[Lexaproactive]

Hello,

First post ever... I've spent hours now combing these forums for information that relates to my situation, but haven't found anything yet. Here's the deal:

My mother is diagnosed bipolar and father is mentally stable. Single child - My parents fought all the time when I was a kid, until about 14 y.o. I already had nervous ticks for many years but became increasingly depressed throughout highschool, smoking marijuana habitually and dabbling in hallucinogens. After graduating from high school I fell into a deep depression and began abusing marijuana heavily.

After quitting cigarettes and smoking marijuana only occasionally (maybe once per month) I eventually cut back all substance abuse. However, I still suffered from heavy bouts of unexplainable depression. My father persisted that I try antidepressants for almost a year until about 2 months ago when I started taking Lexapro.

The results have been very good - No side effects aside from yawning during the first week. I do not experience the same kind of unexplainable depression that were making it nearly impossible to enjoy any of the successes I had. However, I do still feel tired during the day and suffer from lack of concentration (nothing new).

THAT'S MY BACKGROUND.. HERE'S MY QUESTION: How long do I have to stay on this stuff before I can come off, if ever? I was a happy child - a bit quirky but nothing abnormal. My goal is not to be "normal" per say, only to be cured of the loooow energy and depression that has plagued me for so many years. There has definitely been a positive change since I began this medication but I don't want to take it forever.

Your feedback, please!!!