Trying Escitalopram

Hi all,

So, I have not received an official diagnosis, but I went to my general practitioner with complaints of depression and anxiety. She prescribed 10 mg of Escitalopram. I've been on it for two weeks now. I had a 'high' episode during the second week, where I was so physically agitated (too much energy), anxious and impulsive, I was afraid I might harm someone... So I went to a hospital with this concern and they said it was probably because of the medication since my body was getting used to it. They referred me to a psychiatrist on an outpatient basis. A couple days later, I started feeling emotionally and physically tired. I slept for over 12 hours for two days in a row and was still tired during the day. I felt depressed and had suicidal thoughts in the evenings. Because the suicidal thoughts were so bad, I went to the hospital again, and they told me, once again, that it was because of the medication...
I have done some research, and apparently, Escitalopram can cause suicidal thoughts in people under 24. I'm 19, so it's consistent... But if the med is causing more harm than good, should I just stop taking it?

Has anyone experienced similar side-effects from SSRIs? What are the chances that this medication is not right for me?

I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time.
Well done going to the ER when you felt unsafe.

Many or most antidepressants say they could increase suicidal thoughts in the beginning, especially with young people.

It is important you keep in contact with the doctor and any other support you have, these thoughts are supposed to reduce over time, but keep pestering them if they don't, or if you really feel you can't be safe.

Not every medicine suits everyone and some people have to try a few, however, suddenly stopping medicine can be serious as well.

Keep talking to the medics caring for you and please use any support or crisis lines you have access to. It's better to call before giving in tho an impulse than after.

Good luck and stay safe.

I'm not a medical professional, but from my personal experience, my thought is that you might benefit from a mood stabilizer.