Has anyone taken Lexapro?

[sued]

I have always been anxious. Just part of being me. Anyway, my GP suggested I take Lexapro. Has anyone ever taken it, know about sideeffects, did it help? I have read what Lexapro wants you to read but I'd love to hear from a person who actually took the stuff before I do.

[NikDaSchwugie]

I'm on it right now (20 mg daily), and I've been on it before. I hardly have any side effects, but I noticed if I miss it one day, I get very depressed.

It's not too strong as antidepressants go, it's practically the beginner pill.

[JoeyDVDZ]

Ooooh... antidepressants. Hook a brotha up!

[Boston Funbags]

I took it and it didn't help me and I didn't have side effects. I've found that anxiety and depression per(pre?)scriptions are trial and error. It took awhile until I got the right drugs and dosage.

[HummerTuesdays]

Sued, listen to Tom Criuse. All you need are some vitamins and exercise. :icon_mrgr

Hope everything works out for ya!

[sued]

I was told to take half a pill (5mg) in the morning every morning for a couple days. Then as need. I've taken something on occasion that's really outdated and it gives me headaches. About 5 years ago I took Lorzapane and feel asleep in my salad.

We'll see how this goes. Thanks guys. Knew I could find one or two how take a pill or two! :icon_mrgr

[NikDaSchwugie]

That's the first time I've ever heard anyone take Lexapro as needed - usually that goes for an anti-anxiety drug like Ativan or Valium - but if it works for you, do it.

[abudabit]

I took it when I was misdiagnosed with depression. Turned out I was becoming diabetic. Anyways, I obviously didn't benefit from it, but it didn't have any bad side effects either.

[sued]

Ok update, the lexapro gave me headaches so now he says "Zoloft every day". Any takers?

[Jolie]

Zoloft increased my anxiety. They gave me oxazepam at the same time, for the anxiety. I eventually switched to something else. Only one that didnt make me anxious was trazodone. I stopped taking it about 5 years ago, and now just deal with depression/anxiety on my own.

[angrymissy]

Be careful - I was on Paxil for 6 months and went through withdrawl when I went off of it. They say "non-addictive" but actually now had to put warnings on certain SSRI's regarding withdrawl symptons.

I was on 20mg, and when I tried to stop, I got flashes of severe dizziness, crying jags, and felt sick all day. I had to literally wean off over a period of 4 months. I had to cut up the pills and reduce it by 1mg every 3 days.

The only thing that reduced my anxiety was Ativan (similar to Xanax or Valium) on an as needed basis, but a lot of docs are afraid to prescribe it, as it has potential for abuse.

I'll never take any meds like that again, SSRI's fuck with the seratonin receptors in your brain, I deal with it on my own now and am fine. I don't know how severe your anxiety is though, I do know people who absolutely could not control it without meds (wouldn't be able to leave the house, etc). Just research whatever they want to put you on, don't blindly take it like I did.

[novalia]

try ashtanga yoga.. it will make you feel better.
truth.

[sued]

Thanks guys. This is pretty much what I was thinking too. I just spoke with the doc's office and Im going to return the sample packet to them. I had a good friend go through horrible withdrawl complications & she's still got troubles a year later. I don't need that. Anxiety and stress are enough. I don't need my help fucking me up more.

[WaddleDoodle]

I've been on anti-depressants for a while. Zoloft was good for a while, then Celexa. Both work until your body adjusts.

[NikDaSchwugie]

It can take a while until you find the right medication for you. It's a pain in the ass, but when it finally works out, it's great.

I took Zoloft briefly. It made me shake my head uncontrollably.

[CM Mark]

I took Zoloft briefly. It made me shake my head uncontrollably.
Okay, my new name for Zoloft is BJ Assist. :action-sm

[ChrisH]

I've been on it for about 3 weeks now, 10mg a day. Hard to say if I have had side effects from it or from the uber-stress in my life right now (work related), but I have had shakes, heart palpitations, etc., which I think is related to stress and not the drug. That said, it doesn't seem to have reduced my anxiety level. The only thing that works consistently is booze at night. Did I mention I'm a lawyer in NYC? Ugh.

