Need help w/ new meds - Lexapro, Celexa and Diazepam (Valium)

[annalawny]

Hi, all:  I am starting on this 'journey' toward hopefully getting help through meds.  After a few weeks on Ativan prescribed by my family doctor, the psychiatrist he referred me to put me on Valium.  Due to my sensitivity w/ meds, I am only taking 1/4 of a 2mg. pill, after dinner.  I have a lot of difficulty swallowing, and have had to eat very soft foods. My primary care doc, my therapist and the psychiatrist all attribute this to significant anxiety and stress, hence the referral for meds.  I've been on the valium for 2 weeks, and am seeing the psychiatrist again tomorrow.  She mentioned putting me on either Celexa or Lexapro, and I know they are SSRIs, and I've been reading up about them, although there is so much info to take in.  I am assuming she'd probably go with a generic form of one of these meds.  Some questions / concerns:  

I simply do not feel 'ready' to move to SSRIs yet, for reasons I can't address here.  In any event, I heard they could be difficult to 'get on,' and I do not want to do that w/o proper support, which is in scarce supply right now.  I fear the doc will want me to begin w/ the lexapro or something as of tomorrow.  I have begun to adjust to the valium, ok, and wonder if my staying on that for a few more weeks, until my supports are back in place, is reasonable.  Also, am interested to read about others' experiences on these meds.  I know everyone is different, but I want to know how to prepare / what I can expect.  I have never taken any meds like this before - even the valium is a big deal for me - so I am somewhat 'nervous' going into it all.  Thanks in advance for your comments.  

[annalawny]

Hi, All... Yes, Nursegirl, ODAAT - perhaps one of the most important things to remember in the whole process.  Thanks to all of you for the support.  I find that at this point, having supportive folks to discuss my issues / concerns regarding meds and my situation with are making a critical difference in what steps I take.  My doc is new, very low key, but I think she really does know her stuff.  Thanks again.  

[nursegirl6572]

That sounds good.  Always be open and honest with your doc...ask any questions you may have...and go at the pace you're comfy with.  Also, at the same time...LET her help you...if she gently coaxes you a bit at some point, thats OK!  It sounds like you've got a good doctor!  The Valium may end up being enough in the long run!  One day at a time.  The important thing to focus on is that you're on your way...hang in there!

[annalawny]

Went to the Doc.  She thinks I"m too anxious to start now, saying that I would 'absolutely' have a 'side effect.'  I told her I wasn't ready for the SSRIs yet and she was cool - just kept me on the valium, told me to go up to half a pill (I'm on a quarter of a pill - very sensitive to that stuff and am starting slow.).  Thanks.

[cj29]

I am glad that you are taking such a pro-active approach with your anxiety.  In my opinion, that can be a big part of eventually getting through it.  In my experience, medications can cause all sorts of anxiety....which seems to run counter to what they are designed to do!

I am a proponent of SSRIs.  I have been on Celexa and Zoloft.  I know many people on Lexapro and the vast majority of people on it seem to like it.  Everyone is definintely different and for me there were some side effects as I started, but some of them could be do to the fact that I was nervous, so I naturally attributed any out of the ordinary feeling to the medication and I am sure some of it was my body adjusting as well.  I have had positive experiences with medications like these and found them a very useful tool when they are combined with talk therapy.  Counseling is probably the most important step you can take to attain long term relief in my opinion, but the combination of the meds and the counseling seemed to work the best for me.

Just keep in close contact with your prescribing doctors and express your concerns.  Keep us posted!