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Cipralex - don't know what to do

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 123

Hi Maria,

The side effects are typical for medications, particularly after you first begin taking them, or when you change your dose. Keep with it, you may feel an increase in anxiety, insomnia and the other symptoms you mentioned, but they do pass. Do keep your doctor informed of what's going on, but otherwise it's just some rough weather you have to deal with for the first 2-4 weeks of starting this new dose.

Also, I take lexapro which is basically in the same family of medication that your taking...I was told that only 20mg helps with the anxiety, anything lower is meant to treat depression. Though talk to your dr first, since even though they are in the same family of meds, different meds react differently.

Keep your head up, and we'll be here if you need us! Let us know how things progress.

Cheers!

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 823

Hello Maria,

It sounds like you are experiencing a negative side effect from the increase in dosage of the Cipralex. It is definitely a good idea to consult with your doctor about this or perhaps choose a better suited medication.

As WQ suggested, practicing progressive muscle relaxation is a good idea. Other techniques such as deep breathing or taking a warm bath before bedtime may also be effective to help you sleep. Consider drinking a herbal tea like chamomile or passion flower an hour before bedtime also.

Also, are you working through the program? You will find that the sessions will enable you to combat the anxiety that you feel daily.

Keep us posted and hang in there,

Faryal, Health Educator

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 8

Hi,

Have you tried taking the medication in the morning instead of night? Also have you be doing the progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and box breathing technique to reduce the muscle tension.

I'm currently using Cipralex for my panic disorder about two weeks ago. I just started the 10 mg about 5 days. I do occasionally have chest heaviness from my anxiety but I always do the PMR and box breathing technique to help reduce the tension.

Hope this helps.

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 3

I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I was on 5mg of Cipralex for about 6 weeks to help with my Depression and General Anxiety Disorder. Although it helped lift my depression for the most part, my anxiety had not gone away. I have daily chest heaviness from the anxiety. Based on advise from a psychiatrist, my family docter increased the dose to the full pill of 10 mg at the beginning of January. Since I've increased the dose, I've had extremely bad insomnia and do not get much sleep on a daily basis...and my anxiety in the chest has not gone away either. I did not have insomnia at all, at the lower dose. The only reason we increased the dose in the first place was because of my anxiety. It was the night before last, that I decreased my dose back to half a pill so I can get some sleep (won't see my docter till next week). My dilemma is that I would like to go back to work, although, I'm not sure if I will be able to meet the demands of my very busy job, with the daily chest anxiety. Has anyone had similar experiences with Cipralex or can relate? I'm seeing my doctor next week and I don't know what to do at this point. Thanks M

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Cipralex - don't know what to do