Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi everyone,
Yesterday, I was prescribed Lexapro 5 mgs for anxiety and depression. I'm wondering if anyone else is using this, has it helped, and how are the start up effects. Basically, the normal rundown.
I've was diagnosed over 20 years ago, and used to take Zoloft on and off. I've been off antidepressants for 5 years, but always kept Xanax handy because anxiety & panic were always my main problem. Anyhow, things have changed, and I feel the same, perhaps even worse than when I was first diagnosed. I no longer drive, work, shop, cook, clean, and so on. I also don't leave the house unless it's for an appointment. There's no sitting on the front porch, or hanging out in the backyard, gardening, playing with the dogs, etc. One of the biggest issues is being alone. For some reason I feel like someone has to be around at all times, yet don't have to be by me, if that makes any sense.
After years of seeing the same psychiatrist, I decided to check out a new one to get a fresh evaluation, and perhaps a new approach. Although he's very nice, the evaluation seemed so short compared to how it was years back. His recommendations are to take Lexapro (Escitalopram), and Lorazepam. He did give me a choice of antidepressants, but I didn't want Zoloft again, and didn't like Paxil many years ago, so that left me with Prozac or Lexapro.
As with many others, I'm afraid of starting a med due to side effects, and the length at which they hang around, so if anyone wants to share their opinion on Escitalopram, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks much,
Kim 💜
1 like, 13 replies
michael44065 Psyched_Out_Kim
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Psyched_Out_Kim michael44065
Posted
michael44065 Psyched_Out_Kim
Posted
Psyched_Out_Kim michael44065
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Ooohhh, I might have to second guess this med. The idea of brain zaps is pretty scary. Of course nobody wants increased anxiety, but it's expected with an SSRI, but it's my biggest hurdle. The meds are still in the bag, and tucked away, because I haven't gotten the courage to try them yet.
michael44065 Psyched_Out_Kim
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Psyched_Out_Kim michael44065
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I'm considering cutting the pill in half, and starting on 2.5 mgs just to get used to it.
lexi16814 Psyched_Out_Kim
Posted
I've had an anxiety disorder for many years but the past year been trying out medications for it.. the first one prescribed to me was lexapro and it worked amazing for the first week and then I didn't feel like myself.. so we up the dosage and it was worse. I stopped taking it and now taking Prozac and it's been about 2.5 weeks and I see a difference (for the better) but this one takes longer to kick in. After all the reading I've done, your body needs to try multiple kinds to see what one it does best with!
Psyched_Out_Kim lexi16814
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Thanks for the reply, Lexi. I had similar issues with Zoloft, but still took it for years. I never even noticed that I wasn't laughing like normal, and just not being myself, until I came off of the med. It's as if I couldn't be happy, and couldn't be sad, only existed but in a blah state.
If Lexapro causes too many issues, I'll probably give Prozac a try, and be back with the same questions. lol
lexi16814 Psyched_Out_Kim
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Psyched_Out_Kim lexi16814
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I haven't seen a therapist in years, but am considering a session or two. Finding one that's a good fit can be a pain. The best one I've ever had was a woman who had experienced panic attacks, so she could relate. Once she retired, I didn't look for a new one, because I didn't think it was needed anymore. That was about 12 years ago, and all was well for quite a while. I have no clue to what EMDR is, but if it works, I'll check it out.
lexi16814 Psyched_Out_Kim
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Definitely check it out because it works! I suggest looking into another therapist and just call and ask them if they specialize in panic attacks and so fourth.. that's what I did and I found a pretty good one! They do help but I agree finding one can be tricky but it's do able. Emdr btw was used to treat ptsd.. for soldiers.. for very intense anxiety/ panic attacks. It's amazing and eye opening!
Pobutter Psyched_Out_Kim
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Deb nyc
Psyched_Out_Kim Pobutter
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Thanks so much!
When I first took Zoloft, all was well because I had no clue about start up effects. After being on them for years, of course I thought that I didn't need them anymore. Not once did it occur to me that I was better because of them. lol I'd stop for a few days, then go back on. Eventually, I just stopped completely. Now I'm much older, and know of start up effects, so I don't want to attempt Zoloft.
The Lexapro is still in a drawer just waiting for me to pluck up the courage to take it.
Ahh, the crazy rollercoaster ride of mental health remedies!
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