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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2029 to 2053 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by male34 on February 10, 2003, at 20:38:53
In reply to How do these meds work?, posted by Chuck2112 on February 10, 2003, at 13:58:49
> I know these SSRI's help increase? or let your brain get the most out of the serotonin. Do it actually raise the level of serotonin?
> and whats the process? i mostly want to know why it takes several weeks for the meds to kick in. what is going on in the several weeks??
> does it take your body a while to produce the product or something??
****your seratonin receptors are like tubes on the left and right we (us people) dont get enough seratonin shooting over from one side into the other so we take meds to help our seratonin levels become correct why it takes weeks is a good question im guessing its just an adsjutment thing ,but it does kick in and work give it time
Posted by EGR on February 10, 2003, at 21:19:25
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » bridgette, posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 16:10:05
I recently added 100 mg of Wellbutrin to my 20 mgs of Lexapro. I have to skip a day or two every 5 or 6 days because of the buzzing in my head. So far I haven't noticed any increase in my sex drive, but I'll keep you all posted.
EGR
> Wellbutrin never did anything for me when taken alone. In combination with other drugs, it amplified the negative side effects.
>
> If it works for you and you have a health plan that covers some of the expenses, count your blessings.
>
> > Is anyone on the combination of Lexapro AND Wellbutrin SR/ I am on 10mg Lexapro and 150 mg os Wellbutrin Sr. I like combining them because of the sexual side effects of the SSRI and I think Wellbutrin enhances it---anyone else trying this???
>
>
Posted by EGR on February 10, 2003, at 21:22:39
In reply to Re: Now on 20mg, still no therapeutic effect EGR, posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 13:48:24
That would be frustrating. Try asking if you can go to 30... I know that I went through 4 meds before landing on Lexapro. I am not 100% pleased because of the sse, but I'd rather spend my life feeling like this than being suicidal and acheiving orgasms easily.
Hang in there... we care.
EGR
> One month.
>
> > Just give it time. It affects some of us quicker than others. They told me to wait 4 weeks to see how it would work. How long has it bee since you doubled your dose?
> >
> > EGR
>
>
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 11, 2003, at 16:05:36
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
still waiting.....
anxiety is still diminishing, but slowly....
i have had tight neck, shoulder, and arm muscles since sat night..... i still have the detached feeling, i still dont feel like my old self, and still dont feel much like doing the things is usually enjoy....but, i am determined.....although i feel closer to feeling like that than before the lexapro...so we will see
Posted by handmemymidol on February 11, 2003, at 17:49:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » Leo Bostar, posted by EGR on February 10, 2003, at 21:19:25
I have been diagnosed and dealing with panic disorder and agorophobia for 5 years now. Zoloft did nothing for me. Paxil made my stomach hurt. Serzone worked great, but of course, can't take that anymore with the liver scare and all. Now I am on Lexapro. I can't decide what I think of it. On the plus side, I am living a "normal" life, work, etc. All panic symptoms have subsided. I did have the loss of apetite that others are mentioning but after the first 2 weeks or so, apetite is back. The biggest problems I am having are sexual. I have no interest at all anymore in sex. And when I do have sex, forget about an orgasm. I have taken to faking it so my husband doesn't feel bad. I am at the 10 mg dose and that is working well so I don't think the doc will be upping it. Will this symptom fade away too like the loss of apetite? How long might it take? It has also made me really sleepy. I have been experimenting with taking it at different times to eliminate that. Also, does anybody else experience itching? Geez, when I try to go to sleep at night, I itch like crazy! The more I try to ignore it, the more I itch! It is making me nuts! Doesn't bother me much during the day when I am busy, only when I am lying around, watching tv, etc., so I don't think it is an allergic thing. What say ye?
Posted by ayuda on February 11, 2003, at 22:07:10
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Has anyone seen this: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lexapro_ad.htm
It concerns Lexapro side effects in controlled studies. Reads like a list of everything we've complained about here.
Posted by male34 on February 12, 2003, at 15:29:25
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by ayuda on February 11, 2003, at 22:07:10
my paxil quitting reason was gaining weight has anyone been on LEXAPRO long enough to say it does or doesn't make you gain weight? please thanks!
