Long term use of Lexapro: New counselor thinks I should switch

Posted by lee00 @lee00, Apr 14, 2019

I am on lexapro 10 mg for about 12 years, start new counselor and she thinks i should see a psychitriast to
change the medication. What do you think? I am
scared, i have great days and really sad days, what should i do?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

On lexapro for 20 years, I decreased to 10mg over 6 months but couldn't get below 10mg. 2019 developed auto immune disorder.(MCTD) put on 2 drugs for autoimmune issue and my anxiety, social phobia, flight of thoughts, hallucinations. also having very strange brain fog. Lexapro is not helping me now but I feel like it's driving me crazy. example: counting out $270 to give to our firewood man. I counted out 3- 50's and couldn't count out the 20's. Tried repeatedly. Finally embarrassed completely just handed his the money. He counted it .
I saw this happening and still couldn't do it. One of many experiences like this. Seeing Psychiatrist next week.

REPLY

I am finally going to try SSRI, Lexapro, will start out at 5 mg a day as I am nervous about side effects, and am very sensitive to drugs. Anyone who can tell me positive reactions to Lexapro would be helpful, I guess I would like to know the benefits are worth whatever side effects may come with taking the drug.

REPLY

I have been on Lexapro for almost 20 years. It has helped me so much . I take 30 mg per day and have no desire to get off it as I have terrible depression. However after having covid for 4 months (I'm a long hauler) my depression became overwhelming. my doc added risperidone 1 mg per day to my Lexapro... My anxiety became almost debilitating with panic attacks and the whole 9 yards... So I was prescribed a benzo and I actually feel like a normal person in that aspect again. But I've had a host of other things happen to me but that's for a different thread. Best of luck to you and God bless.

REPLY
@holly197205

I have been on Lexapro for almost 20 years. It has helped me so much . I take 30 mg per day and have no desire to get off it as I have terrible depression. However after having covid for 4 months (I'm a long hauler) my depression became overwhelming. my doc added risperidone 1 mg per day to my Lexapro... My anxiety became almost debilitating with panic attacks and the whole 9 yards... So I was prescribed a benzo and I actually feel like a normal person in that aspect again. But I've had a host of other things happen to me but that's for a different thread. Best of luck to you and God bless.

Jump to this post

I am weaning off of lexapro now but very slowly. Started having uncontrollable movements in my toes and hands and now in right eye. Sure hope this works. Will let u know

REPLY
@aisel

I am weaning off of lexapro now but very slowly. Started having uncontrollable movements in my toes and hands and now in right eye. Sure hope this works. Will let u know

Jump to this post

I know my doc told me if she were to take me off Lexapro that the weaning process would take close to a year for the 30 mg per day. I have no desire to go off it bc it helps me stay on an even keel so much. Very best of luck to you & God bless.

REPLY

Try Lexapro liquid( generic) you can decrease dose as you see fit. Was on 20 mg for 8 yrs then down to 10 mg , tried to get down from 10 mg but severe symptoms. Now on6 mg for a week or so and then will see how slowly to go. Use hemp marijuana for symptoms

REPLY
@holly197205

I know my doc told me if she were to take me off Lexapro that the weaning process would take close to a year for the 30 mg per day. I have no desire to go off it bc it helps me stay on an even keel so much. Very best of luck to you & God bless.

Jump to this post

Thank you. Taking the risk might lead to a healthier way if life.

REPLY

Hi, I have been on lexapro for about 25 yrs. I take 10 mg in the morning. I use to take 20 mg but didn't feel like myself. The 10 mg seems to be good for me. Sometimes you have to try different strengths until you get it right.
I hope this helps. 🌈

REPLY

I think it doesn't hurt to see a psychiatrist. They've seen it all and know what meds work the best with which diagnosis. What is your diagnosis btw? What are you symptoms? When your counselor gives you that diagnostic form for depression/anxiety which ones are higher for you? You don't actually have to answer these questions but it might be helpful to think about. I take 20 mg of Lexapro and 2- 10 mg pills of BuSpar twice a day for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I've been on Lexapro for nine years now. Also-if there's a genetic component find out what your relative takes successfully and try that.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.