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[JAMommy]

Long story short, I've been on Lexapro since the end of March, slowly increasing in dose. Two months ago, I went up to 15mg, three weeks ago, I went up to 20mg. After two weeks at 20mg, I felt GREAT for a week. Then, the past few days, I feel like I'm sliding downhill. Today I felt like I was going to have a panic attack, really agitated for no reason and anxious, along with depression the past few days. It hit out of nowhere. Has anyone had this happen? I'm really scared, because I was going along so well and sure that once I hit 20mg, I would even out and be stable. If the Lex doesn't work, what else could I try? I really think this is a physical/biological thing, not a counseling issue. Those days of feeling pretty normal were so very wonderful. It's hard to feel so awful again.

[cookie86]

Happened to me hun. It will pass but if ur that conerned call ur doc. With dose increase I aslo got the nausea again. Count urself lucky. Hehe. Chin up u will get through this. Mine settled after 6 weeks on 20 mg.

[JAMommy]

cookie86, I hope it all settles back down. I was doing so well, really quite normal for a few weeks, then it hit out of the blue. Thought I was past anxiety/depression start up. Hopefully it will pass. I see my doctor next week, so hopefully she'll have good insight.

[wendynu]

Are you feeling any better, JAMommy? I've just started the Celexa about four weeks ago at 5 mg. I found your post about all your struggles a few months ago and was concerned about you. So, I hope you're doing better today.

Wendynu

[JAMommy]

Wendynu, thanks for checking in with me. I am doing a bit better. I have been praying a lot about the source of the anxiety/depression that has popped up, and I honestly think it might be my adrenal glands, possibly adrenal fatigue/exhaustion. That, and I think I have some food intolerances and digestive issues. 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut, so if the gut is off somehow, then brain chemicals will be. Anyway, I am going to start a week long detox and candida diet to see how that helps.

How are you? How are you adjusting to the Celexa? You're on a low dose, I believe. Is it helping? Hope so.

[wendynu]

Wow. I'm also having food problems. If I eat too many carbs, I get really hyper/happy/crazy but if not enough, I can get depressed. I didn't know serotonin was produced in the gut. My gut is always off, it seems. Hmmmm. I hardly eat any carbs at all because I also have fibromyalgia and hypoglycemia, which causes me to hurt even more if I eat too many carbs. I too think I probably have adrenal problems. I raised three kids by myself while working full-time, and the job got more insane and hard to do as with the hiring freeze and all of us taking on more jobs until then I got laid off. Then everything went haywire. Depression, anxiety and panic attacks. I pray a lot too. That really helps. And reading the Bible and listening to worship/praise songs. I definitely have food intolerances.

I think the Celexa is helping. People say I'm doing better. Been on it for about 4.5 weeks. I'm in a hyper mode right now since I probably ate too many carbs. What is too many one day is not enough the next. Crazy body. I'm also taking clonazapam, which is helping the anxiety but I am looking forward to getting off of it someday. The Celexa (I'm taking the generic) seems to be working very slow. At first, I could hardly sleep at night but I feel calmer now. I'm just trying to decide when I should start looking for a new job. Don't want to jump in too soon and have a setback.

I'm glad you're doing better. Hang in there. This morning, I was quite negative and depressed, and tonight I'm all happy and hyper. Does getting used to meds do that?

Take care, Wendynu

[JAMommy]

Hi Wendynu, getting started on meds does affect your mood. I never had the hyper/happy part though. For me, Lexapro made me feel much worse for quite a while before I began feeling better. Have you talked to your doctor about the switch in moods from happy/hyper to depressed? It might be worth mentioning. Mornings were always the worst for me in getting started on meds, and sometimes I would feel better later in the afternoon.

[RyaninOC]

Hi Jamommy,

How are you doing? I've been on Celexa now for 3 weeks. I've noticed a definite improvement in my anxiety but now I feel like I'm battling the depression as well as insomnia. I'm only on 10 mg so I'm questioning talking to my doctor about upping the dose.

I hope the depression starts to lift soon.