[quigll]

Sued,don't give up. It's not fun to be anxious. If you can find meds that help it's like a new life. Zoloft is good just don't stop taking it all at once. Keep trying to get better:-):)

[novalia]

just curious if you guys taking the meds or thinking you need the meds regularly exercise?

[Jolie]

I don't take meds anymore. However, when I am especially anxious/depressed, I do find that changing what I eat and exercising for 30 min before bed do as much, if not more, than the meds ever did to help me.

I am now a big proponent of trying everything ELSE before meds. The meds deadened me - I lost all passion, and didn't really care. Sure, I wasnt anxious or depressed, my moods didnt cycle as much (I was once actually diagnosed as cyclothymic, or mini-manic/depressive), but I hated how I felt and my lack of passion.

[rustytrombone1]

Try Viagra....its more funner.

[sued]

Well, I am returning the sample pack today but a really weird thing happened last night. I have a cold so I took 1 (1/2 the dose) liquicap of Nyquil at 6:30 (had a babysitter and thought it would be good to sleep). I woke up at 8:30 panting, my vision was all fucked up. it felt like I was looking at the world through the lens of a digital camera, just slightly off and in the dark it felt like a black and white world. I was scarred shitless thinking I was going to die. Clearly, drugs are not for me. I will just have to get tough and deal with my anxiety and now my cold. has anyone reacted to Myquil like this?

[novalia]

try not to make snap judgments in any direction.. maybe it is one ingredient in the nyquil that isnt good for you.. unfortunately i am not one to listen to my own advice.. many years ago i blew out my knee at a college soccer game and i was back in my dorm taking codeine3.. i had the worst nightmares in my life two nights in a row.. ever since then i wont take pain medication even throughout a soccer career that brought me four knee operations and much rehab.....

for you it could have been an isolated event or maybe you didnt have food in your stomach or your fever was trying to break and sometimes the sickness just fucks you up regardless of any medication you have taken..

[sued]

Codiene can give you very bad nightmares. I have had that same experience with Vicodin but never with Percocet. You prob took too much for your body.

I will never take that stuff again but you are right it prob was one ingredient. i just need to find out which one. There is an antibiotic called Ketek that I took about a year ago. I had an allergic reaction to it that hadnt even been recorded by the makers. Terrible to be so sensitive to meds.

[WaddleDoodle]

I don't take meds anymore. However, when I am especially anxious/depressed, I do find that changing what I eat and exercising for 30 min before bed do as much, if not more, than the meds ever did to help me.

I am now a big proponent of trying everything ELSE before meds. The meds deadened me - I lost all passion, and didn't really care. Sure, I wasnt anxious or depressed, my moods didnt cycle as much (I was once actually diagnosed as cyclothymic, or mini-manic/depressive), but I hated how I felt and my lack of passion.


Looking back, this was the biggest reason that I stopped. Also, there is this place in Chicago that does some tests, maps out your brain chemistry, and then perscribes a vitamin regime to corrrrrrrect deficiencies. I got on this (turns out I've got a really bad Zinc deficiency) and within a couple months I didn't need the anti-depressants anymore.

Edit: It's called the Peiffer Institute, if I remember right.

[sued]

Do you have to go to Chicago or can you send out bloodwork and lab results?

[WaddleDoodle]

They have regional clinics that come around to areas bi-yearly. Or you might be able to go to the nearest Quest center and get the stuff shipped out.



Edit: It's the Pfeiffer Treatment Center. He're the website. http://www.hriptc.org/

[Jolie]

Have you ever had your thyroid tested? That can also cause mental/emotional issues with people.

[ChrisH]

In addition to lexapro (which is not working as well as hoped), my new shrink has prescribed me klonopin for the super work-related anxiety/stress I have been going through lately. Has anyone ever been on klonopin? Ever both at the same time? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

[TexasPest]

My wife took it for a while. At first I thought it helped, but now that she's off it I realize that it wasn't all that strong.

[NikDaSchwugie]

I've been on Klonopin (and lexapro at the same time). It's ok, not as good as Ativan (now that's strong) but it works well for mild anxiety.

[novalia]

I've been on Klonopin (and lexapro at the same time). It's ok, not as good as Ativan (now that's strong) but it works well for mild anxiety.


