Lexapro

Lexapro saved me - I resisted taking medication and spent 5 months crying all the time. I finally gave in and, with me, it started working almost immediately - which is rare. Really - I started it on Friday and by Monday was feeling like my old self again. The only problem for me is that it makes me perspire more - I perspire easily anyway, so it may not affect you.

A.,

I did use lexapro for a while after I had my daughter and it worked but I did gain weight. However I am now on Wellbutrin and it does work (maybe not as well) and does not have a weight gain side effect...or at least not for me. My doctor did mention that I may be able to take the wellbutrin and a lexapro to get the the full affect of the lexapro and then the wellbutrin will offset the weight gain...I have not tried that route yet.
I am also 33 and want to feel like myself again...but the weight gain after three children is part of the reason for my depression.

I was put on 10 mgs of Lexapro 2 years ago and I can honestly say, it kept me sane. lol My husband had just been diagnosed with a really bad heart condition and he was facing a heart transplant. I kept having breakdowns and was having a hard time functioning at all, let alone for my family and my job. I started the Lexapro and within a couple of days I started to feel more like myself again and started to see light at the end of the tunnel. I started taking it in the a.m., but soon realized I needed to take it a little before bedtime, as it made me really sleepy, which was a good thing. :) I don't think I had any direct side effects from it all. I know a couple of people who said they had crazy dreams once they started taking it, but I've always had them, so I can't give credit to Lexapro for that. :) I've also gained a lot of weight, but I also have a nine month old baby, so I can't say Lexapro did that, either. I will say I just this week had my doctor switch me to something else (Cymbalta), but that is simply because I felt like 2 years was a long good run for Lexapro, and I felt my body was ready for a change. But I highly recommend Lexapro to someone who is new to anti-depressants (as I was). Good luck to you!

Initially I was put on Lexapro when I was diagnosed with depression. It is actually considered fairly mild in the realm of antidepressants and the side effects you're concerned about are less likely with Lexapro. Matter of fact, it wasn't strong enough for what I needed. I'm now on both Celexa and Wellbutrin. I do know that Wellbutrin actually counter-acts the loss of sexual interests and weight gain. Wellbutrin was added for me due to lack of energy.
As far as attempting to not use medication to treat your depression, here are some things that are less known:
(1.) You should not go through your general doctor for decision making on your meds. If financially possible (thru your insurance), have a psychiatrist initially prescribe it and see him/her at least once a year to re-check how the medication(s) are working for you.
(2.) Depression can physically damage your brain. The longer you go untreated, the more permanent damage. Proper medications are important and reduce the long-term chance of another major depressive episode. Or even the need for the medication to be life long. I wasn't diagnosed and treated until my thirties. It runs it my family and I've had a few major episodes in the last ten years. I've accepted I will be on medication for the rest of my life. My daughter, though, was treated by the time she was 13. At the age of 15, her psychiatrist has stated she is able to now come off her meds.
(3.) Get yourself an excellent cognitive-behavioral therapist and start going on a regular basis. Over and over again it has been proven coupling meds with this type of therapy has the highest success rate. And will increase your chance of not requiring meds for the rest of your life.
(4.) Those alternatives to meds your friends have recommended? Some are good and some are questionable. But those that lend themselves to common sense are probably another crucial piece to your treatment.
Examples:
(a.) Getting enough sleep (or at least improving it some)
(b.) Take a multi vitamin
(c.) Try to cut out (or at least reduce) the junk and sugar. Your body and mind really will do better when you begin to improve your diet.
(d.) Get 15 minutes of sunshine on your face each day. Even during the winter. There is evidence that a great deal of Americans are vitamin D deficient (which you get from good old sunshine and helps keep depression at bay)
(e.) Take a fish oil or omega 3 supplement daily
(f.) Get some sort of physical activity on a regular basis. Outside is best. But moving your body is more important that you realize.
(g.) Breath. We often tense up and don't breath when we're upset.
(h.) Journal often. If you are not used to it, give it a chance. It can feel awkward at first but has huge benefits once you get into the groove.
(i.) Build your support system. Friends, family, groups, churches.
Ok, I can go on but you get the idea. There is still a lot of misinformation out there about depression and the medications that treat it. Many of your friends may have good intentions but not have accurate information. And neither may your general doctor, believe it or not.
Oh! Never, ever stop a med on your own and cold turkey. Bad mojo in the extreme is possible and can do bad things to your mind. Always listen to your doctor on this one.
And please remember everyone will have different experiences with Lexapro and any med. Our brain chemistry is very different from each other. And even if it does work for you initially? Your body/brain changes over time and you may need to change to a different med.
Last thing - People, on average, have to try three different meds before finding one that initially works. It's unusual for the first one to be a total winner. So you have to be patient, especially as each one takes a few weeks to a few months trial before knowing if it's the 'one'. Don't give up.
Goodluck and hope this wasn't too much informational overload.
- C.

