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Mommyof1, how are you doing? Are you feeling better?
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Hi Kel, I'm doing slightly better, which is better than nothing! I had a decent day yesterday (day 14) where I wasn't overly anxious, but I also didnt have much energy to do anything. It's like my anxiety keeps me so hyper alert that when I dont have it, I feel so blah. I've yet to feel a happy medium. Still having nervous mornings and lots of nausea. I just wish I could have an appetite again, this isnt from the meds, I haven't had an appetite in 2 months since all of this began! I'm sleeping ok. I wake up around 6 every morning. My husband takes .5mg Ativans. So I've found that if I set an alarm for about 4am and get up and take one, I can sleep in until about 730ish.
Today is day 15 and it's a very anxious one so far....
I hope you are doing better!
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
It sounds like you are making definite progress, Mommyof1!
I know what you mean about your appetite; mine comes and goes, and has for the past 2 months since my anxiety came back. Yesterday, I was actually hungry in the afternoon and evening; today, not at all. I ate a few bites of cereal for breakfast and then a small bowl of oatmeal for dinner, and that was it. I do make a point to drink a lot of water, and some juice throughout the day.
I wish this medication would kick in sooner:-). I still have to bump up to 10 mg at some point, which I'm really not looking forward to.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Day 10: I slept better last night. I had to take one trazadone, but it worked relatively fast, and then I was out until shortly before my alarm went off.
I think I might move up to 7.5 mg. on Sunday. It will be a pain cutting the pills, but I feel better going up slow.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Kel, do not fear the 10mgs. I survived for 13 days on my own with no help from benzos. Your body is already introduced to the medicine and you have help. The more you stress about it, the more your mind is going to play tricks on you!
I hope the 10 mgs treats you well
, mine is starting to!
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
I started taking Escitalopram this is my 6th day on 10mgs for bad anxiety. I take Vistaril to take the edge off which is not a benzo. Tried Fluoxetine for 8 weeks with little success. Hope this works. Went to the gym today, to burn off some anxiety. The side effects have been tolerable mostly stomach aches, heartburn at night and poor appetite, been drinking ensure during the day. Is this drug faster acting then Fluoxetine.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Mommyof1, that's great it's starting to work for you!!!! I bet that's such a relief.
I really do need to just bite the bullet and up to 10 mg. I keep putting it off because I've got a busy next few weeks planned: my daughters' birthday party, extra days scheduled at work, a dentist appointment where I'm getting a crown put on, and then we're going on vacation the last week of the month. I'm so freaked out that my side effects will be so bad that I'll have to stay home and skip vacation.
I'm not on any benzos either; the trazadone is another antidepressant that is prescribed off-label in low doses as a sleep aid. I did have to take a benzo when I started Citalopram 5 years ago in order to sleep. I'm really hoping to avoid that this time around, which is another reason I'm nervous about moving up doses.
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Will351, it sounds like you are doing really well so far :-)!
I've read that escitalopram is supposed to kick in a bit faster than other SSRIs, but who knows. I suppose it varies from person to person, and depends on what dose is effective.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Day 11: I slept great last night :-). I didn't need to take any trazadone; and slept all through the night.
I woke up this morning, and, in addition to my usual morning anxiety, had a different feeling. I almost didn't recognize it at first;-). It was hunger. My appetite comes and goes through out the day, but it's been probably 2 months since I've been hungry in the morning.
I've got a busy day planned today and for the next few days, which is good.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Day 12: I slept again last night without taking a trazodone. I woke up several times, but always fell back asleep again.
Yesterday and today, I seem to be having an increase of anxiety in the morning.
I really wish the small 5 mg dose would start to kick in a little, so I at least know I'm on the right track. I also wish we weren't going on vacation at the end of the month, so I could move up doses sooner.
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I've been feeling very emotional this morning. I watched the movie Coco with my son, and bawled at the end; now, I've been reading a few updates on Facebook, and tearing up. I'm not at all depressed, or sad....just emotional.
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I've noticed this afternoon that I've been grinding my teeth and clenching my jaw. I think I remember doing that a lot when I started on citalopram, too.
I'm having an increase in anxiety this afternoon. Probably why I'm noticing my side effects/anxiety symptoms more: I'm thinking about it constantly today. Ugh.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Day 13: I had to take a trazadone last night to fall asleep.
Experienced the usual morning anxiety upon waking up.