If you have mild anxiety welcome to the world of living and working human beings. Life is hard!!

[sued]

Novalia you seem to be very interested in this thread but obviously don't "suffer" from any of these problems. (I hate the word suffer sounds like a victim). What is up with that?

[novalia]

i am forced to paint with a wide brush here so i am sure going to offend some people.. unfortunately...

i believe that our society is overmedicated and use drugs to solve problems that cannot be solved.. people will be anxious.. people will become depressed.. this is life.. looking for answers with a pill just seems to be irresponsible..

i know people with REAL problems who truly need medication.. those problems will NOT go away without the pills..

i dont have much more to say.. i am not so well versed on the subject.. i see what i see and talk about it... in my opinion other things could be substituted for the quick fix effort... i think that drugs should be the last resort where it is inescapable that you should be medicated...

someone asking about a drug on a radio message board forum doesn't fit that category.. i dont think enough effort has been made in other areas..

i cant help but have offended some people in this thread.. it isnt my intention to hurt anyone..

[novalia]

oh and i didnt say i didnt suffer from any of these problems.. i do suffer from mild anxiety and occasional bouts with depression... mania sometimes.. like i said i think this is just part of living in a human body with a creative mind.. it also could be related to the (self diagnosis here) sleap apnea i think i suffer from.

[NikDaSchwugie]

If you have mild anxiety welcome to the world of living and working human beings. Life is hard!!
I don't have mild anxiety, but Klonopin is an effective suggestion for those who do.

Anyway, someone asking for advice on a message board is actively taking part in getting better, and I give them higher marks than anyone who says "sure doc, okay," and just pops the pill.

[JimsInfectedEye]

I am now a big proponent of trying everything ELSE before meds. The meds deadened me - I lost all passion, and didn't really care. Sure, I wasnt anxious or depressed, my moods didnt cycle as much (I was once actually diagnosed as cyclothymic, or mini-manic/depressive), but I hated how I felt and my lack of passion.

I have to second this. I've been misdiagnosed as bipolar, unipolar, major depression, severe anxiety - by doctors that saw me for 15 minutes. So many doctors get kickbacks from prescribing the latest, greatest medication - not one doc told me I should eat right, watch my weight, get some exercise, talk to a shrink. When I even asked about seeing a shrink, they referred me to a psychopharmocologist, who had me take a test - he went down the list of items I checked and gave me a blister pack of Effexor. I'm like, "dude, don't you want to know about my childhood or something?" He was like, "we don't do that here - just try this medication, here's the script, and come back in six weeks".

Luckily, I found a great psychologist ON MY OWN, who managed to pull me out of my despair and eventually back to normal, however you define normal. As ghey as this sounds, I've literally been cured of panic attacks by books written by a little old lady named Claire Weekes, who wrote about panic/anxiety disorders back in the 60's when it was called "nervous breakdown". Fascinating reading if you're really into trying to understand anxiety issues.

[PALLY]

I have always been anxious. Just part of being me. Anyway, my GP suggested I take Lexapro. Has anyone ever taken it, know about sideeffects, did it help? I have read what Lexapro wants you to read but I'd love to hear from a person who actually took the stuff before I do.


Have taken it and loved it. Made dealing with my nut job of an X much better days...Nothing pissed me off that he did. He could have told me or did whatever he wanted and I was like whatever fat bastard I dont care I am on the Lexapro. It was a great 5 years I tell you! Had no side effects. Maybe just one that it pissed my x off that I was so relaxed and not a stressed nut like he was....

But now I am done with him and the lexapro but it was a very good pill not bad at all. No side effects and made everyday better then it was b4 I took it...

[novalia]

Luckily, I found a great psychologist ON MY OWN, who managed to pull me out of my despair and eventually back to normal, however you define normal.

what steps did you take to find a good psychologist?
i think this is one of the tougher hurdles for a lot of people.

[sued]

novalia, you certainly aren't saying anything offensive and i was curious b/c you ask such open ended questions (a good thing). I agree with you that a lot of people's depression is a luxury. If we were battling cancer or some other life threatening illness our down days would become much less important.

