I too have just started taking Cipralex (5mg) over the last week, and during parts of yesterday and today I have not felt good.
It is very difficult to distinguish what are side effects and what are just the same old anxiety symptoms.
Really find it difficult to recover from a not to good start to the day for the rest of the day, I tend to dwell on it and find it difficult to stop this.
I have also had a headache for most of the day - which is unusual for me, so I put this down to the medication, slept well last night and I have managed to go out on the mountain bike for an hour this afternoon.
I did wake up this morning feeling rather hot, and felt anxious until about 11am, I tried doing a few bits and bobs around the house as a distraction.
My GP did mention the side effects and gave me diazepam (spelling) to counter act these, but I am trying to resist taking these.
Spoke to my councellor yesterday - she didn't dismiss the medication, but thought I would have success if I tackled my negative thoughts, which is like a hamster on a wheel, I have the negative thoughts because of the anxiety and I also should try and change my life style as far as my work goes because I work from home, which I agree with her that this is probably not a good idea for someone with panic disorder.
Final points.
How long do the side effects last with Cipralex and do they have an effect and how long before they start working.
Also any tips on challenging deep routed negative thoughts.
Cheers
Mick