Hi Ladies,

After weeks of agonizing anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc I have decided to go back on Paxil. I was on it for six months two years ago and it helped me clear my head and move forward.

Can you tell me how long you have been on a AD's for??? Just trying to get an idea of usage.

Thanks!!

TM

Sorry to hear that you are having a problem.

I have been on 5mg of Lexapro, a sub-clinical dose, since the end of March (this year) and while I don't have an 'end date' I look at this as a temporary stopgap.

The purpose for the low dose was to get gradually use to the med, and not cause side effects that might cause me more stress. I needed to take the edge off the low-level anxiety that started in January this year, so that I could function better at work and in my anxiety therapy (started that in Feb because I knew this would be a tough ride).

I was fearful of going on an AD for two reasons: 1) I had been on Effexor XR and had a very tough time coming off it (I shouldn't have been on it in the first place, but that's another story), and 2) I thought I could do it on my own and looked at ADs as a crutch.

While I was making progress on my own, and planned to go the homeopathic route, I realized that every setback was like an avalanche and I simply could not continue to live that way. I also felt that it could take some time to find the right combination of natural solutions, and again, could not imagine living with such anxiety for the near term.

It was difficult for me to come to terms with it, because I thought I was giving in and was somehow weak, but I knew in my heart it was the right decision for me. I stopped looking at it as a crutch, but rather a tool. It took off just enough of the anxiety (that and my therapy, plus relaxation tapes, etc...all contributed to my progress) that I am able to function and to better absorb my anxiety therapy. Of course I still have setbacks, but I am learning to manage them and they are not quite so long lasting. What I don't have is the low-level anxiety which just chipped away at my being each day.

I look at this as a short-term solution. I have an appointment with a Naturopath in May and hope that our solutions will replace the Lexapro for the long term and bring me back to either where I was before peri-m hit, or better.

Not unlike gastric bypass, one has to not only alleviate the physical side of the problem, but also the mental side, for a true long term fix. That means starting or continuing therapy that helps you deal better with the symptoms, and perhaps finding natural solutions that you might be more comfortable with in the long term.

Keep that in mind when making any choices and please don't be discouraged by those who warn that you can't heal as well if you're on meds. Get therapy, listen to relaxation tapes, buy Claire Weekes book (Hope and Help for Your Nerves), but always do what is right for you.

Wishing you a peaceful day,
Sue

Hello. SueLI
So how did you do on the sub dose??? I am very sensitive to all meds with alot of anxiety that can be easily induced. I have been scared to try any because of that. I had done very very well on one called Serzone abouy 5 years ago but I do not think they prescribe it anymore because of liver issues that it can cause. I am getting ready to come off all hormones and may need something and Lexapro or Wellbutrin were my choices.

I am tolerating the 5mg of Lexapro very well. No side effects, and along with everything else I am doing, the low-level anxiety has quieted.
Keep in mind that I did not make the medication decision myself. I made it with a very qualified psychiatrist who evaluated my prior experience with Effexor, my current state, and my fears.

That said, my anxiety therapist (boy has my world changed in 4 months!) that Lexapro would be the drug recommended by the shrink. Everyone is different, so please don't take this to the bank, but my anxiety therapist suggested that Welbutrin and Barspur should be avoided, as many of her patients did not do well on them. Again, anecdotal information...only your doctor and you can know what is best for you.

Sue

But when it is a GYN prescribing, we know our bodies, and can probley guide them the best. They like the Effexor and Cymbalta which scare me. Well, they all scare me. I need something to help with the anxiety, something that will not make me hyperactive and one that may help lift the very light dark cloud I have. I am just discouraged cause the hormone route is not working. All my friends to not understand. They are breezing through with no problems. GRRRRRRRRR

Hi TM,

I started on the AD in Jan. of 07. I took it for most of that year (Prozac). I tried weening myself off several times but each time it seemed that I just couldn't manage the dark cloud that would eventually get in my way. I have given in for right now. I did ask for different AD since I didn't like the deadening feelings that I was getting from the Prozac...so now I'm trying Wellbutrin SR.
I figure somewhere along this journey I'll know when I can maybe try to get off them again...but for right now, I'm glad I got it!

jes

Hi,

I tried Buspar. The only reason to avoid it is that its efficacy track record is lower than other ADs. I opted to try it because I did not want to do meds, and my research indicated that buspar was the "safest" of the anti-anxiety meds. It is in a different class than other anti-anxieties (i.e. not an SSRI, and not like wellbutrin). It does not have any of the withdrawal issues that can occur with other anti-anxiety meds. It didn't do much for me, however.

