Stress Center Peer Support

hi everyone. i am currently an anxious mess. i am a teacher and have been off work this week. i feel like i don't have any coping skills at the moment. i have moved back in with my parents this week too. anyways, i have been anxious for the past two months since my engagement has ended and my uncle died. i thought i was getting better but i'm not functioning at the moment. my doctor has prescribed me cipralex but i am on the fence about taking it. i have been trying natural options for the past two months that have worked in the past but aren't working now. i guess i should also mention that i was on paxil for eight years and came off in may. i was feeling great then and started a new exercise program. i just don't know what to do. i ordered the program and should get it next week but i feel like i can't wait another day for some relief. should i take the meds to get me over the hump and go off when i have the brain tools? help.....

Personally,

I would take the meds to get through the hump.

I would, too, take the meds. The program is great, but even Lucinda says, "sometimes we need the meds". Myself, I cannot tolerate ANY of the antidepressants for my depression, and have to rely solely on the Xanax, which I don't feel works half of the time. But, give it a try... sometimes you need a "boost", i.e. med, to get over the hump.

I am sorry to read of your losses... and, I wish you the very best in your recovery.

I agree, I'd take the meds if I were you. I'm on celexa, clonazepam, and neurontin myself.

Do what makes you feel comfortable. You are going through a lot right now. Anyone in your situation would be VERY stressed out.

me again....i am sooooooooo afraid to take this medication. i know it will help me but i can't seem to take the first pill. i have anxiety about new medications. i just worry that i will have some freak side effect and end up dead. i don't know what to do!!!!!!!!!!

Hi, I always have the same problem. What I do is ask my doc or pharmacist, what's the smallest I can break the pill into. they always tell me , if you take too small a dose it won't help LOL, but what it does for me is I can see if i'm allergic to it or not , then if I'm ok, I raise it up the next time etc. till I'm taking the whole thing. sometimes it takes just 1 or 2 times, other times it takes 4 times. If it's a capsule, ask your pharmasist, if you can dump out half the contents without if afecting the medicine. i've done it with both kinds, but I always consult someone first. I'm such a wimp when I start a new med LOL!!!! Hope that helps.
Hally

I completely understand. I just recently made the decisoin to go back on meds. They scare me too. But, I do believe there is a time and place for seeking the meds - as long as you are not relying on them as a crutch!

I felt better because my doctor and I made a plan together. She was very clear about all of the side affects and possible interactions. She also prescribed it in a way that slowly increased the dosage over a few weeks. This was important to me because I wanted to watch out for the side effects.

That's my two cents, but you have to make the decision that is right for you just as I did for me. Good luck with it!

I think medicine has saved my life. It has greatly improved my OCD and depression, taken some of the edge off. Still, it is not a cure and I still suffer, especially with depression. I am in a study for Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression. So far, I do not feel better. I think you should try the meds as they are prescribed. It may help you to work with Lucinda's program. Who knows? Perhaps you won't need them when you learn her techniques. Try to get over your fear about taking meds. I know it seems impossible...but you can do it.

hello all. i took 2.5 mg of the cipralex (lexapro) today. i THINK i feel okay. a bit of a headache. not sure if i am going to take 2.5 or 5 mg tomorrow............