All about Lexapro

Hi Michelle and welcome to you and everyone else new…
I tapered off of Xanax while starting on Lexapro after being on X for
many years and a large dose…my fear was of withdrawal and because I
had a backup (psychiatrist helped me and lexapro) I experienced no
withdrawals at all. Lexapro has been good to me and I was hesitant
to try a new medication as well, but am very grateful that I did. I
gained some weight on it but lost half of it, the other half, I’m
told is not necessary to lose as I’m small too and usually
underweight. Pants still fit so not worried :o). Side effects were
probably just about all of them, lightheadedness, tired all the time,
yawning constantly (and with TMJ not a pleasant thing to be doing all
the time), nausea, headaches, nightmares, blah blah, but the
depression/anxiety/panic all went away almost immediately and no more
X. No more side effects either - am feeling terrific most of the
time, but I still have my “unhappy” days or “do nothing” days and
that’s ok too, since I know I’m human and don’t want to feel like a
robot anyway. Those “days” are a lot fewer and far between then they
used to by a lot and that’s a miracle.
Good Luck
tori

Hello and Welcome…
I remember when I was where you are at now and if lexapro works as
well for you as it has for me you will be feeling much better,
depending on your brain chemistry, metabolism, etc. in a few weeks or
so.
When you mention being a “lifer” on medication it brought to mind how
people with diabetes have to take oral or insulin medication for the
rest of their lives or they’ll die…or cancer patients have to take
medication for long periods of time or…etc. Mental illness is a
disease as well and if it requires me to take medication for the rest
of my life in order to feel “happy,” “normal,” and that life is worth
living then by all means I’ll do it. It’s a small price to pay in my
opine. Just take it one day at a time for now…it’s easier that
way - some people do need to take meds for the rest of their lives
others don’t…some like to feel depressed and stop taking their meds
or meds stop working, whatever…just enjoy the journey. Don’t be
surprised if, when you start feeling better and good about yourself,
others around you try to bring you down - don’t give them that power.
Good Luck…
tori

Hello,
Well, here I sit coffee in hand and beginning my 3rd day on
Lexapro.
I just thought I should introduce myself and give you some
background.
I went to the doctor a few days back and after years of thought and
hindsight, I have come to realize that I have been depressed since
my early 20’s (I am 35). I never liked taking any drug of any
kind. But recently it got to the point where there is no option, it
seems. I actually went on Lex for about 1.5 months a year ago- then
quit. Felt way better, few sides (many positive), so I got off
thinking I was better. I know, it was s atupid thing to do. Felt
fine for a couple months after that. Then felt depressed until up
to today.
I am planning on seeing a psych next week.
I am finding that, like last year, that even after my third dose I
am catching myself in negativity. I am starting to see again how
negative my thoughts are. I realize I am 10x worse than Anakin
Skywalker! Before, I would fly off the handle at everthing, be
bitter towards my children for selfish reasons, not have “energy” to
do anything (including going to the doctor). It was not actions,
but entirely thoughts. I would be always tired (from being so
negative) by the end of the day.
One of my concerns is thinking that I may have to be a “lifer”. I
was thinking about getting off after 6 months. But some have
suggested that a year, at least, maybe even life. Depression runs
from both of my parents (manifested in different ways). So my cards
are stacked against me. Isn’t it hard to realize that things have
been messed up for longer than you think? Then to think that you
may be going down a path (taking meds) that you may never be able to
leave?

I hadn’t had one in a long time till I found one left in what I thought
was an empty bottle today. It was very relaxing. but it left me more
groggy than Ambien would, FOR ME. Still, I wasn’t taking it for sleep
but for relaxation.
A former Dr. gave me Klon with Zoloft, but generally on Lexapro I didn’t
need them.

I’m extremely supportive to those who need it…it helps if you read
the posts before you jump on a bandwagon rosered and not be a
lemming… look it up ;o)
good luck
tori

hey angelique,
far be it for me to call anyone an alcoholic or anything else, esp
online…it’s not all about you sweetie and no I wasn’t directing
anything towards you - although I will say, methinks you protest too
much…Are you trying to convince me or yourself…redundant ?
good luck
tori

Welcome Lisa,
Isn’t it great to feel “better.” What a concept.
I don’t understand the “fear” people have of taking medication that
makes them feel better esp. because of weight gain. There are ways
to lose weight but there is no way of changing brain chemistry except
taking medication. It’s hard enough to find something that works and
then when you find it, not to take it, to me is just insane and
selfish. Then again, some people feel comfortable with a familiar
feeling such as depression/panic or anxiety. Feeling positive is
anathema to many.
Liz, if you know you’re hurting others and have something that you
know works except your fear of weight gain, and you’re not taking it -
talk with your doc about your fears…that’s what he/she is there
for. Everybody’s different…I took paxil, prozac etc. too, and I
never went through withdrawal or any other problems getting off any
of them. Didn’t gain weight either…Lexapro I have gained weight
and I’ve lost half of what I gained - had to change the way I ate and
did things when I got “HAPPY!” It’s worth the exchange. Metabolism
no doubt changed when the adrenalin surges that caused panic/anxiety
stopped. I tend to eat more when I’m happy too - can’t eat with the
other stuff going on. Oh well, for what it’s worth.
Good Luck
tori
P.S. Luann, did you ever start taking lexapro or any meds yet? Just
curious :o). How are you feeling?

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Anne

I was hoping someone could help me. I suffer from depression and have
been on Paxil off and on. I was given Lexarp a year ago and only took
it for 2 weeks, it made me tired but not sad. I stopped taking it
after the 2 weeks. Everytime I think of being on a med for depression
I become so afraid. I know what it’s like getting off of them. I
gained 20lbs on Paxil. Since part of my depression is based on how
fat and ugly I feel that doesn’t help me. I will tell you I was very
happy with Paxil except for the weight which is why I got off in the
1st place. I am starting to get sick again and was thinking of giving
Lexapro a chance but, of course I’m afraid of the weight gain. When I
start taking a med I always think of when I will be getting off. What
I am trying to ask you guys is do you think I should stay away from
the drug and just go on like this. Please someone help me.

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