Posted by nails on February 12, 2003, at 17:21:50
In reply to Re: lexapro need help--Charlotte, posted by MaryZee on February 9, 2003, at 20:33:52
I am wondering why your doctor switched you to Lexapro after 10 years on Prozac? I've been on Prozac for about 13 years and it seemed to just "stop working" about 3 years ago. My doctor tried me on Welbutrin (did nothing for my depression), Paxil (ferocious appetite), Effexor (caused weird pressure behind bridge of my nose and heart palpatations), so I'm still on Prozac. (It's better than nothing, I guess). Just yesterday, my doc switched me to Lexapro. Does anyone know....Can the body actually build up a sort of "tolerance" to Prozac so that it no longer helps the depression? When I started on it 13 years ago, I thought it was the best thing invented (except for the lack-of-libido part), but it seems to have gradually quit working for my depression. Does Lexapro have a different chemical make-up than Prozac, so that it might make me feel the same way Prozac did 13 years ago? Does anyone know of ANY antidepressant that does NOT affect the libido? My husband would be forever greatful if I can find one! (My feeling is, if that is the ONLY side effect of an antidepressant, I can live with it, as long as the drug works!) I appreciate any input from anyone. Thanks.
Posted by ayuda on February 12, 2003, at 18:58:06
In reply to LEX wieght gain anybody,or not?, posted by male34 on February 12, 2003, at 15:29:25
> my paxil quitting reason was gaining weight has anyone been on LEXAPRO long enough to say it does or doesn't make you gain weight? please thanks!
I haven't gained anything on Lexapro. I had gained 40 lbs in 6 months on Effexor (also one of my main reasons for quitting it), so it is nice that the weight gain has stopped. In fact, my appetite has decreased, and I will hopefully start dropping weight on the Lexapro. But everyone is different....
Posted by abigal on February 12, 2003, at 20:32:12
In reply to Dealing with Lexapro, posted by handmemymidol on February 11, 2003, at 17:49:14
> I have been diagnosed and dealing with panic disorder and agorophobia for 5 years now. Zoloft did nothing for me. Paxil made my stomach hurt. Serzone worked great, but of course, can't take that anymore with the liver scare and all. Now I am on Lexapro. I can't decide what I think of it. On the plus side, I am living a "normal" life, work, etc. All panic symptoms have subsided. I did have the loss of apetite that others are mentioning but after the first 2 weeks or so, apetite is back. The biggest problems I am having are sexual. I have no interest at all anymore in sex. And when I do have sex, forget about an orgasm. I have taken to faking it so my husband doesn't feel bad. I am at the 10 mg dose and that is working well so I don't think the doc will be upping it. Will this symptom fade away too like the loss of apetite? How long might it take? It has also made me really sleepy. I have been experimenting with taking it at different times to eliminate that. Also, does anybody else experience itching? Geez, when I try to go to sleep at night, I itch like crazy! The more I try to ignore it, the more I itch! It is making me nuts! Doesn't bother me much during the day when I am busy, only when I am lying around, watching tv, etc., so I don't think it is an allergic thing. What say ye?
Yes, I have been itching at night too! I never really connected the two, but you are right! I have been on Lexapro for almost 4 weeks. I took 10mg for the first two days but thought I was going to jump out of my skin. I also couln't sleep at night. I have cut back to 5mg and do feel better. I am nervous to try a higher dose but I don't think such a low dose is theraputic. People keep talking about a loss of appetite but I feel like I could devour a 2lb. bag of M&M's all the time. I pray to God that I don't gain weight. I haven't noticed too big a problem with sexual side effects yet and I hope not to. It's hard enough to feel depressed and anxious let alone to feel bad that you are not interested in your husband too! I did notice that I feel sort of jittery and impatient with my kids at times. I have also noticed that I cannot drink coffee like I used to. I only drank two cups in the morning but now that makes me jumpy. I also feel tired especially in the afternoon, but a cup of coffee makes me feel worse. It's weird that I can feel tired but I am not able to sleep at night.
Posted by EGR on February 12, 2003, at 22:26:40
In reply to Re: LEX wieght gain anybody,or not? » male34, posted by ayuda on February 12, 2003, at 18:58:06
I gained 25 pounds in the 6 mos. BEFORE going on Lexapro. Part of that time I was on other meds. I think I've lost a little in the 2 months I've been on Lex... and for sure I have less of an appetite and it seems like my metabolism has sped up too.
EGR
> > my paxil quitting reason was gaining weight has anyone been on LEXAPRO long enough to say it does or doesn't make you gain weight? please thanks!