I ended up getting through my crisis without using meds, although I often feel like I'm treading on thin ice. I still have my lexapro samples in my medicine cabinet, and may try that drug yet.

I think buspar is worth a try if you're not in ultra-crisis mode, as it does work for some people.

Wellbutrin is generally prescribed more for depression than anxiety, I believe.

Good luck.

Missy

In peri, I am going on my 5 year with one. I hate to say that it is about the only thing that has given me a life during this time in my life. I talked to my dr at my last appt. She told me not ot worry about having to come off it. I hate the weight gain. But like I said, I like sanity better. I have a young son that I had at 38 and I need to be all I can for him

I been on zoloft now for a year and ahalf and not going off anytime soon.

I read some place, during my couple of years of researching menopause, anti depressants, hormones, etc. that it takes 18 months on an AD for it to rewire your brain. I have been on Paxil for the 18 months now, and have been torturing myself regarding the decision to try and come off it.

I had recent blood word that showed my liver function is off, sugar was too high and CHO has skyrocketed, and I can't help but wonder if it could be the Paxil, and or prometrium that has caused this to happen. Now the doc wants me on Lipitor as well!

I am now using the P vaginally instead of orally. Feels like we just can't win!!

I have been on zoloft since May of 1999 - dont think I will be going off just yet.

My mother in law says she started on prozac back when her menopause symptoms started(i think her late 40's) she is now like 72 yrs. old.....she has had no problems being on it for that long.

I have listened to a lecture by doctor Eric Braverman, he is very specific about using ADs and BZD with age to preserve brain function, so I don't see why it has to be a problem unless one is experience sever side effects.
I am on xanax and have no problem to stay on it even if it has to be life time, same goes for ADs.
JMO

I have been on Lexapro for 2 1/2 months just upped my dose to 30mg. So far so good, it has really helped alleviate my health anxiety which was out of control and my general anxiety too. Depression has lifted. I am finally noticing that I am caring more about my surroundings and about myself. I have had to push myself recently to go out and to basically care. Medication can only do so much and then you finally have to come out of your shell so to speak, do a little work to help yourself. I am speaking for myself, everyone is different. I had minimal side effects, a bit of nausea and some lethargy (nothing major). Even when I upped the dose it was a breeze for me. Prozac threw my anxiety through the roof. Too stimulating for me. I was afraid of the whole AD and Xanax route, but, seriously, I don't know where I would be without the help. I haven't gained any weight on them, I haven't lost weight either, but, to be honest I was barely getting out of bed for a while. In fact my sugar cravings have diminished tremendously, don't know if it's the lexapro or just my hormones are adjusting. So, if I need to be on them until whenever so be it, as long as they are working and aren't going to cause me any long term health problems. Thank the good lord for em. Good luck to you. Mich

Dear 'Iradan'
Could you please tell me a little more about this lecture or where I might get a transcript.
I too have been on Prozac, 20mgs,for almost twenty years and have to take Xanax on an as needed basis.
I am fairly ok about this myself but the Pharmacist-who refills my Prescriptions from Doctor-keeps telling me that it sounds like I am addicted and that this is as bad as Heroin.
Sometimes it makes me feel a little ashamed or that I have a weak character
Logically I know this is not true as I have never upped my dosage.or felt the need to abuse any of the Meds.
Thank-You!
Warm Wishes
Elizabeth

mich
i am switching from remeron to lexapro. remeron just makes me want to eat everything in sight and i have gained 10 lbs. it helped with anxiety but did nothing for depression. i started 5 mg of lexapro three days ago and then will go up to 10mg. when did you begin to feel your anxiety and depression lift? i cant wait to have my total self back. i miss my healthy self. will i get it back? I work very hard on myself. thank you

I would say that the anxiety and obsessive thoughts and crying jags were noticeably reduced by a week or two. I had to up the dose after 2 months because I just wasn't feel quite as motivated as I wanted I was still laying in bed for the most part. The only thing was I didn't have anxiety or obsessive health anxiety what I lacked was the get up and go I was hoping for. I do take Xanax at night to sleep. It didn't really help my insomnia. All in all it has dealt with the things that I hated which was the anxiety/gloom and doom thoughts. As I said some stuff is stuff you have to push yourself. I personally got in a bad habit of laying in bed a lot (I really took to that very well, lol). I started at 20mg then upped to 30mg a week ago. I have noticed I am more engaged in my surroundings and actually getting out of the house more. All this with minimal side effects. I hope you get relief as well. Take care, Mich

the symptoms you had are the same ones i have. i especially hate the obsessive part. i dont know if it is the placebo effect but i seem to feel better on just three days of 5 mg of lexapro with no side effects. i hope it just keeps getting better. thank you