I really wish I'd start to feel that it's working just a little bit. It's disheartening to know that I could end up going all the way up to 20 mg, and still have to switch to something else if it's not working.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Hey Kel! I have good days and bad too, seems like more bad than good right now. I pray every morning for just a couple good days so that I can handle the bad. But when I get a good day it seems to make the bad days that much harder. It makes you feel like you are taking 1 step forward and then 10 backward. I'm working so hard right now and I dont feel like I'm getting much of a reward yet. I'm a girl of instant gratification lol.
I've realized this medicine takes a lot of patience, patience that we dont have. I have to really dig deep some days.
I was so depressed yesterday about the news of Anthony Bourdains suicide. It ruined my whole day. Not because I obsess over celebrities lives, but because for the first time, I understand. I used to hear about suicide and say "how selfish, one person's pain gets passed on to 20".
It upset me so badly because I COULD understand and i COULD relate. I know how you could get so low. I dont want to know these things, I dont want to understand the pain, I want to go back to my happy life.
It was damn near perfect. Perfect husband, perfect daughter, perfect brand new home, perfect family. Why is that never enough?
Sorry for the long one, I just wanted to say that I'm determined to fight and claw my way back to there and I'm here to talk if you need anyone! I'm new at this, but I never judge!
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Hi, Mommyof1!
Yes, Anthony Bourdain's suicide came as a shock. And then Kate Spade's a few days earlier. In some ways, I think the celebrities have it worse than the rest of us when it comes to mental illness; since any issues they have are splashed across the media. It seems like many of them have some type of mental illness, but you often don't hear about it unless they have a public breakdown or commit suicide :-(. I sometimes wonder if we'd all be better off if we'd be much more open about mental illness.
It sound like you are making improvements, with having some good days!! My days have been for the most part fairly even : anxiety most of the morning, then off and on in the afternoon, and gone in the evening. I did have a really good yesterday, which was so nice.
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Day 14: A breath of relief that the first two weeks are almost over. I've decided to stay on 5 mg until we're back from vacation late June, then I'll move up directly to the 10 mg.
I had a pretty good day yesterday. The usual morning anxiety, but it cleared up by early afternoon. I worked in the afternoon, and I'm sure being busy helped.
I slept great last night. Fell asleep early, and slept all night!! Needless to say, I didn't need to take a trazadone. I'm hoping this is a sign that the paltry 5 mg is working a bit. I will be very relieved if I'm having less anxiety when I do move up to the 10 mg.
I took my pill this morning, and about half an hour later started to have some stomach issues. I also noticed a definite increase in anxiety. I'm hoping this doesn't set the mood for the rest of the day, as we're having family over this afternoon for my daughters' birthday party.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Yes I agree about the celebrities! People share "awareness" posts for a couple days and then move onto the next thing that happens. Mental illness is not as widely accepted as it is spread among us. I had no idea, until I experienced it. I pray that we can all find peace again one day.
I woke up feeling decent today, I think its mostly because it's the first time my husband has been home in 10 days because of work. I usually wake up extremely anxious because fear of what the day will hold and how I'll be able to manage my 2 year old. But I think knowing that he is home to help, I didnt have so much anxiety. That or the meds are kicking in more. Either way, I'll take it.
As I mentioned above, maybe you've felt your increase in anxiety because of the anticipation of what is going to happen today. Will it go smooth? Will you handle it all? Just try to breath and tell yourself it's going to be an amazing day! :-) happy birthday to your little!
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Mommyof1, I always feel better when my husband is home, too. He was on vacation last week, so that was really nice! We did some landscaping, so that helped keep me busy. Today, I don't have anything planned except I work a bit this evening, so now I'm at loose ends and already bored and slightly anxious. It's also raining out, so I don't know if I'll be able to go on my usual long walks.
Day 15: I actually had a good day yesterday! My anxiety was gone by early afternoon. I kept busy with family over, and then went for a long walk in the afternoon. My appetite was back almost all day.
Last night wasn't the greatest though. I had to take one trazadone to fall asleep.
I was so tempted this morning to take a 10 mg. pill, to get things moving along a bit faster. The only thing that stopped me was the knowledge than in less than two weeks we'll be on vacation. I'm impatiently waiting to see what my work schedule is for July, so I can try and time the best moment to move up to the 10 mg. I work very part time, so I'm hoping to time the increase to where I'm scheduled to work as little as possible;-).
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
I've felt really blah most of the day. Lots of thoughts about whether or not escitalopram will work for me, and at what dose. I even spent some time online researching what I can try next if this doesn't work;-).
Summer is usually my favorite time of year, but this year I can't even feel any happiness about it. I miss getting excited about things, and feeling contentment, and joy. I really hoped I'd perk up before our upcoming vacation, but it's becoming clear I'll probably be in a bit of a funk during it.