>
> I haven't gained anything on Lexapro. I had gained 40 lbs in 6 months on Effexor (also one of my main reasons for quitting it), so it is nice that the weight gain has stopped. In fact, my appetite has decreased, and I will hopefully start dropping weight on the Lexapro. But everyone is different....
Posted by handmemymidol on February 12, 2003, at 22:36:39
In reply to Re: Dealing with Lexapro » handmemymidol, posted by abigal on February 12, 2003, at 20:32:12
Thanks for your input Abigail! I am glad, not that you are itching, but to know that its not just me. The only reason I put it together is because I had surgery a few months ago and was on morphine in the hospital and then percocets afterwards for the pain. Those narcs make just about everybody itch.
Perhaps it is your low dose that makes you edgy with the kids? I dunno. The 10 mg seems to make me not really care too much. My kids can holler and carry on and thats like "cool, dude". lol I can even sit at a red light for 3 turns and thats cool too. The things that drive me nuts about my husband don't bother me much either. I just patiently put the toilet seat back down and put the cap back on the toothpaste.
The appetite thing is a little harder. I go through spells. My weight jumps around alot. Some days I won't eat much of anything. Other days, especially the week or so before my period, its best to just nail the fridge shut or it will be empty. Which makes me wonder about hormones. Anybody know anything about those? Can they be tested?
As for the coffee, well, when I first started suffering from panic and anxiety, that was the first thing I cut out. Now I drink decaf. Didn't need anything else to contribute to my jitters and edginess, ya know?
Posted by HannahBeGood on February 13, 2003, at 1:22:05
In reply to Re: LEX wieght gain anybody,or not? » male34, posted by ayuda on February 12, 2003, at 18:58:06
> > my paxil quitting reason was gaining weight has anyone been on LEXAPRO long enough to say it does or doesn't make you gain weight? please thanks!
>
> I haven't gained anything on Lexapro. I had gained 40 lbs in 6 months on Effexor (also one of my main reasons for quitting it), so it is nice that the weight gain has stopped. In fact, my appetite has decreased, and I will hopefully start dropping weight on the Lexapro. But everyone is different....I've been n 10 mgs. daily for last 3 months. And no real interest in food. I think it has to do w/some residual dysthymia we have yet to clear up.
Altho my depression is generally more of the atypical, fatigued, reactive sort, since I lost my parents, 2 beloved pets, my best friend (who was simply tired and agitated by my depression becoming full-blown + the fact that it was taking me more than a year since beginning therapy to stabilize and stay there, same is true of my husband-he's getting very impatient- I know I can be a burden-& that's a drag, but, sorry, gang, I'm ill and I'm workibng on it!). Anyway, my depression 'bouts', which cannot be ignored or camouflaged, what I call those periods of time from 1-3 days of almost total immobilization, 20 or more hours of sleep a day, are taking on more morose, sad, frightened aspects that have not been hallmarks of my previous major depressive periods and periodic brief, but disturbing 'dips'. Too much death in the past 2 1/2 years. Too many endings. And since my mother died of Alzheimer's 22 months ago, food has ceased to call my name the way it used to.
So, it may be my dep. has changed in quality, but I still think The Lex is appetite neutral. I did take Effexor for 9 months just before I began the Lex. It did increase my appetite a bit, made me crave ice cream, and also slowed me down physically. Made me quite drowsy, which we vigorously fought with stimulents, but after 9 mos. I had to drop it, due to the lethargic cocooned, 'so what?' feeling I felt on it. It did however help me greatly by desensitizing me at a time when every individual nerve was raw, & I cd. not cope with the intense feelings of grief I was facing.Anyway, point being---Lexapro has not sharpened my appetite even during my 'normal/positive' days which comprise about 2/3's of each month.
I did a full trial of Celexa 2-3 years ago, I had no side-effects whatsoever, but it also was a dud for my depression.
Only Desipramine (which I took for 4 mos.) and Remeron greatly increased my appetite. I used Rem for about 8 wks.--best sleep I ever had, markedly reduced anxiety within 8-9 days, but I never stopped eating. Everything tasted SOOOOOOOOOOOO good. I couldn't quit grazing. Desip. I was using 100 mgs daily for pain relief augmentation and I craved sweets and chocolate daily. It also gave me horrific dry mouth, no relief from depression (I was not yet under a pdoc's care) and set the stage for a lot of dental work that might have been avoided.But I was new to A-D's at the time--didn't know doodly-squat.
