Tried lexapro:( now taking wellbutrin and still w/ding from hydro.

[Sarahloveswt]

I have been off pills for one week today. Its been incredibly hard, but before I decided to quit, I was prescribed to Lexapro. I had the hardest time with the side effects of this medication, and was wondering if anyone else did too? Now my psych has put me on Wellbutrin XL and says that it should help with cravings for pills (and I'm trying to quit smoking). Is this true? Has anyone taken this medication or experienced the side effects? I feel great, but I haven't slept, and don't know if its from w/d or the anti-depressant. I appreciate any insight.

[nefesh]

Great going! One week to most folks sounds like nuthin' - to me it sounds like 7 years!!  Congrats!  My sister takes Wellbutrin and I know that shrinks give it high marks... Sis explains that unlike most other antidepressants it works by stimulating the pleasure centers of ze brain - but I dunno about side effects and all - if no one here tells you more, check it out on the net I'm sure there's tons of info... in theory it sounds like a good idea.  Anyway, Please hang in there, you're helping us all!
Nefesh

[Sarahloveswt]

Thanks! I appreciate you telling me about how it works. I guess its hard to find an anti-depressant for an addict that isn't going to make the restless leg get even worse during w/d. What about about you??

[SeeingStars]

I tried Lexapro once and had bad side effects.  I couldn't sleep at all and became even more depressed.

[gipsee]

Few months ago, before I figured out it was the Vicoden...feeling kinda miserable, etc....Dr. put me on Lexapro...it was the worst... Gawd...

I'm trying to stop ciggies too... but did you ever notice you can smoke more using PILLS.  My smoking almost cut itstelf in half on it's own since I stopped taking my Vicodin.  However, I'm still smoking ... enjoying it less.

Once I fully get over this, I'm going to stop smoking as well.  Wellbutrin is another name of Zyban.  They have found that Zyban reduces the urge to smoke.

I just wanted out of the Pill go round... so I just stopped taking everything we were trying to use to get me feeling better.  The Xanax are the last to go.   I had no idea that one should NEVER quit Benzo's cold turkey.  Dr. put me on a taper schedule of 4 a day for the first 10 days... 1.5 pills are doing the trick... I'm on day 8 ... but I know I'm going to have to stay here for a while... W/D from these babys is way more than flu symptoms... Who knew... NOT ME.   Once I have evrything else under control... there is something new called Chantix for smoking... I'm going to try that.

I can honestly stay... that I have not craved a pill...feeling a bix anxious at times... prolly 'cause my body wants one.. but it's not anything major.   I really think getting away for the weekend was the BEST thing I've done for myself.  I'm actually feeling some peace today.  AND, AND... I didn't even think to take a pill w/me when I pulled away from the house.   A month ago this little ploy would have had me headed back home.

I have been finding "stashes" of Hydros all over the house, and when I went C/T I have a brand new un opened bottle sitting right here.   I WANTED TO QUIT... wasn't forced into it by not having any left, no hounding by anyone...no one around me knew I was in continual constant use...It's simply over for me.  I had all the pills I was alloted in a lifetime ... that's my viewpoint on this.   I needed just to get a grip.   I'm clean 23 days.. yes I know it's tenuous... but for TODAY I'm doing just fine.

Bottom line is ... tried two anitdepressants before making the stand it was the Vics...I don't think they helped me at all.   I wasn't depressed... I was on pill overload.   How could I even begin to tell how I was feeling when everything I was trying was masking all my feelings anyway.   I was just feeling lousy all the time.   Hope this helps you a bit.

Just my two-cents... take it for as much as you paid for it.

Gip

[Greif06]

Unless you are already on an SSRI it is not going to be helpful (for most) during withdrawl. Initial side effects compound sleep problems and anxiety. Seretonin increase along with Dopamines being whacked does not make a good combo. I cut my lex intake from 16 to 5 from withdrawl and it helped.

[Sarahloveswt]

Thanks for all the info. I think its a great point about not knowing how you are when you are taking meds, and when you suddenly become clear-headed...you are a new person. I guess I'll continue with Wellbutrin, and let my brain sort itself out. I really appreciated your story Gip, and it has stuck with me all day. Thank you.