first time poster.

[backstabbed05]

Hey there everyone, this is my first post.  Im not new to medhelp, but definitey to this forum.  I went to the doctor today with mom, Im a 21 y/o female, over some swollen glands I have.  I had a nervous break down a few days ago, convinced I had HIV because of the swollen glands, and drove an hour away to go get a rapid HIV test (which of course was negative.)  Mom said she can't take me in thsi pain anymore, so we went to my doctor today and he was really really nice and talked to me about my problems.  He said it sounds like I have a mix of anxiety with depression and I was given Lexapro.  I was just wondering if anyone else on here has heard, or maybe even takes Lexapro? I also have a problem with medicines, i don't take them at all. I have a fear of over the counter medicines and antibiotics, and in the past have just gotten rid of them and pretended to take them. Anyways, just thought I'd say hi and I hope I don't sound like an absolute lunatic. Talking about this stuff is all very new to me.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

i know how you feel, my dr gave me pexaoro 10mg a day but i have chooses not to take it either . am sure it would help but i hate the side affects it gave you or could so i fight through it , i do have a nerve pill i take when i cant take no more , but today has been a preety good day for me as far as nerves i just told my self i was fine and time to get over it and back to life. so far good.but if you get to the point you need it take it ive seen people on here who take it and say they love it and have had no problems with it , so try if it will help. good luck hang in there .

[suzi-q]

Welcome to this site.  There is nothing you can say that we haven't felt or have heard before, so talk away!  I am also on an antidepressant, and I remember one of the things that drove me "over the edge" was also a fear of aids (for no reason at all).  I was 28 at the time and am 40 now.  There are many medications out there that help with anxiety and/or depression, but you first have to make the choice how you want to treat your symptoms...There are many people on this site who chose not to take medication and that will be your choice, however, I do suggest you get under a psychiatrist/psychologists care to help you through the struggle that you are fighting right now.  Don't try to do it alone...getting the right help and/or the right medication makes all the difference...

[jaimeo]

I gave birth to my third child nearly two years ago.  I was very anxious, sad, and very concerned about my body and how it was healing after the birth, etc.
I was diagnosed with postpartum and put on Lexapro.

It was a bit bumpy at first, the lexapro can cause a bit of anxiety as your body adjusts to it.  I too was very cautious about taking medication, for me to take a tylenol my head needed to feel as though it were splitting!
After about two months of gradually upping my dose to 20mg, I realized that I felt like "me" again.

Long story short, after being on the Lex for a little over a year, I weaned off successfully by going very slowly.

All was well until I got into this health kick about three months ago and began taking an herbal supplement called 5-HTP.  The supplement was to "increase seratonin, promoting  more of a "feel good feeling" while suppressing the appetite.".  This supplement was recommended in the book "YOU ON A DIET".
About 5 or 6 six weeks into my new diet regimen, I woke at 3 am one night in a total state of panic convinced that I neede to go to the ER because something was very wrong with me.  I made it through the night but the panic continued.  I sought the help of a psychologist and then a psychiatrist who put me back on Lex.  I am at 10 mg and nearly feeling like my old self.

I did find info on the net that said that 5-HTP CAN in fact cause anxiety and depression in some people.  That combined with a great deal of stress seems to be the reason for my "relapse" into anxiety and depression.

It is scary to try meds, but it worked and is working for me.
Just be sure to listen to your Dr., always take your dose, and never just stop[ taking it cold turkey.
I hope I was of some help.
Hang in there......it does get better.

[Northcoast]

Hi there.  I was on Lexapro briefly and really felt good while on it.  Be sure to follow your doctor's advice.  Also, try to get some exercise.  Go for a long walk with a friend.  Or by yourself.  It helps with both anxiety and depression.  And talk to your family and/or friends about your issues, if you feel comfortable about it.  That helps too.  Good luck!