Lexapro Opinions?

[Akoto]

I don't think I'll get into trouble for asking this, since I've spoken with my doctor and am not asking you all for medical advice. Hopefully I won't, anyhow. :]

I have generalized anxiety disorder. It's not so awful that I can't leave the house, but it's still difficult to do so, enough that I really don't except for a few times a week. Talk therapy hasn't worked. I'm only twenty, but I already feel that the problem's set me back a few years from where I really should be, and so I talked to my doctor. She perscribed Lexapro at 10mg pills each. Because I'm afraid of just taking the medicine, I'm easing into it. Quarter of a pill for four days, half pills for a week, then full pills for a few more weeks.

Does anyone have any good experiences with this medicine to share? I normally wouldn't ask here, but only people who've had this problem really fully understand it, and I don't know any locally. Hopefully somebody knows things to ease my fears about taking the pill. My doc really wants me to, and I kinda want to as well. :)

[eek]

1. it has been quite good for my S.O.

It has has made a big difference in both of our lives (S.O. feels better and is thus easier to live with).

However , from experince I know that these medications hit everyone differently. That is important.
Just because a medication it is good for one person or there is no history of so-and so side effects doesn't mean it would be the same for you.
Don't go it alone; stay in contact with your doctor and friends /family.

You are smart to ease into the full dose. Anything either of us have taken we were started on progressively.

It is also important that you don't stop taking the Lex abruptly. If you do have to go off , you will need to taper off just as you are starting: slowly.
I'm sure your physician will tell you the same thing.

Some other things:
You probably won't feel that different for a while - a week maybe. Something about the RX getting to a consistent level.
In fact you may not have an "aha! I feel great!" moment. Probably more like you sort of realise at some point that you've been out and about a bit more, or realise you haven't been feeling
Also you might feel kinda weird off and on for a few days - crawly or foggy - like the way antihistamines affect some people. But that will pass.

Once morel: it is exceedingly inportant that you stay in contact with people.
Check in with your doctor when you have questions or develop a symptom you aren't comfortable with.

Please let some other people around you know that you have started on a new medication - they might notice you behaving differently before you do in case you aren't reacting well to the Lex.

I think you are wise to be aware of - and take care of - a condition while you are so young.

Good luck and I hope you do feel better soon.

Let us know how you are doing, ok?

[politicat]

2. My mother's on it.

It's a godsend. She has a situational anxiety issue that can't be fixed, so the lexapro helps her cope and keeps her from freezing emotionally or acting out or avoiding necessary situations.

It's a decent drug, as far as antianxiety medications go. Not too bad on the side effects, works quickly and effectively, and we use it in practice on a regular basis.

[Flying Dream Blues]

3. I've just gone off of it after taking it a little over 2 years.

I was having anxiety and depression after the death of my son. It really did help me with my social anxiety and I felt more like going out and being among people. I felt quite a bit less emotionally reactive and sensitive and yet it didn't completely destroy my libido. I was also having trauma anxiety (being afraid something else bad was going to happen) and that was what I just couldn't deal with, and the Lexapro helped that so much.

I agree with Eek that some medications work for some and not for others. It took a little while for it to start working completely, though I think I got some relief after a week or so. I took it at night since it had a tendency to make me a bit sleepy.

As a psychotherapist, I would also encourage you to try to do some more work while on the medication. As you establish new neural pathways with the medication, you can reinforce some of the new feelings with cognitive changes that might not have been available to you while under the strain of the anxiety.

I'm glad you are taking this step. Being anxious or depressed to a point where your life is impacted so greatly is something no one should have to live with. I hope things start looking better for you and I look forward to hearing how things are going. Take care!
:hug:

[Akoto]

4. Thank you for the kind advice, everyone.

I am still living with my folks, so I will not be alone as I start to go on this medication. In fact, I asked the doctor to delay my followup so that I could start the medication when one of my parents was off from work. I thought that might ease my nervousness a bit. :)

As I'm sure you know, anxiety makes you think unreasonable things. Some part of me worries that it'll dull all of my emotions or make me contemplate crazy things, like suicide. You sometimes hear about that with these kinds of drugs.

I'll try it, though. It could be bad, but it could also change my life. :)