I have also used zoloft, prozac, wellbutrin, trazadone, elavil--all were neutral as far as appetite affectation.Hope this helps~sorry so
longwinded~~~ HannahBeGood
Posted by HannahBeGood on February 13, 2003, at 2:11:16
In reply to Dealing with Lexapro, posted by handmemymidol on February 11, 2003, at 17:49:14
> I have been diagnosed and dealing with panic disorder and agorophobia for 5 years now. Zoloft did nothing for me. Paxil made my stomach hurt. Serzone worked great, but of course, can't take that anymore with the liver scare and all. Now I am on Lexapro. I can't decide what I think of it. On the plus side, I am living a "normal" life, work, etc. All panic symptoms have subsided. I did have the loss of apetite that others are mentioning but after the first 2 weeks or so, apetite is back. The biggest problems I am having are sexual. I have no interest at all anymore in sex. And when I do have sex, forget about an orgasm. I have taken to faking it so my husband doesn't feel bad. I am at the 10 mg dose and that is working well so I don't think the doc will be upping it. Will this symptom fade away too like the loss of apetite? How long might it take? It has also made me really sleepy. I have been experimenting with taking it at different times to eliminate that. Also, does anybody else experience itching? Geez, when I try to go to sleep at night, I itch like crazy! The more I try to ignore it, the more I itch! It is making me nuts! Doesn't bother me much during the day when I am busy, only when I am lying around, watching tv, etc., so I don't think it is an allergic thing. What say ye?
I say "great" on the panic subject. So glad u have improved! i have some serious anxiety problems and they can be such an intrusive obstacle to 'normal' living. My interest in sex is coming back, altho only sporadically. Haven't actually had realations w/hubby in a long time,he has problems w/E.D and I have been dysthymic and out of in and out of major depressive episodes on and off since Feb. 2000, when my father died suddenly.
But, since dropping FXR afer 9 mos.(it made me so drowsy & a bit blase), I have woken up a lot since 3 mos. on the lex and I take stimulents for ADD + clonazepam and propanolol for mood balance and my high baseline anxiety (which I had long before adding p-stims about a year ago).
I think it's possible the sexual side-effect will fade w/a little time. And a glass of wine just before sex has always helped me get in the mood.And then itching-YES-mine is mainly on my scalp and most bothersome right in the middle of my head, where my part is.And ya know, I'm on quite a cocktail, so I had not really considered the Lex as the culprit. Thought it might just be the dry weather or my new, more expensive(!)'no frizz hair care regimen. I went around for a couple of weeks, shopping, doing chores, chatting or whatever and just scratching my dumb head intermittently, the whole way. Bet I looked like a real smart cookie!
Then, thankfully, my old stand-by, Benadryl, popped into my head. Now, I can usually take a benadryl-25 mgs.- and the itching is gone in no time. So, my opinion, if u haven't already--Definitely try at least one dose of an antihistamine for the itch. in my case, it was such a simple solution, and I don't have to take it everyday. Benadryl does make some people drowsy, some just a bit calmer, some feel no side-effects.
Ask your doc about using a non-drowsy antihistamine, low-dose, if the lex makes u drowsy, if it wires u out, The benadryl may be just what u need.
Here's to an itch-free future...best of luck`
Hannah
Posted by Sussus on February 13, 2003, at 9:59:17
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me » sussus, posted by Charlotte Groce on February 8, 2003, at 17:31:57
Thanks Charlotte, for your sharing. Since my last posting, things have finally started to get better in a very real way for me. It took a solid month on Lexapro for me to start to feel like myself again on any consistent basis. I am so relieved to wake up in the morning and want to do things again - anything. I am regaining my energy. Hang in there. I still have nausea from Lexaprop every day and my sleep and sex life are off, but hey- everything is a trade-off and this is one I will gladly take. Keep in touch.
