Picked up my medication that was prescribed by my doctor for my anxiety. This is the second time this month I’ve picked up meds. First time was Prozac and hydroxyzine but after talking to my Dr she though lexapro would be better for my symptoms. I’ve tried NONE of them. Fear of side effects, fear of increased anxiety? Has kept me from even starting. But I’m noticing that even on days that I don’t have any anxiety or panic, it’s still kind of lurking under the surface waiting to poke it’s head out, or I am anticipating it. Or maybe I’ll wake up with “nervousness” that lingers throughout the day. That’s no way to live. I want to get past my fear and take the medication but just don’t know how. I was prescribed 5mg lexapro and Dr told me I could cut it in half and start there. I thought maybe I could even cut that in half and really begin super slowly just to get my system accustomed to it and maybe prevent or minimize side effects. Has anyone had any luck doing the same with the same dosage? I always feel like I’m looking over my shoulder for the anxiety. I get nervous of something happening because I’m alone (which adds to my fear).

It’s hard to get started but logically we know in the end it will likely help us. All I need is the edge off. That would be good for me. And I like the way you described caring for myself as I would for someone else I care for. You’re right about that.

I tried another SSRI, Paxil, in the past. I didn’t really notice any bad effects emotionally except when I missed a dose, so keep that in mind. If you get scared of taking it one night, you probably should still take it. It will probably be worse if you don’t. I don’t want to scare you or anything. It wasn’t *much* worse, but I could tell the difference. I am currently trying Remeron. It has a side effect profile that I am okay with and has been experimentally effective for OCD patients. If you don’t like Lexapro, there are other options and you can look into ones that have side effects that you are okay with. Though, don’t get too excited about Wellbutrin lol. It has not been shown to be effective with OCD (not necessarily adverse, just not effective). But I understand the anxiety. There are some medications that I think might help me a lot that I am afraid of taking because of the side effects.

@CaptainKierkegaard That's true for me too. I feel really out of whack when i miss my meds for a day. And that makes me realize I used to feel out of whack all the time! But now I can actually tell when I'm out of whack since my meds help level me out when i take them!

@CaptainKierkegaard I actually took Paxil 20 years ago and it did help. I was started at too high a dose back then I think so the side effects were not fun. I was first given celexa but two days in and the panic was unbearable and I stopped immediately per dr instruction and was switched to Paxil. I know several people on lexapro for anxiety which is why I was prescribed it as well. But missing a dose with Paxil I would get the “zaps” and that wasn’t fun.

Thank you. Best of luck with yours!