Lexapro

[jobob]

I've read Ama's post a few times and I didn't see anything that suggested that she was being prescribed by a GP. (For what it's worth, in my own post I referred to my "doctor", but that doctor happens to be a specialist in psychiatric medicine)

And I just want to echo Possegal's sentiments - anti anxiety/depression treatments work differently for different people. It's kind of a crapshoot, unfortunately. Part of the reason why I put off getting treatment for so long was because I dreaded the potential trial and error involved. Now, as it turned out, I was very fortunate that after a short adjustment period (namely, the insomnia that I experienced, which responded very well to sleep medication and which went away entirely within couple of months) I adjusted very well to Lexapro, and I didn't have to try any other medication. And it really has greatly improved the quality of my life.

All I'm trying to say is that if it didn't work well for you, that doesn't necessarily mean it won't work well for someone else.

[Aggie_Ama]

I did get prescribed my GP but he did do a thorough 45 minute sit down and talk about what was really going on. He knows about my neurological factors (my tremor disease that is not under control) that could be coming into play. I felt very comfortable with talking to him about how I was feeling. And while I have had a friend who went to the gyno and said "I am such a b*tch when I pms" and was immediately given anti-depressants this was a lot more thorough. He did suggest I try other routes but we discovered working out didn't curb the anger and crying. He also wants to see me again in 3 weeks to see how I am doing. He refused to treat my tremors because he isn't a neurologist and they won't touch my husband's crohn's issues. I have a feeling he felt it was something he could handle addressing for me because he often refers us if he finds it is in our best interest.

I also have an appointment with my neurologist next week and I am going to discuss that the last time I felt like this for so long was when my tremors went haywire which they have started to do. It feels like my own fault because when they came out of remission I was hesistant to go back on anti-convulsants.

FWIW- The insomnia subsided thanks to a cold and nyquil. I have slept like a baby the last two nights but I would rather not be sick. But I will check with the pharmacist if it returns.

[salsabike]

I think there are quite a few GPs/family practitioners out there who are very well qualified to prescribe, follow, and change antidepressants. Sounds like yours is one of them.

[Dogmama]

I heard that GP's prescribe most antidepressants. If it's working, don't mess with it. I DO believe that if it isn't working, or if you need a combination of drugs or you are trying something "off label" (meaning that the primary intended action of the drug isn't for depression/anxiety, etc., but it's been shown to help those conditions) a good psychiatrist is worth his/her weight in gold. I've become a non-responder to most antidepressants, so I'm using another med off-label and it is incredible. Even DH remarked that he's seen a huge change in me.

Finally, don't forget talk therapy. Once your depression & anxiety abates, it may become easier to see where you get off-track. For me, my thoughts are not always my friend. Sometimes my brain wants to take me to a bad neighborhood where I worry about everything.

[Aggie_Ama]

I feel like a different person. At first I thought it was the placebo effect but I am back in control and "I don't know who is in my head" feeling. I go back to the doctor in two weeks, only bad thing is now no insomnia but I am tired now but we had upped my topamax so there is no telling what is the cause.

The pharmacist recommended playing around with when I take the meds since my doctor did not say to take it at a certain time. My neurologist took me off topamax and agreed my tremors aren't helping my depression, jeez you think?

That being said I am not opposed to therapy and my new insurance at my new job will allow for it at some level so once it kicks in I may consider it.

[polly4711]

Ama.... as being a former fellow lexapro taker... i COMPLETELY understand how you feel. You need to definately talk with your doctor. When I was on it, I didn't care about life or what was going on. I'm quite the snuggling/touchy feely person, and I didn't want to hold hands with my boyfriend. (So if you have a partner, talk with them and tell them how you feel on it and that you are trying to fix it.

Maybe you need to change the pill overall. Please keep my posted.... I'm here for you.

[Aggie_Ama]

Polly- I am actually feeling quite well on it so far but my doc wants to constantly monitor because this is my first try on anti-depressants. I am actually quite loving towards my husband which I hadn't been for months. He is so happy I am no longer shying away from his hugs.

I am trying to track my sleeping to see if it is abnormal because I have always enjoyed a good nap. I think I took a 3 hour one yesterday but then I went to bed at 11 and got up at 5:30 so really I am not sleeping that much, just should go to bed early so I don't need that nap.

I meant the "I don't know who is in my head feeling" has gone away finally. I feel so much better just a bit sleepy in the afternoon.

[crazycanuck]

I'm confused & hope a chemist/pharmacy expert might be able to answer this question. Why is it that all of the drugs that are supposedly supposed to help folks(the type of illness/disorder/etc etc does not matter as there are drugs to help each one) have so many side effects? It's the 21st century & I would assume there's the technology...

It doesn't seem fair to create more conundrums for folks when all they want is a solution to their illness/disorder/etc etc.

[Dogmama]

OK, gotta chime in here.

A chiropractor is not schooled in brain chemistry to the extent that a board certified psychiatrist is. Period.

Philln - depression goes on a continuum. We all have down times in life and we don't call it clinical depression. Some people have an actual medical condition that predisposes them to seriously suicidal thoughts. Depression can be fatal. If you've ever been clinically depressed, you'd know that keeping busy and finding the cause are futile. Depressed people often cannot sleep, no matter how much they change their schedule.

Let me be very clear - I do advocate for behavioral changes. Exercise, diet, meditation, yoga, etc., can all be great adjuncts to treatment. But a clinically depressed person needs treatment in the form of medical intervention. We stigmatize mental illness in this country as being a weakness. As a result, people do not seek help. It's not "going on drugs" any more than taking thyroid medication is "going on drugs" (but ask somebody with a hypoactive thyroid how they feel without their "drugs" and I bet you'd hear the word "depressed.") Ask a person who has experienced black depression. Medication brings them back to normal - it doesn't make them high. I'm talking about medication - prescribed by a board certified psychiatrist - with the admonition that it can take several tries to find the right medication/combination of medication, diet and lifestyle change.

I'm pretty adamant about this topic & apologize in advance for offending anyone. It's important that people understand so that they can seek help for themselves or their loved ones without feeling ashamed, weak or less-than.

[OakLeaf]

those last two posts are spam....