Lexapro: Advice

phillk02 · Post by **phillk02** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 2:08 pm

I was recently prescribed Lexapro at the suggestion of my therapist. I'm really hesitant about going on medication (this will be the first time I've tried anti-anxiety meds), and I would appreciate any advice anyone who has taken Lexapro can give me. I'm particularly curious about side effects. Thank you in advance.

Faith123 · Post by **Faith123** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 3:03 pm

Lexapro really helped with my moods and emotions. I had to get off of it and miss that part of it very much. Wish I had some of that control back at this point.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 4:22 pm

I was on Lexapro for a year, it helped a lot. I gained some weight but I think that is common with all of those drugs.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 8:03 am

I took it for awhile and it was fantastic in the beginning. Over time, I noticed I became irritable and began gaining weight. In retrospect, I think the Lexapro took the bad feelings and good feelings away, and I turned to food to fill the void. I eventually felt sort of numb and when I weaned off, it was exciting to feel the 'highs' again but now have come the lows again. Now I'm dabbling with St. Johns wort and Valerian, which although herbal, are drugs too. There's no perfect answer. When I started the Lexapro, I was desperate for relief, and it was the right decision. It gave me the piece of mind to do the program and 'recalibrate'. I'm better off for having taken it but I know it's not a long term solution for me. I read that the SSRI's may hinder the body's ability to regulate serotonin over time, meaning you HAVE to take them. That said, you shouldn't have any trouble if you take it for 6 months or so, work very hard on the program to change the way you think, and go off. Don't be afraid of the meds. If you need them, they can help.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 9:34 am

Phil,
If you can manage to work this program and make progress without going on this medication it would be better. It may be a bit challenging at times but try to do it without the med. That way when you do get better, and you will, you will not have to deal with all the issues associated with getting off Lexapro.
However, having said all that, if you REALLY can't cope and you are REALLY having trouble with your daily life, then maybe using the med may be best for you. It's your call.

I know that back in November, when I suddenly came down with GAD, I was so bad I was not able to perform at work. I was seriously worried about losing my job. I needed relief fast. So, using Lexapro turned out to be the right decision for me at that time. But at that time I was not aware of what was happening to me. I just thought I was dying!
Now, that I've completed the course and read several good books on the subject, I realize that I probably could have worked through this on my own if I'd known how to handle it.
It's your call, only you know how bad your situation is. If it's a minor to moderate problem that you can work through or if it's a full blown (feels like) loosing your mind. Either way, you are going to come through this and you will be fine, you'll see.
God Bless and Peace be with you

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 09, 2008 10:58 am

I have been very satisfied with it. I was off and on Paxil for 2 years before and that worked too. They both allowed me to gain a lot of weight.

I would rather gain weight than EVER deal with the debilitating anxiety and depression again.

Just make sure you give yourself the full 8 weeks it takes for the drug to reach its full effect.

Hang in there,

Jacqui