A.,
Everyone responds differently, and you'll find as many great reponses to the med as negative ones. Lexapro tends to be one of the "first try" meds these days as it is effective at low doses (so you don't have to spend months trying to reach an effective dose, though you might have to tweak it as time goes on to find your best dose). In addition, it TENDS (this is not a definate) to not have as many side effects as some of the other SSRIs for most people (but again, everyone is different). I'd say the most common side effect we saw was fatigue/sleepiness (so you might want to try taking it in the evening), and sometimes a decrease in libido. Ususally, they start at 10mg, but if any side effects occur, ask your doc to drop you to 5mg for a few weeks then try to go back up to 10 if you need to. It really helps to minimize any side effects.
Lexapro seems to be especially good if you're noticing irritability and short temper. I don't know why, but this is often the first thing people notice (actually, it's often the spouse or family members who mention it). It can take 4-6 weeks to see improvement with any of the anti-depressant meds, BUT, we would often see a much quicker response to Lexapro (sometimes within days) than some of the others.

I'd say, give it a try. Be patient (easier said than done)...it can take some trial and error to find the right med or the right dose. No matter which med you take, do not stop taking it "cold turkey", even if you're having side effects...if you want to stop, wean down and discuss it with your provider. Side effects can be rough if you just quit all at once.

Feel free to PM me if you'd like.
Hang in there!
A.

You have already received some fantastic advice...there really isnt anything I can add except to re-emphasize...be patient...it takes time for most of these meds to take effect. I have never taken Lexapro...but I work in a pharmacy,as a clerk, and I can tell you that it is taken by a LOT of people...talk to your pharmacists about it...go in and ask for a patient education print out so you can read up on it..but realize that they have to mention every single little side effect....so that is why I say talk to the Pharmacist...he/she can tell you what the "normal" side effects are.
Most of all...dont just do NOTHING...there is no reason to suffer with depression...not with all of the help that is available out there. I myself take Zoloft and I can tell you it has made a world of difference!!!!
Good luck to you

I am taking Lexapro right now and I have to say I feel a lot better. the only side effects I had from it was I have to take it in the morning because it makes me feel more energetic and I was having trouble sleeping at night. Other than that I love it and my husband noticed a difference in me in about 2 weeks. Do NOT stop taking it without first consulting your doctor,this is a medicine that once you decide not to take it anymore, you have to taper it down. But other than that it is a great medicine with little to no side effects. GOOD LUCK!

Hi A.,

You need to take charge of your life and if it means taking medication, I say, "do it." I fought depression for many years not knowing exactly what it was. I am now a grandmother and I have been taking Prozac for many years and it has helped me function like a normal person. Don't let the "stigma" of depression medications stop you from feeling better. I don't know much about Lexapro but you can Google it and research it that way. You're in charge of you so don't let anyone make you feel bad about medications. Good luck.