I hate that I'm spending so much time ruminating about my anxiety. What in the world did I think about before this anxiety hit me again;-)? I miss thinking only about random, every day things.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Day 16: Slept good last night; I did not need to take any trazadone.
I've got the usual morning anxiety. I'm also feeling very unmotivated today.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Day 17: After having the usual anxiety all morning yesterday, it totally disappeared around noon.
I then had a really great afternoon and evening. No anxiety. I was in a much better mood. I actually did some planning for our vacation. I felt happy, and hopeful for the future. I'm not sure if this means the escitalopram is working???
Then, I had a setback last night when I had to take one trazadone in order to sleep. I had really hoped after my good afternoon and evening that I'd have a good night. I think the expectation and hopefulness of that happening made my insomnia worse.
Still, overall it was a really good day. I feel better knowing I might actually have a good time on vacation.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
I started at 10mgs hope to lose the waking up anxiety usually wake up at 7. I take one 50mg Trazadone. I live in Vermont and spend lots of time in my garden.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
I hate that waking up anxiety :-(. It makes it hard to get up. I will celebrate the day I wake up without having to deal with it.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
I echo this. I can’t wait to not feel that feeling anymore
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Keep going Kel! Today is day 23 for me and I haven't had morning anxiety the past 2 mornings, or the nausea. I have actually been eating too! Still a little anxiety through the day and it hasn't 100 percent helped with my panic about cancer, but I can tell its helping! I think once you bump up to 10 you'll be doing a lot better.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Mommyof1, it sounds like you are really making progress :-)!
I think it will help too when I move up to 10 mg. I really feel like I'm just killing time right now. I was so tempted to take 10 mg this morning, but then I remembered how not-so-fun vacation would be if I get bad side effects.
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Day 18: I did not need a trazodone to sleep last night; I guess I'm on the every other night plan for now;-). I actually fell asleep early (for me), and slept like a rock all night. I did wake up once, but conked right out again.
Yesterday afternoon, I had a strange headache. It didn't really hurt, but just felt weird? I was also a bit foggy brained. I can feel the headache lingering in the background again today.
This morning, I'm having some stomach upset, and a bit of mild nausea.
And, of course, my usual anxiety. This is getting old, real fast.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Day 19: I had a really great day yesterday. The stomach issues and anxiety were both gone by mid morning. I went shopping with my teen daughters, and had zero anxiety in the store:-). I felt back to my old self. My appetite was back in full.
Last night, I had bad insomnia. I took one trazadone; it took forever to work, but I didn't want to take a second one, so I didn't. I did eventually fall asleep.
This morning, I have a mild stomach upset and no appetite....but NO ANXIETY other than worry about the insomnia.
I do think the 5 mg is starting to work. If it wasn't for that darn insomnia, I would be giving serious thought to staying at this dosage.
Since I seem to be making some progress, when I move up doses in a week I've decided to try 7.5 mg instead of going direct to 10. Maybe that will be an effective dose for me; and, if not, it should make the side effects less severe than going straight on 10.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
This is just brilliant to read!!! Thrilled for you. Is shopping something that’s normally an issue for you? It is for me!! Not whilst I was on escitalopram, but the past 3/4 weeks its an issue. I long for that feeling again....where I can just walk into a supermarket and feel ok/normal!
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Wow kel,
What a change in 3 days. I am so happy for you. I’m still struggling on day 15.
Lynn
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Great Kel,
What a difference in three days. I’m still struggling at day 15 on 10 Lexapro.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
I guess I spoke to soon, as anxiety has reared it's head again this afternoon. No appetite, and my weird headache is lurking about, too. Plenty of worried thoughts going on, too.
Yesterday was so nice, it's a bummer to get those feelings back, but of course I can't expect things to be just wonderful from here on out.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mumzy
This is just brilliant to read!!! Thrilled for you. Is shopping something that’s normally an issue for you? It is for me!! Not whilst I was on escitalopram, but the past 3/4 weeks its an issue. I long for that feeling again....where I can just walk into a supermarket and feel ok/normal!
Shopping's normally never an issue for me, or going anywhere else. Only these past two months, since my anxiety came back. Yesterday was a nice reminder of how it can be :-).
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience
Day 21: Two nights in a row now where I haven't needed trazodone to sleep :-).
Still having morning anxiety. Yesterday, it disappeared around noon and I was great the rest of the day.
I'm feeling less anxious about moving up to 10 mg. It's easier for me to realize now that the side effects will be temporary. I'm having more positive thoughts in general yesterday and so far today.
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Re: Just switched to Escitalopram: my experience