Should I give up after bad reaction to first dose of Lexapro?

Yesterday, I started taking Lexapro (escitalopram). My doctor prescribed it to me with instructions to take 5 mg for the first six days and then increase to 10 mg. I took my first dose (5 mg) last night before bed.

Initially, I felt drowsy and fell asleep quickly, but I woke up around 2 a.m. feeling wide awake and unable to go back to sleep. A little while later, I started to feel nauseous and ended up having an upset stomach. I rushed to the bathroom and threw up violently.

I’m feeling really unsure about what to do. Is this reaction normal for a first dose? Could it be an allergic reaction? Should I stop taking it entirely?

I was thinking about trying to take it in the morning with a meal to see if that helps with the nausea, but I’m nervous because I work every day, and vomiting at work would be a nightmare.

I really want this medication to help, but this initial experience has me questioning whether I should continue. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Did it get better? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.