Sussus
Posted by MaryZee on February 13, 2003, at 13:17:39
In reply to Switch from Prozac to Lexapro - » MaryZee, posted by nails on February 12, 2003, at 17:21:50
Hi! My doctor switched me from Prozac to Lexapro after taking Prozac for 11 years because the Prozac gradually just stopped working. I don't know why it did so. When I first started taking Prozac I thought it was a wonder drug!!! It literally changed my life!!! Now, the Lexapro has been miserable for me. I have started breaking the l0mg tablets in half and have been taking only the 5mg for about five days now. I plan to then start taking the 5mg every-other day and then stopping it altogether. I have decided to stop all the med's and see how I feel. Then, if I don't feel better I will ask to be put back on the Prozac. Maybe being off it for awhile will make it start kicking in again. Also, I was originally on the daily Prozac. When the weekly pill came out I was switched to that. I am probably wrong - but I think that the time-released once a week pill doesn't work as well as the daily. Has anyone else thought this?? It was after I switched that the Prozac seemed not to work. Really am looking forward to seeing what life will be like without any of these med's in my system after soooo long. I still have panic attacks and depression and anxiety. Maybe I just have to learn to live with these :(
Posted by male34 on February 13, 2003, at 17:18:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by Sussus on February 13, 2003, at 9:59:17
IM ON 10 MG'S FOR ONLY 2 WEEKS NOW,BUT IM DOING WELL SO FAR SO GOOD,ANXIETY DOWN AND SPIRITS ARE UP.
Posted by EGR on February 13, 2003, at 23:27:23
In reply to LEX-2 WEEKS NOW,GOOD!, posted by male34 on February 13, 2003, at 17:18:03
I am so very happy for you!
EGR
Posted by nails on February 14, 2003, at 1:16:04
In reply to Re: Switch from Prozac to Lexapro -, posted by MaryZee on February 13, 2003, at 13:17:39
15 years ago, I found myself suddenly crying at the drop of a hat, throwing things in a fit of rage, taking people's moods personally, etc. Then, I was unable to feel emotion at all; I could no longer cry, and started thinking about commiting the big "S". That's when I sought help. I spent almost 2 years with therapists, trying to "come to terms with my past", reading self-help books, attending group therapy, etc. Finally, a therapist asked me if I had a family history of depression. Well, my grandma, dad, uncle, brother and 2 neices had all been hospitalized for depression. Those neices had also attempted suicide, and they, along with two of my brothers, my uncle, and my sister were also on antidepressants. (I'd been asking my therapists all along if my depression could be caused by a "genetic, chemical thing" rather than from "supressed feelings about my past".) I was finally referred to a Psychiatrist who put me on Prozac, then fairly new on the market. He told me it may take a couple months to take effect, or it may do nothing. 9 days after starting Prozac, I was emerging as a new person. I liked myself! I liked other people! I was confident! I could go MONTHS without crying! I smiled! If the store clerk was nasty to me, it was HER problem! Prozac was miracle! But... after about 8 years on 40 mg/day, the "old feelings" started to return. I went to 60 mg/day which began to lose its potency after a couple years and then to 80 mg/day, which only worked for about 6 months. My doc then tried me on various other A.D.s, to no avail. Now, when I go back on Prozac, it helps, but only for a limited time. (I've gone without ADs for a month or two but soon fall back into the ol' depression crap). I wonder, IS there an antidepressant that's as comparable in effectiveness and popularity as Prozac once was? Of course, meds affect everyone differently, but it seems that when Prozac first came out, a large majority of its users were quite satisfied with its effectiveness against depression. I'd give anything to be able to feel the way I did those first 8 years I was taking Prozac! Any suggestions/input?
Posted by male34 on February 14, 2003, at 8:32:30
In reply to Re: LEX-2 WEEKS NOW,GOOD! » male34, posted by EGR on February 13, 2003, at 23:27:23
> I am so very happy for you!
>
> EGR
******************
thanks EGR I wish and hope the best for you also, and all of us, male34
Posted by male34 on February 14, 2003, at 8:46:33
In reply to Re: LEX-2 WEEKS NOW,GOOD!, posted by male34 on February 14, 2003, at 8:32:30
i found helpful anxiety site
go back to main meesage board scroll down and you will see my post ANXIETY PANIC HELP CLICK ON IT ,
male34
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 14, 2003, at 10:38:14
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
5942.1
i have been on lexapro for 3-1/2 weeks now.....i went on lexapro because i was feeling many of the symptoms of anxiety. i think i slowly developed these symptoms during my marriage and after my divorce. i found that after i was divorced i had trouble finding much to talk to any of my friends about, almost as if my mind would go blank when hanging out.
