I started on 10mg and am still on 10 mg since I started Lex 3 months ago. The past week or 2 I sometimes feel like a need a really good cry and I just seem to want to tear up. I am not having any anxiety or severe PMS which is why I take it. I dont take it for depression, but I do feel alittle down sometimes. That being said I have had some family issues involving my brothers alcoholism, I tend to keep it all inside and am tired of dealing with it, maybe thats the reason for these feelings??

Anyhow, those that have needed to increase your meds, how did you know and did you find the increase easy to handle and helpful?? I felt great when I first started the Lex and now I seem to have gotten use to it.

Hi Nole --

This is a good question. Since you're not taking Lex for depression, per se, your answer may be different than for someone who does. I increased my Lexapro (for depression) because I was still struggling with consistent despondent feelings after being on 10 mg. for about 12 weeks. I increased gradually to 15 mg. first... and then up to 20 mg. a week later. 20 mg. popped me out of my misery. Keep in mind that anti-depressants won't prevent you from feeling sad -- they only moderate the severe lows to bring you into a more "normal" range of emotions. You may feel some situational sadness -- that's normal. But if your sadness is prevailing and relentless, you may want to consider an increase in dosage. Increasing dosage is generally easier than the initial start-up of the med -- the side effects (if any!) are usually milder and last shorter in duration. I didn't have any side effects when I increased my dosage and I was feeling the difference in about a week. Food for thought.

Best to you,
HopefulOne