S. C

A.,
I know how frustrating it can be to realize that medication is the way to fight depression, but rest assured that sometimes it is the only way. Sometimes there is just a chemical imbalance in our brains that causes these feelings. I have battled with depression most of my life even before having my DD. In the past I have taken Lexapro and had good results with it. I don't remember having any side effect from it. My doctor this time has put me on Celexa, which is working great, so that is an option you could also ask your doctor about. I started feeling better right away with it and haven't noticed any side affects. Good luck, I hope you get to feeling more "normal" soon.

I was on Lexapro for quite a while before I got pregnant with my 20 month old then had to switch to Zoloft. Lexapro did wonders for me! The only side effect I had was a small weight gain (under 5 pounds). It was a definite life-saver! I had also tried other things instead of meds but after being on the Lexapro and seeing the difference in myself and the difference I was to my family it made me realize that there really isn't anything wrong with being on meds. Best of luck to you.

My dr wanted to put me on that last year he told me start at a low dose less side effects etc said there will be good results but need to stick to it.Just like with nay medication or home remedy you'll have to do it to see any benefits

I don't know about the meds however do what you feel is right for you but all meds usually have side effects listed. If I may ask - would you consider a saliva test done by chiro or herbal stores to have your progestrone level checked. Progestrone is often referred to as the "happy hormone" just like when you are pregnant you have highest levels of progestrone and then when you deliver you bottom out if there is no natural supplement.
I would be happy to talk more with you about this subject and it may be a fit for you or it may not. Please if you want you may contact me at ###-###-#### or ____@____.com.
Thanks for considering and listening, K.

I take Lexapro and although I had headaches at first, they went away. I really like the medication. It really helped me without making me a "zombie" like some of the other anit-depressants. It just really cleared my head. I love it. I hope it works for you too! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Good Luck!

D. S.
Work At Home United
www.wahu2day.com
____@____.com

Hi A.,

I have had my share of depression and medication. I personally did not have any success with the medication. What has helped me is talking out my depression and issues with a trained professional. Also, changing jobs to one that I enjoy, changing my life style to remove the negative forces (ex-boss, ex-coworkers, etc), changing my perspective on myself and others, taking the time to do good for myself and not just sit at home and feel sorry for myself. I had to go out and find something that made me feel worthwhile so I could see that I am worthwhile.

I hope you find your answer soon. I know it is not an experience that is wanted. Take care of yourself. If you would like to find a great person to work with (talk to), let me know and I will give you her contact information.

Best Wishes,

J. Hobbs
____@____.com

I have no experience with lexapro but want to support you in your decision to take medication. I haven't read the other responses but I do know that we (myself included BEFORE medication - I take zoloft) tend to view medication as a cop out and if we just take care of ourselves we don't need it. And, maybe that's true. But, I have three kids, a job, a husband and a home and know that when I take my zoloft I yell at my kids less, like my husband more and am better able to handle the household issues so I'm a better person while on it and my family is better for it.
I have had no side effects with zoloft. Just went from 50 mg to 100 mg and was a little jittery for a few days but was fine after that. And, when I forget to take it I feel anxious like I do with PMS.

A.,

After I had my son, I went on Lexapro and didn't have any side effects that I can recall (its been 4 years). I ended up coming off of the Lexapro and went on Zoloft. I remembering it working for me for a short period of time but had used Zoloft before I was pregnant and that seemed to work better for me. I have dealt with depression and anxiety several times throughout my life (32 years old). The medication helps clear my head and I am to focus....then I usually get things under control and feel better and can wean myself off the meds (after consulting with my DR.) I also see a counselor when a stressful situation comes up because sometimes because stress can trigger my depression. Just keep in mind that taking this medication is not a life sentence......I usually take the medication for about 6-8 months at a time about every two to three years. I don't need to be on it constantly. I haven't been on medication in over a year and a half. I had to work on figuring out what triggers my depression.....recognizing the signs & symptoms and then managing it. Try to keep a journal.....I know being a know being a mom and working outside the home.....you have an abundance of time....(Ha!)....but its important in helping you work through the emotions and feelings. I had a huge problem with taking medicaiton because I thought it meant I was crazy or something was wrong with me....so if you are feeling that way.....you are not alone!!!! Good Luck!!!
C.

