[ReddSN]

A bit of background - I was prescribed Lexapro about 3 weeks ago. I started off with the 10mg as prescribed, it made an immediate difference, but it was almost like I was high, to be honest and it made me clench my jaw to the point of hardly being able to eat because it was so sore. So I stopped - I seemed to even out within 2-3 days, then became irritable and could tell the difference in attitude so I went back on, but this time on half a dose. Side effects are better, and i was noticing a difference in my attitude too. Its been 2 weeks now of steady on 5mg, and the past few days have been getting worse and worse. I have darker thoughts. more panic attacks. Can't seem to settle. before I would have some ups and downs, could find some joyful moments, but now I don't think i've even smiled for 3 days.

I've been reading online that SSRI's can make depression worse? So maybe that is what is happening? But I've also read that things often get worse, then better on a med like this? So maybe that is it? or maybe I need to up the dose? I'm not sure what to think about all this. Calling my doctor isn't really an option either, he is away on holidays. He wasn't even the one who prescribed them for me, I went in and begged for them at the walk in clinic.

I guess what I am looking for, is has anyone had experience with being worse before better? and what was the action/result?

[Odee]

Often during the first couple of weeks on an SSRI the side effects are worse and feeling more depressed and/or anxious can be experienced then as well. Doctors should warn you about this, because people will quit meds that could have been beneficial.