am i being selfish

[fnbm]

Are my fears of taking a antidepressant for my anxiety/panic disorder an depression selfish because i have a 2 year old daughter that needs all of me ?  here is what i am afraid of..... the side effects. they say nervousness anxiety jittery diziness as side effects. i already have all this an i understand the side effects go away in a week or 2.... but it terrifies me. i have a script for lexapro.... 10 mg. im suppose to start with 5 mg.... I AM TO SCARED..... but me an my daughter mostly deserve a better happier life.... how do i get courage to take these or should i ? i dont know what to do ?

[fnbm]

Yes my doctor said that was fine to start at 5. It sure would be a miracle to feel better. how long have you been on lexapro ? im also scared for when it stops working an i half to come off. i hear withdrawls are horrible.

[remar]

Your therapist is right. Many times depression and anxiety go hand in hand. I also agree that with severe anxiety and depression sometimes you need both therapy and medication.
Yes, it does help my anxiety. I started feeling better in less than a week, as far as my depression. The anxiety was better within a couple of days.
That's a good idea to wait for your blood tests. If they come back normal you might want to think about starting your meds tonight, or in the morning. Have you though about my suggestion of starting out on 5 mgs?

[fnbm]

It does help ? does it take away the physical problems of anxiety ? i get lightheaded an sweaty all the time :(  i have been so lightheaded lately i went to my doc. he drew blood to make sure nothing else is happening. i find out today. he said if theres nothing else i really need to start the lexapro my pdoc prescribed so i can get better. im scared but after this terrible weekend. i think if nothings wrong physically that i may try an start it because i have been in bed for days :( it ***** so bad. im seeing a therepist but she said sometimes anxiety an depression when co existing are severe an need medication an therepy. blah

[remar]

I'm going to recommend something that may help you. It;s what I did. I see that your Dr prescribed 10 mgs. Call and ask if you can cut them in half and start with 5 mgs. The side effects will be less. I was started on 20 mgs and it was too much for me. So, I called my Dr and asked if I could take 5 mgs and work my way up. He agreed with this and I felt much better. Yes, it does help my anxiety. They actually make me a little tired and that's why I take them at night. The nausea only lasted a couple of days.

[mamateama]

Yes unfortunately becuz u have a child it is selfish, but it is also normal to be nervous. To put it in perspective for u make a pros and cons list keep it with u and whenever u start to feel like this take it out to remind urself why ur taking the meds. Your daughter and u do deserve a better, happier life, maybe u can put her and that reason as ur top reasons for taking ur meds. Goodluck

[fnbm]

How long have you been on them ? does it help a lot with anxiety for you ? how bad was the dizziness ?

[remar]

I also take Lexapro and the first couple of days you may have a little nausea and dizziness. This will go away though. You're starting a small dose so the side effects are not going to be bad. You may feel a little tired at first too. You are not being selfish at all. I am glad to hear you want to take charge of your anxiety and depression to be the best mother you can be for your daughter. I take mine at night because they can make me a little tired still. So, if you find that taking them in the morning makes you tired try taking them at night.