Lexapro/Xanax

Diseases & Conditions Depression
1
Some days I'm depressed and other days I am fine. I don't know much about depression.  Are you usually depressed all the time or does it happen how it is happening to me (off & on)?   So my doc prescribed me Lexapro.  I am really paranoid to start taking an anti-depressent.  I've heard of all the side effects, etc.  Don't you have to stay on it for along time?  So she also prescribed me Xanax to take as needed.  Which seems to work for the most part.  Any testmonies about Lexapro would be greatly appreciated.  
2

Hi Oakie. I am on Lexapro and stay at 7.5 mgs. I was also refusing to go on meds for a long time. I always have horrible side effects to medicine. Ihave Ulcerative Colitis and hate taking pills. My anxiety finally got the best of me and I was miserably depressed and I lost my ability to drive. I gave in and had side effects for over one month. I was extremely Tired ( I am usually energetic and never stop moving), I sweat a lot(I never sweat even after a five mile run in the heat), I also had horrible headaches. I didnt have any weight gain or sexual side effects. I wanted to get off so badly and even called my Dr. He persuaded me to keep going becasue I wasnt even taking a full dose. I did and got through it. All the side effects went away and I have been dancing and singing and minor things dont drive me insane anymore. I am much happier and don't have that horrible everything Stinks attitude anymore.  My relationship with my husband has been wonderful and I am very happy that I stuck it out.  Good Luck to you and try to get through the immediate side effects without getting off. Take Care!

Tabbee

3

yeah  I began taking Lexipro 8 weeks ago.  I was also fighting taking medication as I don't like to add anything to my body, but I finally decided I needed to do it.  I was like you, fine one day - have 3 bad days, fine a few days- few bad weeks.  I didn't really understand how bad my depression was until I started taking the Lexipro.  I was given my life back- the life I had before the depression.  When I first started taking it I took it at bedtime to minimize symptoms.  I had a monster headache for 2-3 days and was a tiny bit sick to my stomach, but that all passed in the first 3 days.  I woke up feeling absolutely normal!!!!!!!  No dark cloud over my eyes, no major stress, lots of patience, and a pleasant demeanor.  It is wonderful. 

I have been told that one must stay on the medication for 6-8 months and be evaluated through out before going off.  Many are then able to stop meds and give that a shot.  If you have 2 or more major depression states after that you may have to go back on for another 6-8 months and try going off again.  If that doesn't work again you can discuss the options with your psychiatrist.    It is best to have that professional guidance to get the best possible diagnosis, prescription dosage, and long term outcome.  Your happiness and future are worth trying it.  It sounds like you care a lot about your health and well being.  Don't let fear of the unknown keep you stuck in this unhappy place. 

4
Hi
I take Lexapro 18 mgs a day. I take it before bed and it really
helps me. No side effects at all for me. I also take Xanex as
needed. I needed something for my mood and they both have
worked wonders. I have been on Lexapro for 9 months now.
I don't like pills either but this one worked wonders for me.
I feel like a new person :-)
5
Hi okie dave z here. Depression is sometimes of short duration, sometimes longer duration, some times disappears and finally sometimes is chronic. Dont be afraid of meds as long that you feel they are helping you. If a specific med dosent work out there are many alternative med out there. Your dr is there to guide you and to help you figure things out. Ultimately you will get the hang of it, what works, what doesnt. So trust in yourself to do what is right for you its your decision. Dont be afraid. You hang in there.
6
okiestategirl, i'm on 30mgs of lexapro and have been for 3 months now. it's so wonderful! i'm not such a b^*#$ and i don't feel like the anxiety is consuming my life. i still sruggle w/ gad every day, but this has saved me. i had reservations about taking meds & i have struggled for years & i recommend this drug. my only problem is the sexual side effect & i'm hoping maybe that will level out after being on this longer.

 

7

Hi Everyone. I am on 20mg lexapro and I still cry alot about losing my dad. What is Xanax? and what does it do?

sadnessqueen

8

okiestategirl. Lexapro works for depression but it also does not work for everyone. My doctor put me on Lexapro 75mg a day. I used it for 3 months. At first, it worked but the longer I was on it the worse my symptoms got or so it seemed. Part of it could have been because I didn't want to admit I was depressed but now I am taking Celexa 20mg's a day and I don't feel near as depressed and I am not near as cranky. However, I also take Xanax, and I have since 97. I have GAD plus depression. I just wanted to say don't give up on the Lexapro. I have also learned one thing about depression medicine. If you don't believe you have a problem, then it will not help you, you have to admit that you have a problem. That is one true way to help yourself.

And for the one who asked what is Xanax, it is a medicine to treat a General Anxiety Disorder. It can be used short term or long term.

pattycake

 

9
I am only on 10 mg a day of the Lexapro. This seems like such a low dose compared to everyone else....???? Thanks for all of your responses :)
10
Hi Sadness Queen, dave z here.   Xanax is a tranquilizer, like its predicessors librium, valium etc.  Xanax is also given sometimes with anti depression meds.  It is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorders.  Another use is for panic disorders.  I have taken it for many years and it has done wonders for me.  It may or may not help you specifically. I wouldnt be afraid to try it if your doctor recommends.it.  You could also ask the doctor about it and see if the dr thinks you should try xanax.  However it can cause drowsiness and or other side effects as most drugs do.  The old trial and error thing. For more information on this drug, there is a site www.pdrhealth.com where you can find a whole host of information on drugs.  PDR is (pysicians' desk reference.  The PDR family guide to prescriptions drugs can also be bought at your local book store.  I am up to the 8th edition of this book. Of course the internet site above is free and has a lot of additional information.  Keep well informed, keep trying different things and you will find what works for you and believe me you can.Healing Well is a great site, there are a lot of very informative, compassionate etc folks here, so visit often.  You will be able to cope.