lexapro

MD has RX'd lexapro for the anxiety. what is your opinion of taking this med or riding out the anxiety? The anxiety is severe, but I am thinking what is the best or others experience.

[octbride]

i have taken lexapro before and had no problems with it (i had problems with some other ones).  if the anxiety is interfering with your life, and you want to do something about it, i would recommend the lexapro.  i didn't have any problems while i was on it, or when i came off of it either.  you have to do what you think is best for you :)

[ChitChatNine]

Do you have anxiety since the surgery in regard to anxiety over something or do you think it is med induced?

Chreyl

[peggy64]

I think it is med induced, however, I had anxiety at the hypo level.

[dscoochie]

I have taken cipralex in the past (the Canadian equivalent to Lexapro) and I had no problems on it at all.  I'm thinking, actually, that I could use some more of that great drug!  This diagnosis and the treatment has been very difficult for me, and I think it would be helpful in getting over the "hump".

[peggy64]

what about when or if you want to get off of it?

[kitty9309]

I am weaning off of Lexapro now.
I was "put" on it instead of treating my mild hypothyroidism. I had terrible anxiety and insomnia when my TSH rose just slightly.
I was on 10 mg for 6 months and had no real trouble. Some nausea and hot flashes the first week and then nothing. I didn't even know I was taking it.
I have weaned off VERY slowly. I first went to 7.5 (3/4) pill and was naseuous for a week and stayed on that dose for a month. Then doen to 5 mg and now I am on 2.5 mg.
No big issues getting off for me.
I think if the anxiety is due to the thyroid condition, a med like Ativan ( or other benzodiazepenes) are a better way to go. You can take them as needed and stopping them is easier. As long as you don't take them around the clock for an extended period. I took these as well before and after going on Lexapro. I haven't needed them since my TSH levels are more normal.
I hope some of what I said has helped you.
Good luck!

[dscoochie]

I was weaned off very slowly.  I was only on 10mg per day, and then went to 10mg for 6 and 5mg for one day, and then 10mg for 5 days, 5mg for 2 days.  This went on until I was on 5mg every day.  Then started the whole process over again with the one day NO pill, then the next week, two days no pill...etc.  It took longer to wean off than I was on!  It took about 4 months to wean off, but I had no withdrawal symptoms.

I wanted to get off because I'm an idiot who doesnt like to take meds.  I should have stayed on and could use some right now with all the anxiety in my life.  

Dont be afraid, if it will better your quality of life - Good God! Do it!

Good luck!

[stella5349]

Starting anxiety meds can be very hard to get off after you are on them for some time.

I really had trouble getting off xanax after 4 yrs on it and I was on some pretty high doses.

My anxiety came from hypo too - along with daily stress.

I really fought hard to get off.

[peggy64]

the trouble is, I still feel anxious, like I've had a diet pill or something, The xanax doesn't help that feeling.

[kitty9309]

What are your current thyroid levels?

[peggy64]

TSH is 0.3, but I have  had these feelings before I was diagnosed, they are just getting worse.

[kitty9309]

So you can safely say it is not related to thyroid?

[peggy64]

I think it is related either to my thyroid or my adrenals. Someone told me that if you have thyroid problems your adrenals are weakened as well. I know that is where the adrenaline comes from and it is like it won't turn off(adrenaline).

[kitty9309]

If you have adrenal insufficiency, starting meds for hypothyroidism can make you feel worse.
Have you had cortisol or an ACTH Stimulation Test?

[alikat709]

go to stopthethyroidmadness.com (great section on adrenal) and some things you can do yourself to see if that might be the prob.

[peggy64]

no they did not test me for that. I have an appt with an endo this wed and I hope he will test that. As I am sure you know, many don't believe in that.

[alikat709]

I have now fired a third endo, and my pcp after suffering for the past three yrs, I sat on the phone the other day and called 16 internal med and DO's . I asked the person who answered the phone one simple question: does the doc prescribe armour? left my number and awaited an answer.  I finally have an appt for june 10th , to go on armour as synthroid is no longer working for me. none of the endo's that I went to ever address adrenals or even any supplements for that matter, they just upped the dose or Downed the dose depending on the ulmighty tsh level. endo number three at least did the free t4.I had to start checking free t3 off myself, and then even ordering my own reverse t3  from the pcp slip because I knew I wasn't converting t4 to t3 (of course it came back high) ,I am just so sick and tired of dealing with this every day that I just started reading everything I could and doing alot of internet research. I have now gained a decent amout of knowledge and was ready to self treat if I couldn't find one to work with me . After three yrs of not feeling good I would like my life back. Keep looking for the one that will work with you .

[peggy64]

I know exactly what you mean, I told my husband last night" I want my life back"

I have an appt in b-ham but feel apprehensive about the help I will recieve.

[peggy64]

have you done anything about your adrenals?

[dai3symae]

I've taken antidepressants for many years and will offer this advice...know about the potential side effects before you start taking lexapro or any AD.  I always gained weight and had no sex drive when taking any of the ssri's....after being on zoloft for a few years I experienced very scary rage attacks.  And no matter what they say it's hard to stop once you start taking them.  

[Melmo36]

Peggy,

As a different point of view, my brother takes Lexapro 20 mg and he has been on it for about a year (body dysmorphic disorder- an anxiety related disorder).  I can say that he is much improved since the beginning of taking it!  Although he still struggles time to time, he is happier with himself and I can see it in him.  He has not complained about any side effects, either.  Do not get discouraged, as you probably know that it may take several weeks to kick in.  I am in the same boat as you, as I just started paroxetine (also an SSRI) for anxiety and I am sure that the side effects (if any) will definitely be outweighed by the benefits.  Be sure to use it as prescribed because there may be some withdrawal, but if you have a good doctor who weans you off slowly, you shouldn't have problems.

Hang in there! :)

[dai3symae]

I didn't mean that you shouldn't take an AD.  I'm sorry if I gave that impression.  I worked with my Dr. to find the right one to control my anxiety/depression and knowing the side effects helped me do that.  That is...once I figured out that I was having side effects.  Good luck...ask lots of questions...ask for a different med if one isn't working for you.

[peggy64]

thanks to all of you. Your comments and concern mean a lot.

I am hoping that the endo I go to will address the adrenals. Lets all pray I get a good night sleep and come back on in the morning with a praise report!