Posted by madwand on September 13, 2003, at 11:23:06
In reply to New on Lexapro, posted by almondjoy on September 13, 2003, at 0:19:46
Hello Almondjoy,
I am also on 10mg Lexapro and am "between" you and Gal on the duration (am now on day 22). My main early side-effect was a form of insomnia (going to sleep but being "blasted away" shortly afterwards -- was scary for a while) but that has gone away now. I continue to have the "space out" effect, but that is irregular (and I have had that occasionally anyway so it is not a brand new experience).
Have also always been "headache-prone" so cannot really related to that, but then I take my dose in the morning, so by the time "wear off" effect you describe might hit me I am asleep (is a headache that I sleep through and never notice really a headache <g>). However, I am generally pretty "up" at the 12 hour point (corresponds to when you get up in the morning feeling good) and am a bit "down" when I get up (corresponds to your late-day slump), so perhaps there is something to the level fluctuation between doses. If that sounds like a reasonable trade-off (i.e. finding it hard to get started in the morning -- I have always been like that anyway <g>), perhaps you could consider taking it in the morning instead and see if that is better?
As for the dosage, while I am not a doctor and have limited experience with the meds compared to a lot of people on this board, my understanding from what I have read (both here and elsewhere) is that 10 days is a bit early to worry about needing to adjust the dose (particularly if it has been and still is effective against your primary symptoms). Also, my own experience at 10 days vs now implies the side-effects tend to improve (at 10 days I was in the grip of the "blast awake" insomnia and was not particularly a happy camper).
I am a recoverying alcoholic so I cannot comment on the how alcohol and Lexapro get along, but from what I have heard/read here you are wise to avoid the combo. Or if you do experiment do so in a "safe" context" (i.e. a glass of wine at home rather than out on the town).
Anyway, hang in there and stay in touch with the board. There is an amazing concentration of med experience here.
poster:madwand
thread:259538
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030912/msgs/259627.html