Does Lexapro really work?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 5:28 am

Lexapro does work, and yes it does have its side effects.

I was on 10 mg for the past 1 1/2 yrs and I did get control over my attacks and depression, as well, I overcame my IBS, but I did not utilize any therapy. Unfortunately, I like so many too experienced the sexual side effects, the memory lapses and brain fog, but the biggest downfall was the emotional numbness which I was not aware I was experiencing.

I stopped taking Lexapro in July as a trial because of my failing marriage. I attributed my lack of emotional connection to the medication. Sadly to say my marriage did end and my anxiety and panic attacks returned more powerful than before and so once again I am back on the medication. I am one week full in and feel moderately better. This time I am using my resources and medication to guide me through this process.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 3:41 pm

i was on lexapro for a little while. it seemed to work great once it kicked in. i then started to get frustrated b/c i too experienced the sexual side effects. eventually i stopped it. my anxiety then became too overwhelming for me so about a year later i started it again but soon after got very scary thoughts and i immediately stopped it again. i am no longer trying any meds for my anxiety, i'm just doing the program and making some lifestyle changes such as eating habits, quitting smoking, and cutting out the caffeine. it seems to be working for me

good luck with everyting!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 3:59 am

I put off taking Lexapro for about four years. I had a prescription then would throw it away, go back, etc. I have now been on Lexapro for about 2 years and I have to say that it has helped me out tremendously. I mean I still have symptoms at times when I talk myself into having them but I am not a nervous Nellie anymore. I don't freak out in the grocery store, or spaz out in the car, or take my pulse 300 times a day. It did take me a while when I first started to get used to it. I take it at night and I take 10 mg, but I cut it in half to 5 mg because that is just the way I am. But honestly, after about two weeks, if that, I started to feel "normal" in terms of being realistic about people and situations. I have a family and a son and it has made a huge impact on them with me being on the Lexapro. I hope that helps somewhat.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 8:14 am

Just wanted to throw my $.02 in here.. I struggled with anxiety and depression for about 25 years. I am 37 now. I have been on MANY medications over the years, including lexapro. Thank God for the medications! But I do want to say this - the medications are a great TOOL that we should use to help get us to a place where we are able to take the NEXT step, which I truly believe is (something a lot like) Lucinda's program. I am now medication free and loving life! It took me 3 times going through the program, but I finally see the light now. (I did go through a divorce in those 3 years, and hit a really rough patch in my career, which is why I think it took me a few tries.

)

I guess I just want to make sure that none of you sell yourself short. We are not meant to be on the meds for the rest of our lives. Just because we "feel better" on the meds does not mean that we should not deal with the underlying issues that we are using them to treat in the first place. The meds do not CURE anything - they just mask the symptoms, which can be SO necessary in our journey to a better, med-free life.

You all have the strength to take the next step (and I'm sure some of you already are taking it!), so just make sure you do. You owe it to YOU!

John

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 1:26 pm

Was just looking around forums and found this other post by you, Crave. Wow... you have really struggled and been through the wringer on your journey. I am most impressed that you didn't give up, kept going, and got to a better place. Congratulations on that, especially on being able to also be med free too. You are a great encouragement and example to others!

Terri

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 7:15 pm

I'm going back on lexapro after changing psychiatrists and I have learned a couple things about it that I would love to share. First of all, there are generics that are in the same family as lexapro (I was on citalopram) and my experience was that even though they are cheaper they just don't work as well. I also found out that you should never take lexapro at night (which is just what I was doing). Apparently if you do it prevents you from going into a deep sleep so not only are you tired all the time but you don't manufacture seratonin (which is the point of taking the stuff). My doctor said that for some reason a lot of doctors aren't aware of this. I've just switched back and taking it in the mornings. He has warned me that I may have some weird dreams but I haven't noticed that. I have noticed that I'm not as groggy. I'm hoping for the best. I've had better luck with it than other things I have tried.