I did Lexapro and found it didn't do anything for me. The dr. switched me to zoloft and it worked great! I felt immediately better and stayed on it for three years with no side effects. So if it doesn't work play with the dosage and/or try another med. There will be relief for you.

I've probably been on 15 or so psychiatric drugs (anti depressants, anti anxiety, anti psychotic, mood stabalizers), lexapro is one of them. A few had side effects (the most memorable was constant bloody noses), some worked better than others. Zoloft was best for me. Mostly what I wanted to say is there are a lot out there. Different drugs react differently in different people's bodies. Watch yourself. If it is not working or you are finding side effects you can't live with, talk to your doctor about something else. Also, I don't know if you are going to counseling, but I really found it key and important to couple with the drugs. Now, it's been 4 years since any drugs, it is good for you to see what you need and get it. I'm sure your husband and children will thank you!

K.

They make you sleepy. The most effective thing is really to change the inside emotions by outwardly expressing aka. affirmations verbally the "real" you and not the "thoughts of the anxiety and depressed emotions" that seem to plague you during depressive moments. Rather than taking something for the rest of your life that's all. Or even doing both...Change the thoughts patterns in your life by changing the thoughts completely by affirming not just positive thoughts but power thoughts. ....and use the medicine but have a goal for the end of the round of meds.

A.,

I know everyone is trying to help... but honestly I have been there.. nothing works like medication. I know it isn't what everyone wants to hear, but if it wasn't for my prozac, I have no idea how I could handle my 5 children, and my husband for that matter. Try the meds please.. nothing is more important for a child, than to have a happy mother. Depression hurts so many more than you realize, and I promise you, if this helps you, then it is worth it, every penny, even the stress on your liver to process it all. I do not know all that much about Lexapro, but try your DR will have to try many types if you wish, just be very honest with your emotions. Good luck

A., I was on Lexapro for about a year with no issues. It worked great for me. I stopped when I got pregnant and after I had my son I went back on it. I have been on two different medications since then because they just kind of stopped working. I am now on the generic for zoloft and it works great. I always have taken my pill before bed, because it makes me tired, but that's the only side effect I ever had. Good luck

Hello there! I understand that it's wonderful to be able to get out of the "funk" without help however that's not always possible. I was on Lexapro in 2002-2003. Lexapro gave me my life back. The first weekend that I took it, I had a horrible migraine but it was so worth it. I became myself again after months of a zombie-like behavior, going through the motions. It was the best thing that I could've done for myself. The "headache" lasted 1 whole day and I didn't have one from the medicine again...not even when the doctor and I tapered me off of it. It was a blessing for me at that time in my life.

Medication is like anything . . . sometimes you have to try different ones in order to find the best fit. One thing I would like to stress is that medication is not the best thing to treat depression. Empiracally-based treatment shows that Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in conjunction with Medication therapy is the best practice for treating depression. In this scenario, you are not dependent upon drugs to make changes in your depression. Instead you learn new ways to think about things while the symptoms of your depression lessen.

I took Lexapro a few years ago. I am prone to migraines so if a medicine says it has a side effect of headaches I usually get them. However, I did not get headaches from using Lexapro. Also my doctor told me that most people are only on the medication for 6 months to a year and then they get weaned off. That was what did it for me, because like yourself, I did not want to be on medication for the rest of my life. I think it took about a week (maybe a little longer) for me to start feeling better. By 6-9 months I was ready to get off the Lexapro. There have been a few times that I have had to deal with depression again but I think if I needed to do it again, I would because it helped. I don't remember gaining any weight and some of the anti-depressants lower your libido but I didn't notice that either. Good luck and God bless!

