Looking for your advice

[worriedx2]

Hi,
     In the beginning of this year, I went through some things that I thought I handlef just fine....but maybe not.  I had a horrible break up after a 5 year relationship, and decided to re-live my teenage years afterwards.  I went out a did some things outside of my character (maybe the usual for some people, but not me.)  Went out had alot of fun, always protected.  One night, I was not protected by impaired judgment......and automatically assumed I got a life threatening disease.  The last three months, I have had 4 hospital visits, 4 hiv tests, and any other std test you could imagine.  Everything has come back 100% clear.  I know that I slipped into an anxiety, depression, and obsessvie mood.  I have finally been able to let the fact that I did not contract a termial disease, but I mentally and physically just do not feel right.  I still feel a little down and out, constant headaches, slight tremors, and very light-headed.  My physician thinks I may need something to "re-boot" as he called it.  He prescribed me 10mg of lexapro, and told me to take it for a few months.  This scares me to death, because I do not want to start something that I will have a hard time getting off of.  I also suffer from severe constipation, and I do not want anything to effect that including weight gain.  My physician and GI doctor said it was safe to take.  I do not want to take these, but I will admit that I have not felt like myslef in months, and I would love to feel normal again.  Can you please give me some advice on these medications and your thoughts?  Thanks!

[ParamedFlorena]

Self-diagnosing is sometimes helpful. Other times it is a wild search. The health care pro's with education and experience are great to have.

I wouldn't think Lexapro has effect after 3 days - what I have learnt about antidepressants is that they reach maximum effect after 4-8 weeks, at least most of them.

Have you read up on the leaflet about it, gotten information enough from the prescriber - and did you look by the info-site here at MH about it?

Lexapro:  http://www.medhelp.org/drugs/show/3430

I hope you feel better soon,
Florena

[worriedx2]

I was reading what you just said, and it is actually starting to scare me.  Would I feel results from the lexapro after only 3 days.  I told you that my mind is still racing, but I don't think I have been on them nearly long enough right??  I'm hoping that the lexapro really works for me, but I also want to make sure that it is something that I can take myself off easily as well when I am ready to.  I think that this is a mild, temporary situation, and Im hoping that this is my start to getting back to myself again.

[Jikan]

If your head is spinnning in the form of racing thoughts after taking an anti-depressant, I would possibly suspect bipolar disorder, which needs to be discussed with your doctor, especially if you have other symptoms sugggesting that disorder.
If, however, you feel you're just suffering from anxiety, a benzo would possibly be a better choice for you.
Consukt with your doctor.

Namaste!

Michael

[worriedx2]

Thanks so much for your response.  It scares me to see you say severe depression.  I think the depression aspect is pretty mild.  I think it is more of an anxiety thing because my head is just spinning (literally all of the time!)  Do you think that lexapro is the best one, or do you think something like wellbutrin would be better?  See what I do to myself....I can't make a decision on anything.  My biggest fear is not being able to come off of it, and feeling like I will always need it.  Which one of these is good for just getting over a hump, and looking forward to feeling back to yourself again?!

[Jikan]

I'm sorry to hear of your difficulties. Here's some info on Lexapro that you might find useful.

Lexapro is used to treat anxiety and major depressive disorder and not addictive.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. SSRI antidepressants may cause serious or life-threatening lung problems.

Overall Lexapro is a fairly good medication, however like many SSRI's they will probably cause weight gain.

If you're dealing with a GP instead of a psychiatrist I'd recommend you seek one out.

From the symtoms you've described you may need a different medication or a combination of medications., And remember, they take time to work (i.e. 2-3 weeks).

As far as constipation, you may or may not have a problem, but check with your docter who can prescribe Colace(a stool softener) or Miralax(a laxative). Both are also available over the counter at your drugstore.

I hope each day gets better for you and you can again feel "normal".

Namaste!

Michael