Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
 | 

Looking for advice - Lexapro or *nothing*?

by lulu9837, Jul 20, 2007 02:02PM
For 20+ years I've had problems with either dysthymic disorder or dysthymia + depression + a little social anxiety (depends on who you ask, LOL).  It went untreated for many years, then eventually a doctor prescribed Zoloft for me.  I was on Zoloft for 7 years or so and it did alleviate some of the depression/dysthymic symptoms, but eventually it sort of "pooped out" and wasn't working too well anymore.  Several years ago I switched to Effexor, which also worked well at first, but has had some unwanted side effects and its effectiveness also started to wane.

I inadvertently took myself off Effexor several weeks ago -- forgot it when I went on an out-of-town trip, then couldn't afford to refill it when I returned.  Much to my surprise I kind of feel *better* than when on it.  I feel more like myself if that makes any sense.  I don't feel so emotionally *flat* and brittle and  zombie-like and it seems like I am remembering how to have fun, what I like/dislike, etc. (stuff I seem to have lost track of while on Zoloft and Effexor).  I am also regaining my libido to some extent, which has been a major problem for me (and for my relationships).  Has anybody else had this experience?

The quandary I am having is, what do I do now?  I just started seeing a psychiatrist (first time in many years), who would like me to try Lexapro.  Personally I kind of don't want to start back on anything.  The sex drive issue is a big one for me.  I have always had a high sex drive; all these years of sexual side effects have been a real *****.  It really made me feel not-like-myself and has put a major monkey wrench in my marriage, and it is a real relief to have that beginning to come back.  The "zombie" issue is a big one too, I didn't recognize how flat I was feeling until I came off Effexor and could see the contrast.  I don't know what to do -- I see the merit of trying something new, but the stuff I read on this board about Lexapro is a bit scary, and I'm also afraid of losing my sense of self and libido again.  At the same time I feel a little apprehensive of staying "cold turkey" since I've been on meds so long.

Would love to hear from anybody who is or has been in a similar situation -- what would you do or what have you done?  What have your experiences been like.
Member Comments (1)

by AJC, Aug 17, 2007 03:47AM
Look up "Gwen Olsen" on youtube or google video.

I took Lexapro, 1 pill. almost killed me. Be careful. different people have different outcomes.

T
Post Comment
To
Comment
Post Comment
Recent Activity
cowboy
2 hrs ago by drifter0213
redheadaussie Is planting corn, tomatoes, broccoli, pumpkins, and ...
Mood Tracker: It just really truly donned on me ...
5 hrs ago by Krisiness
KellyMGo commented on America *****
7 hrs ago
ILADVOCATE commented on America *****
7 hrs ago
Jenn12546 commented on America *****
7 hrs ago
ANGELWINGS1971 added the Anxiety/Panic Tracker
8 hrs ago
bierce wishes happy holidays to everyone!
RSS Expert Activity
CONTACT US SENATE IMMEDIATELY
18 hrs ago by John C Hagan III, MD, FACS
Sad cases of Animal Cruelty
Dec 18 by Thomas Dock, Vet. Technician
Cost and Availablity of Medical Car...
Dec 17 by John C Hagan III, MD, FACS
Community Members