A.,
I took Lexapro and had a very good experience with it! Just remember to give it time to start working and for the side effects (if you experience any) to go away. It sometimes takes a few weeks to get used to a new medication. If you quit too soon, you will not feel the full benefits. I did not have weight gain b/c of the medication, but it was caused by the depression itself. After a few weeks I noticed a difference. The only problem I had was when I stopped taking it b/c of pregnancy I had dizziness for a few days. Good luck, and I hope it works out for you!

It is the most wonderful thing since sliced bread. I've been on the generic (Citalopram) for about 4 years. You will get headaches if you quit taking it. In the beginning I slept alot, but we don't know if that is because I needed the sleep or from the meds. I wouldn't take anything else!!! D.

Hi, A.. I've been on Lexapro for 3 years now. for me, the
side effects have been pretty absent. I've tried a few others
but they all messed with me in one way or another. Cymbalta
worked pretty well, but it made me sweat ALL OF THE TIME like
a constant hot flash!! I also gained about 10 pounds on it.
Lexapro didn't make me gain weight and I have had no headaches
because of it. I take 20mg in the morning and I'm good to go.
the only thing that I noticed happened when I skipped a dose
on accident-in the middle of the afternoon I got REALLY sleepy
and kinda shaky and a little emotional. not bad, just a
little weepy. then I remembered that I had forgotten it.
within an hour after taking it I was fine. I wasn't doing it
on purpose, but you should never just stop an antidepressant
without checking with your doctor. and I've been on it
awhile, so my body is very accustomed to it. that's probably
why I felt like I did when I missed the dose.
It's a good medicine and it has worked really well for me.

I don't know why you are needing meds, but if your doc says
to do it, do it. natural remedies unfortunately don't work
well or reliably. I know, I've tried all of them. I have
dealt with depression on and off, mostly on, since I was 15.
there are obviously things you can do for yourself, diet,
exercise and getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
but that won't be enough if you're suffering from depression
and lets face it, when you're depressed the last thing you
care about is diet, exercise and sleep!
don't worry so. it is a good medication and it won't make
you feel all weird. you'll probably start at 10 mg for a
week or so and then move up to 20. it usually takes 4-6
weeks for the medicine to build to sufficient levels enough
for you to feel a difference, but everyone is different. in
the beginning you might feel a little dizziness here and
there and a little dry mouth, but that goes away pretty
quickly. try it. you'll be fine and it will likely work
well for you. good luck and let us know how it all works
out!

I take a whole food nutitional supplement called body balance and I have talked to many other people who also take it and over time have stopped taking the medication given to them for depression. This is after years of living with depression and being medicated. After taking body balance every day they no longer take medication and they do not suffer from depression any more. If you would like to check it out you can go to www.lifeforce.net/20591290
good luck C.

My experience was a little different from all the others. I did find that it helped with my anxiety however I do believe it made me gain weight up to 15lbs. I never had any issues with headaches and I do get migranes so that was not a problem. However if you ever decide to get off the medication make sure you get with your doctor and wean off of it because the side affects are aweful if you try and do it by yourself. Good Luck on your decision.

Hi A.. I have to say that when my first child was born I didn't get put on anything and just thought that what I was feeling was part of being a new mommy and new lifestyle. THEN, my second child was born and it got 20 times worse. I finally called my doctor (which I should have done with the first child) and told him what was going on. I went and talked to him and diognosed me with PPD. Now, he is not one just hand out medications and so forth but this was his example to make me realize that the medication was needed. He said that when you get hurt and break your leg or something you go to a doctor and they need to fix it and you are ok with that. Well, your brain is the same way. After pregnancy you brain may be a little out of sorts and it needs to be fixed. He said that you don't have to stay on them forever. Once you brain gets back to normal then you could slowly work your way off of them. I thought it was quite a good situation. He put me on Lexapro and I have been on it for a year now. It made a WORLD OF DIFFERENCE! I couldn't imagine the last year without out. I have a lot of stress in my life right now so I don't feel confident with working my way of them right now but I will get there. Please if you trust your doctor then listen to what he/she says. One funny comment my doctor made was "now that you know how PPD feels and that it can be fixed doesn't it just drive you nuts that there are people out there that say there is no such thing as PPD. Those are the people that make my job harder because women don't want to take the medication to make them better".

