is lexapro a good choice?

[erin626]

I saw my therapist today and she wants me on lexapro for my anxiety. She called the dr I see for meds and told her that she thinks lexapro will help me. My anxiety has gotten really bad to the point that I can't eat and barely sleep. I'm scared to take another med after the bad experience I had with xanax. Has lexapro helped anyone with anxiety? Is it addicting and hard to come off of? I'm very nervouse about taking another med. Any personal experiences with lexapro would be appreciated.

[cnote]

It's doing wonders for me! And I'm only on day 8 or 9! =)
My therapist also said that xanax isnt a good choice either.
He gave me Klonopin which I take only when needed, and he said they arent as habit forming as xanax etc. Take care! Let the lexapro do its thing. =)

[erin626]

I see a therapist weekly. She's the one who wants me on lexapro. I have a family member who also sees her and was put on lexapro with good results. Like I said I'm just worried because the xanax really messed with me. It actually caused my anxiety to get worse! It was great at the beginning but then I got addicted and noticed my anxiety flare up like crazy in between doses. Weaning off of it was awful. The worst experience of my life. Now instead of taking it 2-3 times daily I only take it as needed..which is about 2-3 times a week and at the lowest dose of .25. I just don't like xanax. It doesn't really control my anxiety...it just sort of hides it for a few hours. That's what scares me about starting a new med.

[cj29]

Medications do affect us all differently.  SSRIs like Lexapro have also helped me, but they can take a couple of weeks to 'kick in,' and while my body was adjusting to the med, I did have a little bit of an increase in anxiety (probably both mental and physical) for a short while.  While I support the use of medications like Lexapro, remember they will not cure you of anything.  They can and do help as you learn about your anxiety through therapy.  Do you have access to a counselor (therapist, psychologist, etc)?  Keep us posted!

[mammo]

I have been on Lexapro for a couple of years with excellent results!  But keep in mind we are all different in how we respond to these types of medications.  So, what works well for one, may not for another, and vice versa.  Unfortunately, it is often trial and error as to what will work best for us, but once we get the right one, it's well worthh it!  They're all addictive, and I wouldn't worry about this right now, getting you feeling better is priority.  You need to look at anxiety like any other illness that needs medication to control the symptoms.  I can understand your fear of another medication but nobody can say how you will react to it, you just have to take it and see.  Good luck I hope the Lexapro helps!