You guys are now my doctors!!!

[tropicalsoul]

I've had it with my doctor.  From now on I'm only going to use her as a drug dispenser...that is all she's worth.  I'm sick and tired of calling her...telling her what is going on with me...then she tells me..."Those are not side effects of Lexapro" or "There is no reason you shoudl be feeling like that."  Does she think I'm making this up?  Does she think I have nothing better to do than think of problems I can call her about?  IT IS FRUSTRATING!!!

Anyway...I've received better information here than I have with just about any doctor.  I've been on Lexapro for 1 month and I've lost 10lbs, have severe constipation, back aches, muscle aches in my neck and shoulder and tightness in my chest that really hurts.  These problems did not start until I began taking Lexapro. On the plus side....my anxiety and depression has improved.  Other than the problems listed above...I feel much better.

Here are my questions:
1) Has anyone else experienced the same issues?
2) Has anyone switched to a different SSRI and done better?
3) If so.....what did you swith from/to?
4) Before switching...did you taper down to a certain level before taking the different med or did you just start taking the new med the next day?

Thanks in advance for your response.

[cj29]

I have to backup greenlydia on this as well....remember that we are NOT doctors and only you can make informed decisions through your doctor.  Taking these issues into your own hands can not only cause more grief than benefits, it can be down right dangerous; and I don't want to sound like an echo here, but I agree with Paxil with the fact if you have lost trust in your doctor, 'shop' around for a better fit.  

[peaceinknowing]

I can relate to your story, as I've been on Lexapro in the past and had all the same symptoms [literally, word for word as you described] and my doctor told me they didn't go hand in hand. I know it sounds silly, but a lot of times we as patients need to become our own advocate. Like GreenLydia stated -- I would continue to look for another doctor rather than just base your next action on what the members here tell you medical-wise. Granted there are a lot of members here who are beyond informative with what they've been through themselves; But none of them are doctors. If this is bothering you so much, I would definately seek out further medical assistance from another doctor. That's what I chose to do several years ago when I had the same issues you're having right now, and I just completely stopped taking all medicines all together.

I hope this helps!

[RubyWitch]

While most of can understand and relate to your problem, none of us are doctors and you absolutely must NOT think of us as such!

Both cj and Paxiled have given you excellent and very appropriate advice.
When beginning a new med, the side effects can be quite bothersome and those of us with anxiety can, and usually do, tend to focus way too much on them. But, our doctors should take the time to explain and reassure anyone regarding those side effects.

If your doctor HAS told you that what you are feeling is not related to the Lexapro, in my humble opinion, she should have advised you to come in for a check up.

On the other hand, is it also possible she HAS explained about the side effects and that they are normal and will pass in time, but you continue to call her anyway? Sorry to ask, but I have first hand knowledge of how an anxious persons mind works.

Paxil hit the nail on the head. Since you have lost trust in this doctor, then you need to seek out a new one you hopefully WILL learn to trust.

Peace
Greenlydia

[Paxiled]

When you lose trust in your psychiatrist, switch.

[cj29]

SSRIs like Lexapro can have some unwanted side effects and some people (with the advice of their doctor) do switch.  While some work really well for some, it might not for others.  Also, remember that when you suffer from anxiety and stress many of the side effects may not be caused by the medication at all; that is what makes this so frustrating sometimes in my experience with this. When I first started taking an SSRI, I tended to focus on what the potential side effects were supposed to be and of course I had them.  So for me, I had to strike a balance between side effects and its advantages, be it from the medication or anxiety from taking the medication.