Lexapro

[Vale89]

My dr prescribed me lexapro for my gad. I never took it. Does anyone have any experience with this drug? Any information would be helpful. Thank you.

[Calico1]

I was on Celexa, a related drug. It was very effective for a while but failed suddenly after a few months. An increased dose drove right me out of my mind. I weaned off it, suffered the bizarre withdrawal effects, and now I'm right back where I started, minus one option.

Perhaps it'll work better for you. Just be careful. SSRIs don't fix you, they're a short-term crutch and can even be damaging in the long-term.

[Vale89 in reply to Calico1]

Thank you. That is exactly why I didn't take it.

[Hidden in reply to Calico1]

Perfectly put, worked for a bit. The problem with SSRI's is there re-uptake inhibitors. But they don't produce any of the neurotransmitter from the pre-synaptic nerve. Eventually, about 8wks for me too, i was on maximum dose 50-60mg, split 30mg in the morning and 30mg about afternoon. This is now not recommended, as heart complications have been proven over 40mg per day. Despite this, i did feel better on Citalopram/Escitalopram for the the entire 2yrs, but for my anxiety i had to use Clonazepam PRN, from about wk 12. Eventually convinced Dr. im not depressed just anxious and to just use Clonazepam and if i need instant relief Xanax. i also did Hypnotherapy before any medication, great if you want to relax clear your mind and learn from someone. Acupuncture for physical stress and CBT - to understand why your anxious. But of all the things Clonazepam is the best! That and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, to talk with people - this is in essence real life CBT. SSRI/SNRI will not work long term for Anxiety. Your brain becomes use to the drug, it down regulates on the the pre-synaptic side, meaning less in the synaptic cleft. Its a safety mechanism in away. Look up Serotonin Syndrome, ppl on SSRI/SNRI who combine with serotonin releasing drugs risk life threatening consequences. And yes your right also about them being dangerous, they alter your thinking process,(i suppose the idea) but can cause in my experience, lack of empathy, disassociation( basically you don't care about anything or anyone, hence i think the desired anxiolytic effect. At high dosage that they wont prescribe now, i took 12yrs ago. Tingling, especially back of the head when rubbed, night spasms, violent dreams/or none at all, excessive sleeping followed by nights of insomnia, WEIGHT GAIN. this is for sure! Having said this, for depression, best medication. if your just anxious find a doctor who'll prescribe ole reliable benzo's, dont abuse them, take as needed, check in with your doctor every 3 months, cut back on the booze to avoid 'dis-inhibition', and there perfectly safe long term. You will find level and not need to increase dose like some say. Else on try with care Phenelzine

[Hidden]

Hi, Lexapro, escitalopram, is just a mirror image of citalopram. Basically if i remember from when i switched and researched it. There are 2 isomers, the d and the l.

like many drugs, one isomer is not effective and to get around the patent laws by changing Citalopram (2 isomers) to Escitalopram (1 isomer) they can re-patent it, and charge high price. But yes Escitalopram works at lower dosage 10-20mg is standard i think. With Citalopram it was 20-40mg, although when i was on it the doctor went as high as 50-60mg, depending on how i felt. this is now revised with heart complications over 40mg of Citalopram proven. Escitalopram works, for about 8-12wks in my experience and is the best for SSRI ive tried. it worked for my panic attacks in 3 days despite the claims saying it takes 2 weeks. i could literally feel it stop a panic attack and dissipate it out through my body rather than my head. It will keep you in good mood indefinitely in my opinion, but for anxiety, will not be strong enough for panic attacks or GAD after 8weeks. and you will have the stomach anxiety and weight gain

ask your doctor to compliment with Clonazepam PRN if anxiety is your problem. if just for depression its great.

[Vale89]

Thanks. I think he gave me the lexapro to get me eating again because I had completly stopped eating I wanted to eat but I physically couldn't. I managed to start eating again on my own because I didn't want to be on medication. Instead I do yoga and meditate and I read as much as I can about gad and I'm trying cbt I'm getting better but I still have a long way to go. Thanks for the info x