about a year and half ago i started to make myself go to more parties and hang out more because i thought it was something that i could work on, but no matter how many brief moments of being totally at ease and having conversation with different people, it would always pass and leave me feeling exhausted...and finally i fell into what i would call a rut, whereas i stopped finding pleasure in the things i used to, had a hard time smiling and would get irritated much more easily, hardly had anything to talk to people about, unless something in particular was on my mind, i like being social and dont have any fears with talking to people, but for the past year or so my mind just goes blank when i try to hang out with friends.....
so again around november i tried to break out of that, and was going to parties hanging out, having fun, i would do pretty good for an evening, but i never knew when the blank mind thing would sneak up on me, it could happen at any time, i never knew how long i could keep it at bay, but one thing for sure was that the blank mind would eventually take hold, it always did
well after several weeks of this, i finally couldnt hold it anymore, and it hit me full force, i started getting aches in my legs and back, sweaty hands, couldnt concentrate on anything, and just having an all around hard time with things.......
so i want to know if anyone here has had anything like this, does it sound like anxiety? and can the meds help
i have been on the lexapro for a while, 3-1/2 weeks, and so far it has started to help with the aches, the tension, i am able to focus a bit more, no more sweaty hands and overall just alot more calm and less irritable. every day i am on it i feel slightly closer to normal but normal is still a touch away
so my question is, can i expect the meds to help me get even better than this, i hope so......i think my mind goes blank around people because i have this anxiety in the background that keeps for from being fully present...and therefore i dont have the normal flow of thoughts i am used to having...so do the meds help this? how?
Posted by princess8896 on February 14, 2003, at 18:07:40
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I was taking Prozac for PMDD and my Dr. switched me to Lexapro about two weeks ago and I seem to have an increase in symptoms. The Lexapro does not seem to be better than the Prozac.
Posted by Leo Bostar on February 14, 2003, at 18:42:15
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Side effects are now kicking in: bad migraines, hypersomnia, anxiety, increased depression. Therapeutic effects never happened after over a month of taking this stuff. I'm backing off. The MD has agreed to let me reduce the dose 5mg at a time, for a week or so at each dose, until I'm off the Lexapro completely. What a total waste of time and money. I'm through with chemicals that make me sick and theraptists that do nothing but nod and take my money. Good luck, everyone. I'm outta here.
Posted by Charlotte Groce on February 14, 2003, at 19:45:34
In reply to Re: lexapro need help--Charlotte, posted by MaryZee on February 9, 2003, at 20:33:52
> Hi Charlotte: My doctor also put me on Lexapro.
> I took it two weeks (l0 mg) and felt awful. I have cut the pills in half and am taking 5mg at night. Plan to discontinue completely. Seeing the doctor on the 24th (he's on vacation). After ten years on Prozac and now the Lexapro, I have decided that I am going to stop all the medication. I want to know how I feel without any of these drugs in my system. If I start acting "weird" my family will tell me and then I can always ask the doctor to put me back on the Prozac. Have not liked the Lexapro at all. I hope it helps you to read posts - it sure helps me. Before finding this place I thought I was very alone in my depression and panic attacks.
> Twenty years of suffering - ten on med's - life get's tiring sometimes. But I always try to think that maybe tomorrow will be better. Lost my best friend/older sister to cancer three years ago. She made me promise that I would not commit suicide after she died (we knew she was dying).
> She made me promise over and over. I wanted to after she died - but did not. Am glad now that she made me promise. So is my husband. He is supportive though he does not really "understand" what is going on with me. Let us know how you do off the meds, o.k.? Thanks for listening.
MaryZee:Thank you for responding. I have been off of Lexepro for 2 + a few days now. I feel much better...suicide is not in my mind as much now. My energy has returned. My memory is still lost, but my concentration is returning.
I wish my family was more supportive. My husband does not understand my mental illness. I have been suffering from OCD for more than 15 years and panic attacks for 2 years. I just found out what was wrong with me in Feb. 2001. Paxil saved my life, but ruined my sex life. When I switched to Lexapro in Nov. my sexual desire returned, but a whole new set of side effects joined me. I decided, like you, to try it on my own for a while to see who I am without my meds. I want me back.
I learned how to handle the anxiety (panic attacks) with breathing techniques and the OCD with confrontation techniques. I still see my theropist every 3 weeks and my psychiatrist every 4. I still take clonazapem each night. I just found this website 2 weeks ago. It is good to know I am not alone. For so many years I thought I was the only one that was like this. I am elated to know that I am in good company.
I hope you do well without your meds. But if not you can always go back. Good luck.
Charlotte
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