Anyway, I have decided my original decision made years ago was a good one and I will continue to deal with life without meds. I think I am too sensitive for the stuff. Plus the past year I have had a ton of probs with my back and other things so I have taken percocet off and on. i am giving that up too. I see that all of it makes me hazy and I dont like the idea of addiction which is always looming and worrying me. (Maybe there is a pill for that:) )

I do think there are a ton of people who benefit from medications and I am just not one of them. Sometimes you need a swift kick in the ass (or an emotional breakdown) to remind yourself you are not so bad off.
make sense?

[novalia]

you are open to discussion and differing opinions..
that will always make sense =)

i dont usually hedge my opinions so much and am generally not so gentle.. but this is a topic that is a little too delicate to be poked at insensitively.

[JimsInfectedEye]

what steps did you take to find a good psychologist?
i think this is one of the tougher hurdles for a lot of people.

Well, I couldn't have done it without insurance. I certainly sympathize with those who's medical coverage only provides for regular GP visits. Thats where the catch-22 is; I really think people would go the therapist route but due to insurance reasons its easier and cheaper to go to your GP, especially since anti-depressants are usually covered. My shrink was charging $150/hr, but I only had to pay $30 of that.

What I did initially was call my insurance company and got a list of therapists in my area that accepted my insurance. I went down the list and made calls; some weren't taking new patients, some were out of business - and of the ones I did find that were able to see me, I would interview THEM....after all, I'm paying THEM for services and I want to see how we get along initially. Most shrinks blew me off, but one sat back and answered my questions without bias and we began weekly sessions. My insurance would cover 26 sessions per year - average twice a month - but sometimes we would do therapy three times per week, then take a bit off. It worked well.

She was a great person, and for years we got along - unfortunately she seemed to go off the deep end herself. She became a huge believer in Kevin Trudeau (the wackjob con artist you see in infomercials shilling a natural cures book) and began leaning heavily towards being a psycho-nutritionist. She would chastise me for having ONE beer, abhorred the use of any medications at all including tylenol, and started blaming my depressive bouts on what I'm eating and maybe the "toxins in the air" at my workplace.

Ah well - things are good now for me, so I really don't need her services anyway - I've learned how to cope on my own thanks to her, and thats what I really needed.

[Jolie]

My favorite therapist was someone who uses a technique called EMDR. Its awesome. Its often used in cases of post traumatic stress disorder. Essentially, it involves looking at a fast-blinking light (in my case, there was a light that went back and forth on a bar that was maybe 2-3 feet across) for a minute or two, and then talking about the issues that are bothering you. It is hard for me to explain how/why it works, but it does.

The biggest advantage is it works FAST - I had 3 sessions and my temper/anger issues were in control up until recently (last year or so). So it worked for about 5 years. I'm going to try to find someone where I am now to do it again, if I can.

[JimsInfectedEye]

My favorite therapist was someone who uses a technique called EMDR. Its awesome. Its often used in cases of post traumatic stress disorder. Essentially, it involves looking at a fast-blinking light (in my case, there was a light that went back and forth on a bar that was maybe 2-3 feet across) for a minute or two, and then talking about the issues that are bothering you. It is hard for me to explain how/why it works, but it does.

The biggest advantage is it works FAST - I had 3 sessions and my temper/anger issues were in control up until recently (last year or so). So it worked for about 5 years. I'm going to try to find someone where I am now to do it again, if I can.

Dude, I've heard a lot about that - its something I want to try. Was this something the therapist specialized in, or was it brought up during a session?

[Cybouncer]

Lexapro is a wonder drug for many who suffer from depression but very often, it "Poops" out, (Just stops owrking).

Ask your Dr. about Effexor. Many people who fail on Lexapro are switched to this with very positive results. Everything being said about Zoloft is pretty true. It works on certain kinds of depression but for others, it is useless.

http://www.effexorxr.com/

[Jolie]

Dude, I've heard a lot about that - its something I want to try. Was this something the therapist specialized in, or was it brought up during a session?

I didn't know she specialized in it when I started seeing her. However, after working with her for a month or two (weekly - if I remember correctly) she brought it up and suggested I try it. I had/have a big anger problem - when I get upset, I used to get really mad and scream and cry and basically throw tantrums (for lack of a better word). The thing was, while these were going on, I felt like I wasn't the one throwing the tantrum - it always felt like *I* was watching from a corner and couldn't really stop my tantrum until I had essentially exhausted myself.