Good luck to you on whatever you decide but just remember as long as you trust your doctor then you won't go wrong.

I took the generic Lexapro right after my youngest was born for anxiety. She was so difficult and I was beyond overwhelmed. (Now we know why she was "difficult"- she was sick!) I'll tell you that I didn't care for it too much. It made me super dizzy and nauseated. It did decrease my appetite so that's a good thing! :)

I took Lexapro for about a year and a half after the death of my father and end of my first marriage. I did experience a decrease in libido but it was well worth NOT being depressed! While each person may experience different side effects, I found it to be very helpful!

I took that with Wellbutrin for my depression after I had my son. It really helped me get back on track. I did not gain any weight from the meds, in fact I lost some because I had gained with the depression. The main side effect is a decreased desire for romance (to put it delicately) but it was just as bad with the depression. I was on it for about a year and was able to get off of it. Make sure that you know that it does take about a month to get into your system so be patient and they will tell you with any antidepressant, not to make any decisions when you first start taking it. After about three weeks to a month you feel better. Also don't stop taking them on your own. Been there and done that, it was not fun. Your doctor should wean you off them when you are feeling better. It may take some time but you will feel much better. I had not realized how bad I got. My husband had to point it out. Once I felt better I was amazed. Good luck to you!

A.,

I myself have not taken Lexapro, but my stepfather did. I know that when he was on it, it gave him a temper and some anger issues. He wasnt violent while on it, but it did not help him. I dont know if it is different for women. Also, just because a certain medication doesnt work for some people doesnt mean it wont work for others. I hope you find something to help you!

Hi A.. My mom started taking Lexapro about 2 years ago. She spent 20 years severely depressed, not wanting to take medication. I'll tell you what, Lexapro was the best thing to happen to her. She has had no side effects except for the occasional restless night. She's older and has other health conditions and Lexapro has not interfered with anything. I wish you luck and I pray that it works as well for you as it did for my mother.

I have been on Lexapro since I had my son. Seems to work great for me! I dont notice any side affects(I take my pill at night before bed though) and no weight gain. I havent had any problems with it.

Hello, I have been taking it for awhile now. I don't notice anything bad about it. I take 1 1/2 a day. Give it a try! Depression is no fun to deal with. I have suffered with it for many years. Who do you see! do you live in this area??? if you ever need to talk I am here.

I havn't read any of the other replies yet, so I appologise if I am repeating something already said. I too hate medications and avoid them at all costs, but I couldn't live the way I was feeling and wanted to be myself again. I was diagnosed with PPD about 4 weeks ago (my baby is now 9 weeks old). My dr put me on Lexapro, and I can honestly say I have had no side effects except that it helps put me to sleep, so I take it right before bed and I am out in about 30 min. My dr started me on 5mg and it helped a LOT. I just went up to 10mg last week and it is working to help me stay not only calm, but sane. It really is helping me and I plan to go off of it when my son turns 1yr. I hope this helps.

~A.~ SAHM of 7 kids from 17 years down to 9 weeks old

I take lexapro and it seems to work for me. I haven't experienced anyside affects unless you count being tired as one so I have started taking it at bed time. However I believe that being tired maybe due to the fact that I am a stay at home mom of four, we own a business I run the office and my husband. I'm not as busy as it sounds the office is not far from the house so I can run back and forth and do laundry if I need or I can work from home. Our oldest daughter takes Lexapro also and it seems to make her tired also but she seems to sleep better and be more rested since she started it about a month ago. It seems to have a positive difference on both of us. Good luck.