Therapy vs. Medication (Lexapro)

[Ioana7012]

I am 18. I suffer from generalized anxiety and severe panic attacks. They used to occur less than once a month, now it can happen weekly. I'm always worried that it might happen at any moment. I tried therapy once, but it was more for my anxiety rather than panic attacks so I can't say that it really helped. I tried to breathe through it, to think positive, I take half an Ativan when i feel like it, but I heard that it's not really healthy and more for emergencies. I went to a psychiatrist and without much consultation, she prescribed me Lexapro. I am afraid to take it because of the side effects and because I have tot take it for six months or even a year. I started cognitive behavioral therapy a week ago and I heard it is really effective. So far I haven't given therapy a real shot to treat my problem. Should I try only with therapy for a while or just take the treatment. Also..If any of you took or take Lexapro I am happy to hear how you feel.

[Jane1989]

Hey I have done both but I feel without the aid of medication I wouldn’t be where I am today..I only experienced dry mouth and tiredness the 1st few days on lexapro!!!i weaned mysekf off it after a few weeks and while I still get anxiety it’s not as bad as before..it’s not for everyone but it worked wonders for me it does take a few weeks to really feel the benefits...all u can do is take one day at a time and do what is right for u!!

[Hidden]

I have been on lexapro for almost 11 years now and I think it helped in the beginning but maybe not so much anymore. I am trying to ween off of all my meds eventually because I hate the side effects, addiction and pretty much everything about them. I have been thru alot of treatment centers and programs which helped but I still havent quite gotten over my panic and anxiety. I personally would tell people to not start medication because the cons outweigh the pros for me. The only drug I have had relief with is xanax which i am now addicted to and needs to be upped to even work. I would Try therapy and getting all of the info you can from all different perspectives. Eveybody is different. Good luck.

[Ioana7012 in reply to Hidden]

Oh my..11 years is a lot..I hope you find something that really works for you. I've already decided to go with therapy and leave Lexapro as my last option in case nothing works. Good luck to you too!

[designguy]

Hello loana, i think it is wise of you to question whether you need to be on the meds or not. It's great that you are starting the therapy. My suggestion is to continue with the therapy and see how much it helps and see if you and your therapist think you still need to add the meds. My own experience with overcoming anxiety disorder is that I was on meds which helped but I still had anxiety. It took therapy and understanding anxiety disorder for me to recover. I've read that this is quite common for people. I also was prescribed the meds before there was all of the information and treatments for anxiety that there is now available. All that being said, if you determine you need the meds then my advice is to go ahead with them. You can always taper off of them if you decide they aren't helping. i had minimal side-affects when i was on them and successfully tapered off of them.

[Agora1]

Hi loana7012, I am on Lexapro and my belief is that it needs both therapy

and medication at the beginning. Medication is not the total answer. We need

to find other methods that work in reducing stress. Only then will we be able to

wean off the medication and handle this on our own.

There's a lot of methods on YouTube that may help. Here's one you may want

to try. I no longer get panic attacks but when I'm extremely over stressed I use

it and it helps calm my mind and body in moments.

"How to Calm Down During a Panic Attack" by Buzz Feed Video

Good Luck. You need to try everything so you find out what works for you xx