It is very possible. Many people do respond quickly. I may have too, i just don't exactly remember, lol. I'm glad you are feeling some relief I hope it continues. Take care, Mich

Dear Elizabeth,
I have listented on youtube, just search for dr. eric braverman, there are many lectures of different doctors.
regarding your pharmacists comments, I feel like slapping this person, really. For once, he has/she no right to make comments like this, as this are Rx medications not street drugs, and you are not abusing the chemicals to get high or anything like this, so tell your pharamcist that sugar is more addictive than H, if he/she does not know it, and yet, ppl don't hesitate to eat sugar and drink sugary drinks, load on booze, etc/
I would just switch to another pharmacy, if my pharmacies make a comments on my xanax Rx refills.
Every substances that can cross brain blood barrier is addictive, be it ADs, , BZD, beta blockers, blood pressure medications, etc. and majorly sugar, alcohol, even cheese is addictive.
I been on xanax for 4 years, did not up my dose and some days, I don't need it at all, and as I progress into menopause, the anxiety is not as bad, I have other symptoms that bothering me, but I am not taking higher dose of xanax that when I started, most days I hardly need it, just take it for quality sleep before bed.
anyways, back to dr. braverman, you can start with this one and listen to more on the topic of aging and brain function, ADs, etc, saying that every book will tell you that ADs sustain brain functions as we age, work as brain preservatives. This doctor is brilliant and highly reputable physicians, I wish I could go see him but he is in NYC and also, his fees are out of my price range, LOL.
Watch this video you will enjoy it and it will put your mind to ease
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Mx3nLG79yI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nktrD3wgtDI

You can find many interesting lectures on youtube...A word of advice, tell your pharmacist that the comments he/she makes are offensive and unprofessional and it is only between your doctor and you what medication to take and for how long
I, frankly, never talk to pharmacists, they mostly good to count pills and read you side effects they printed from the system.....
Do what you need to do to have quality of life, no one knows what life will bring us tomorrow.....
Best wishes,
I.

Thanks so much dear friend!
Yes I will start by listening to You Tube and continue seeing what other information I can find
Will not be going back to that Pharmacist.It is not her business as you rightly point out.She needs a good slap for sure but definitely will lose good business by interfering remarks.

Warm Hugs
Elizabeth

Hi Joyceveronica,

I am sad that your pharmacist has made you feel so unhappy. It makes me angry when people who do not need medication make those who do, feel like some sort of failure.

My mum has been on a fairly high dose of amytriptyline for 30 years and is doing just fine. She is 86 years old and still walks for miles......Just think what your pharmacist would say about that!
Unfortunately my mum NEEDS this medication and indeed would not be alive without it! We are intelligent enough to know that we would rather her not have to take it, but if the alternative is constant anxiety and darkest depression, the choice has to be made.

We need to remember that this is not a perfect world and we have to work with what we have been given...................... Wisdom like that often comes with age.

Sometimes medical professionals only see the world from their own fully fit perspective and do not yet understand the word 'suffering.'


Kind regards,


XIII

Hi Ladies, I was wondering if any of you could give me your insight on an AD and or the related anxiety/hormone problems. I am on Lexapro for almost two months (I am not counting the fist few weeks as I weaned up to the therapeutic dosage of 10 mgs.) I stayed on 10 mgs for a month and then went up to 15 mgs for the last 3 weeks. About the 2nd week on 15mg, my bad morning anxiety and bad adrenaline surges and constant tingling in my arms in legs seemed to be getting a bit better. Then I get my period last week and it was if I wasnt on any medication at all.

My questions are: 1) have any ladies had the tingling with anxiety even though their regular and hormone bloodwork were normal. 2) Did the AD eventually help you? I am worried that it is not working and dont know if I need to up the dosage. 3) Since it seemed to get worse with my cycle, has anyone taken bcp pills and did that help them? Thank you so much. I sympathathize and pray for us all struggling daily.