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Lexapro/escitalopram & xanax(per need) experiences?

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Hi, I have been on Elicea/ escitalopram(generic version of Lexapro) 10mg for about 2 weeks. The first 6 days I was on 5mg. I was also given Xanax 0.5mg to take when needed until the meds take full effect. I've taken that combination before with wonderful effects. Last time the Lexapro took 3 weeks to noticable difference and about 3 months to full effect. The Xanax I was taking over that same year about once a day for a week or two(0.5) few stressful times that year, otherwise, very rarely for panic attacks only.

This time, when I went and got the prescription I was in pretty bad shape, I had a really strong and fast anxiety and depression relapse(it got really bad fast over a month, no matter how much self care I tried to do). It is also really important time of the year for me, connected to documents and jobs search and all, so it's extremely high pressure time as well. But I know it's anxiety rather than stress when it starts affecting all else in my life(and eventually I get panick attacks about going outside or to store or in a bus...).

Anyway. I got the prescriptions 2 weeks ago, meanwhile my T has left the country and I'm starting with new person from August. The first week on the meds I was really tired etc. but mood-wise I seemed better. Now it seems to have reversed. This week the physical effects are pretty much settled, I don't get that many outright panic attacks, but I am super depressed and anxious to the point where doing anything is hard.

I know that it can be okay for a while. I'm not more depressed than I was before the meds, but I'm not better either, and I was in pretty bad state when starting.
And yes, I have the Xanax, but I'm trying not to abuse it. I take one a day, and not even every day, only if I feel panic attack coming on. Once I took 2(so 1mg in 24h- not at the same time). I am having pretty intense time though and many days it feels there is a tradeoff, will I take something like Xanax to help, or will I be extremely unproductive these few weeks.

I don't want to get addicted. I'm even reluctant to ever take Xanax daily(I try not to) and as I said only once did I take 2x0.5 in one day. But on the other hand, the period from today until 1st of August maybe the most important time out of the whole year for me. And I can't afford to be unproductive or take extra days off. Still, except for that 1 day, I've been sticking with taking Xanax as it was prescribed. I feel so bad. I need for things to get better. I don't know if it's the Lexapro or the Xanax or the external pressures, but it seems this time things are taking longer time to get better, and I don't feel like I can afford that.(well, of course part of that may be anxiety)

Anyone that can share experiences on either of these meds or the combo of the 2?
 
Haven't taken lexapro, but generally meds don't take their proper effect for at least 6 weeks.... or that's how it's been for me, I live with 2 doctors and they think that's about how long.

And... I'm allergic to Xanax, it turns me into a total shit! I'm like a bitter, grumpy old man..

Good luck!
 
but generally meds don't take their proper effect for at least 6 weeks...
Depends on the drug and one's body chemistry. Most antidepressants have some kind of effect on me immediately. Unfortunately I don't recall what effect Lexapro had, although out of all the many antidepressants I have taken, that one was maybe the most effective with the least amount of side effects.
 
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