The therapy REALLY helped. Unforunately, it seems to be starting again, so I am going to try to find another therapist soon, I think.

[Cybouncer]

I didn't know she specialized in it when I started seeing her. However, after working with her for a month or two (weekly - if I remember correctly) she brought it up and suggested I try it. I had/have a big anger problem - when I get upset, I used to get really mad and scream and cry and basically throw tantrums (for lack of a better word). The thing was, while these were going on, I felt like I wasn't the one throwing the tantrum - it always felt like *I* was watching from a corner and couldn't really stop my tantrum until I had essentially exhausted myself.

The therapy REALLY helped. Unforunately, it seems to be starting again, so I am going to try to find another therapist soon, I think.


That's pretty typical (feeling like you are on the outside watching it). I have heard that from a few different people who are on Lexapro.

[novalia]

The therapy REALLY helped. Unforunately, it seems to be starting again, so I am going to try to find another therapist soon, I think.

What sort of other effects did this therapy have on your life? did you find deficiencies in areas you had previously been proficient? Some people are defined by their aggression and use it daily whether in business or sports... it only gets ratcheted up above normal during stressful or frustrating circumstances... but still it will always be a part of your personality... how can someone simply turn something off in themselves without consequences? are things no longer frustrating? do you simply not care as much anymore about some things? and which things are they? who decides?

this therapy seems quite unusual to me... almost like some form of shock therapy... it seems like you are putting a lot of trust in someone to not fuck up your head..

ahh but wtf do i know.... that's why i am asking =)
....as i google EMDR.

[Jolie]

What sort of other effects did this therapy have on your life? did you find deficiencies in areas you had previously been proficient? Some people are defined by their aggression and use it daily whether in business or sports... it only gets ratcheted up above normal during stressful or frustrating circumstances... but still it will always be a part of your personality... how can someone simply turn something off in themselves without consequences? are things no longer frustrating? do you simply not care as much anymore about some things? and which things are they? who decides?

this therapy seems quite unusual to me... almost like some form of shock therapy... it seems like you are putting a lot of trust in someone to not fuck up your head..

ahh but wtf do i know.... that's why i am asking =)
....as i google EMDR.

Hmm.... I dont think I noticed any deficiencies after the treatment. I still got annoyed, I still had passion and spark (well, as long as I wasnt taking the antidepressants at the time), I just handled my anger better. Instead of instantly lashing out and being either REALLY mean (saying horrible things to people I love) or self-destructive (I was a cutter), I talked through the anger and didn't find myself hurting myself as often.

The light does something to open the areas of your brain that are receptive to things like healing and allow you to really examine how and why you have the issues you have. Talk therapy goes along with it, its not just looking at a light. I can't really explain it that well (but as you said, googling EMDR will tell you a lot), but it worked.

[novalia]

i read a bit of it and it isnt necessarily the light.. some dont even use light... they use taps and other noises/feelings.. the point (as i understood it) was to stimulate both sides of the brain... in order to reconcile information that the brain has processed... reprocessing is what our brains do at night.. it is an important step in memory and dealing with stresses.. your brain reconciles what is important and what is not while sleeping with dreams.. a couple of doctors have made the correlation of the procedure with REM sleep (your eyes go left/right quickly)... if you dont sleep well enough your mind does not get to finish its own therapy so your brain hasnt fully functionally healed or stored the day's information properly...

looks pretty neat to me... what i posted above was simply a theory (not my own)... they really dont know why it works.. wild stuff!

[novalia]

ok i'll share my link... i wanted to feel smart for a minute...
http://www.pshrink.com/emdrfile.html

[sued]

Ha, when you said your link I thought you meant YOUR link.

Check out Landmarkeducation.com. I go back to what I learned there ultimately every time I get caught up in my own anxieties and head. Very powerful way of thinking. Ive mentioned it in a few threads recently partally because Ive been working through some stuff but also because it really made a huge difference in my life and everything I have in my life today stems from the work I did there. If my posting about it turns one person on to it Id feel great.