I was just prescribed Lexapro for my depression/anxiety. I have been researching it for the last two days, and nothing I have read sounds like something I want to deal with. I want the real scoop on what this drug has done to help/hurt you.
Lexapro, the pros and cons?
Question posted by umdiddly on 19 April 2011
Last updated on 20 April 2011
3 Answers
caringsonbj
20 April 2011
the time that I was on it I used the 10mg (white tablet) it seemed to work faster than what these usually do, the doctot told me at the time it could take three to four weeks, I could see within less than 2 weeks time that I could function better, easier to do thig things that needed to be done activities of daily living, I also looked at the time and I was wondering what side effects I might have, I was also on a smaller dose of xanax that the doctor give me to use in-between I wonder if it just didn't happen that the two drugs worked well for me and I got along well. I have had a past history of Polio and the doctor wanted to start with this and it seemed to work well (or the combination did). It is my sincere hope that this helps you and that you find it one that does a good job for you, I hope you will let us know how things are going, everybody I know is different but it is my hope that you feel better soon, Caringsonbj my first name is
puckiemull
20 April 2011
Hi umdiddly,
I also suffer from depression,anxiety and ocd,i was on lexapro for a while and it worked for the first few months,(this is just my experience-everyone reacts differently to different meds,what does'nt suit one person,might suit another).
Lexapro worked great for my depression but did decrease my sex drive,also after some months of been on the same med and that med alone,my anxiety hit the roof so i had to change but also got prescribed xanax for the panic attacks and increased anxiety along with prozac.Maybe at the time,if i had the dosage of xanax i'm on now,along with the lexapro it might have worked,but going on it alone didnt work well with me after a while.
But dont dismiss it straight away,give it time,at least til your next app with your doc,it could work wonders on you,as i said everyone is different,alot of people swear by lexapro,so i would'nt knock it til you've tried it out,you'll know after a few weeks and if its not the right one for you-dont get down-hearted,there's plenty more out there you can try.I know finding the right one that suits you can be a pain,but its better to treat it,then let it go!!
Let us know how you're getting on and post anytime.
Take care and best of luck.
puckiemull
20 April 2011
Also forgot to mention on your thoughts and worries about weight gain and dizziness lasting? I put on no extra weight while on lexapro,actually lost some but thats me speaking for myself-others could have different experiences,and the dizzieness only lasted a short time.Did your doc say to take it in the morn?If you were experiencing dizziness or if it was making you tired,you could take it at night when you would'nt be so active or have to do so many things,just until your body gets used to it.Just a thought?
Inactive
19 April 2011
Hello umdiddly. Hope that you are doing fairly well. Depression and anxiety are like two peas in a pod. Well, you've been researching and so you are not to enthusiastic about the side effects, that can happen. I was on it for some time. My dose ended up to be 30mg. Once, I believe it was for a two week period, it was upped to 40mg. The scoop... well, in my case, it was a drug that kept my anxiety level down. Did a good job for me in that area. The depression... again, talking about me, did not leave me. Now please, bear in mind, in my case, medication is refractory. Often, dosage will always end up being high. I know, of some friends of mine, who swear (so to speak) by lexapro. I could read you all the side effects, how the drug interacts in your system, body but I am certain that you've reade up on this.
Curious, if I may ask, how long have you felt so down and anxious? And will lexapro be your only med? Often, I have found in my case, being on other or several different medications at the same time, will, and can most certainly cancell out some side effects that you would otherwise have, say in this case taking only the lexapro. My number one beef, with lexapro was that it kept me awake. I am an insomniac. But, then, I was also on seroquel, which fought this.So, lexapro alone, would not have been ideal to say the least. I would have dropped it and it was eventually stopped anyway. Only because its always a hit and miss situation. That is the bottom line. To find the meds that will help you. I never gained weight, nothing really while on it. My suggestion, and you are the person, taking it. Perhaps give it a try. If you don't care for the drug, tell, this is the magic word... ha! tell your dr. You are the boss. Truly so. You live with the symptons. Its nothing, it costs your dr. not a cent to want to try another medication and ask for it. Depression is a serious business. Very much so. Life will get better, once you find the key, and the key here is the right med. for you. This is a good place to be. lots of people will lend you an ear and try to make you feel at home, in someways. Best wishes umdiddly.
umdiddly
19 April 2011
I have been depressed/anxious for as long as I can remember. I was hospitalized when I was 17; diagnosed with major depressive disorder and severe anxiety. I refused medication until, literally, yesterday.
I was also perscribed Xanax but kind of as a when needed basis. I took my first Lexapro today and so far have experienced what I read I would; dizzyness, nausea, and shaking.
I am just afraid to suffer the side effects mentioned: weight gain, low sex drive, dizzyness, etc. I have monitored myself closely today and will continue to do so for the next three weeks before my next Dr. appointment. That way I can relay exactly what I need to when I see her again.
I really appreciate your response. :]
Inactive
20 April 2011
And hello umdiddly. Saying hello, and hopefully your symptons are less today. A bit late in responding, but well, hope that you will begin to feel better. You seem to know what to look for, as you said, monitering yourself.When you see your dr. again you can inform her as to whats been happening. Good for you! Ha! :-0) Truly hope all goes well for you.
Related topics
lexapro, depression, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder
Further information
- Lexapro uses and safety info
- Lexapro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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