Starting Lexapro

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My MD started me on Lexapro a little more than a month ago. Started at 5 mg and I got such paranoia that I quit. On follow-up exam he suggested 2.5 mg and I've been doing that for about 3 weeks. Today I upped it to 5 mg. He was talking as high as 40 mg. I see no reason for anyone taking that amount especially with what I'm reading about rats coming down with retinal degeneration and adrenal failure, plus all the symptoms that come from withdrawals. I will stop at 10 mgs. I don't have social anxiety, I have a problem with motivation which I guess stems from some type of depression.

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My heel hurt so back got

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Hello, CatAddict! How are you?

Lab animals are usually given far greater amounts than the therapeutic doses, so you can't really go by that.

As to why some people take 40mgs, it's because there are certain doses that have been found during human trials to work for most people. However, if you find a lower dose works for you, then you don't have to go up to a higher one. Eventually, your body will get used to any medication that you take regularly and it will stop working as well, which will require a dosage adjustment or switch to a different medication. If you take the minimum dose that works, then you leave yourself room for somewhere to go later.

The FDA classifies Lexapro as being an SSRI antidepressant and its typical side effects may possibly include nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth and weight changes.

Is there anything else I can help with?

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The type of depression you have should be the qualifier for taking Lexapro (SSRI means selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) as it is prescribed for major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders.

Forest Laboratories, the maker of Lexapro, has been embroiled in litigation about the drug for some time now:
nytimes.com/2009/02/26/business/26drug.html

If your curious about whether or not your MD takes kickbacks from Forest go here and type in his name:
openpaymentsdata.cms.gov

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That's what I thought. I was extremely fatigued yesterday I think because I upped the dose to 5 mg the day before. The 2.5 wasn't effective anymore.

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Thanks no results found.

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