I’m finally getting around to posting part II of my Lexapro diary. The first two weeks were rough and you can read more about that here. I’ve been on the Lexapro generic Escitalopram for a little over 3 full months now and I’m finally beginning to feel normal.
Contrary to my previous experiences with antidepressants, I don’t feel like I’ve lost any passion for the things I love and I don’t feel numb. I still cry when I’m sad, I still laugh when I’m happy and I still have resting bitch face with a slight scowl – I can’t help it! I have been pleasantly surprised by how much this medication has helped me. At this point I don’t know how long I’ll be continuing medication, though a significant portion of my family is on antidepressants pretty much for life. If that’s what it takes for me to function like a “normal” human being, I’m okay with it. At least for now.
Here’s what I’ve been experiencing since week 2:
Day 15: Fri/Sat
- 10 mg at night + 50 mg hydroxyzine
- Very angry skin (red, painful, inflammatory acne – mainly on right side now)
Day 16: Sat/Sun
- 10 mg at night + 50 mg hydroxyzine
- Noticeably calmer skin
Day 17: Sun/Mon
- 10 mg at night + 50 mg hydroxyzine
- Felt pretty well; tired by early afternoon again
Day 18: Mon/Tues
- 10 mg at night + 50 mg hydroxyzine
- Felt NO physical side effects
Day 19: Tues/Wed
- 10 mg at night + 50 mg hydroxyzine
- Was up by 4 am but I think that has more to do with the time change than anything else
Day 20 through Month 2:
- 20 mg at night + 50 mg hydroxyzine
- Woke up with a similar panic attack I felt on day one but this one was a LOT more mild compared to that one. I haven’t experienced any ill side effects with the Escitalopram (Lexapro) since.
Months 2 and beyond:
- 20 mg at night + 50 mg hydroxyzine for sleep
- Hydroxyzine was not working for me for anxiety because it made me way too sleepy. I’d take a full capsule and just feel like crashing within 20 minutes. I even tried a 1/2 capsule but still felt way too tired.
- Ativan is introduced at this time. I continue to take this on an as-needed basis only. I’ve had it for almost 2 months now and rarely feel the need to take it. Also, I don’t see it becoming at all habit forming for me – though do use caution with this or any other benzodiazepine!
- Began to feel negative sexual side effects and was prescribed bupropion (Wellbutrin) which seemed to help after about a week.
- Skin has noticeably calmed down but acne sure did flare up in the beginning! Huge painful red bumps that lasted forever. I’m still waiting for the redness of a few small scars to fade away but I haven’t been dealing with any huge flare-ups or painful bumps. Thank you, Jesus. For real.
- I still have trouble sleeping on my own. I experience a lot of anxious thoughts at bedtime so for now I will continue to take hydroxyzine or Ativan. Every now and then I try sleeping without “assistance” but it hasn’t stuck yet. I know it will again at some point.
I’ll leave it at that for now.
There’s not really anything more to say at this point. I like my antidepressant/anti-anxiety medications and they like me. I know all of that can change at any given moment so I’m enjoying the way I’m feeling now.
I feel and know in my heart that I’ve been making tremendous progress during the past few months.
I’m excited to be blogging again and as always, thank you for reading.
xo
Mindi
Heather says
I was prescribed lexapro for depression and anxiety. Took only half a pill witch is 10mg. I can’t stop yawning, and I feel so tired. Maybe I need to take it at night also.
Mindi says
You may find it to be helpful – I know I did. Sometimes it has the opposite effect on people and keeps them awake but I never found that to be the case for me.
Melissa Soto says
How are you doing on Lexapro? My doctor has prescribed it to me about a month ago. But I get scared taking any kind of medicine. Do I have been battling my anxious thoughts on this. I have googled and know a couple of people who swear by this med but I still cant find myself taking it. I was prescribed 10ml for anxiety. I get anxious pretty much anywhere I go. I have found myself spending more time at home then out enjoying my kids and husband. Any suggestions?
Mindi says
Hi Melissa! I’m currently on a 10mg dose as well. I was prescribed 20mg but I cut the pills in half and take a half each night. I’m thinking about switching over to Wellbutrin because of the weight gain Lexapro has “blessed” me with. I understand your anxious feelings about taking meds – it is difficult for me sometimes too. I tend to prefer the more natural methods (working out, living mostly healthy, giving time to hobbies I enjoy) but I know sometimes those things aren’t enough depending on your situation. If you do decide to give Lexapro a try, I’d definitely give it at least 4 weeks if you can. The side effects can be rough in the beginning but they tend to sort themselves out after a couple weeks and then you’ll be able to experience the full effect of the medication – and whether you think it might be helping or not. I hope this helps. Thanks so much for your comment. :)
Victoria says
Hi, i know this is an old post but I’ve just been prescribed the generic brand of Lexapro because Lexapro isn’t available in my country. I’ve been taking it for two months now, and I do feel quite better, mood wise, but I can’t seem to be able to get rid of some acne flare ups I’ve been suffering from these last few months. I was just wondering if after having taken it for so long, if you saw the acne side effects decrease over time. Is it a matter of patience?