I took 1, 10mg. lexepro about 1 year ago. Freaked out and learned quickly about panic attacks and anxiety. I had tried celexa and effexor before the lexepro. All for mild /moderate depression and headaches. SSRI drugs don't like me. Today I take .5mg. klonopin twice daily and 25mg. lamictal once daily. Lamictal hasn't really helped depression, upped the dose to 50mg. and got insomnia. Did I already have anxiety and panic attacks without knowing then lexepro brought it out? I don't know , I do know that I have been in a struggle since the day I took it. My whole life has changed , not for the better. I have to see a new psyc. this week and see what they want me to do because I am lost for ideas. From my point of view, I was depressed. I sought help from family dr. Tried 1 celexa, no go. Tried 1 effexor, no go. Tried 1 lexepro , gone. Depression with daily anxiety (klonopin helps) and panic attacks which I sit through. I think the drs. I see think I want a high. I could get that cheaper and more timely on the streets. I just want a little help so I can go back to work and help pay the bills. I can work on happiness later, I've already waited most my life.
Well I do agree with you on the therapy aspect. I think almost everyone could benefit from a good therapist.
T
It does explain that all antidepressants do not work and sometimes cause those certain problems. I have been taking lexparo for a while. I guess it all depends on the person. I can't imagine having those symptoms for over 3 weeks...you must of been a mess and scared. Hopefully everything is working out for you. :)
First of all, don't take it. Especially if you have had negative experiences with similar drugs. You can always take it later, but I wouldn't advise this.
In the directions section of the lexapro pamphlet, it states: the patient should be monitored closely for the first 2 weeks and be given a bezodiazepine concurrently to counter the side effects caused by the medication. I am sorry, this is not what happened to me nor anyone else that I have talked to in regards to taking this drug. I am assuming you are not being closely monitored or on a benzodiazepine.
Of course, I am not a doctor. I am, however, a reasonable person. I think it is a reasonable assumption to make the option of medication the last resort or at the very least, far down on the list of remedies.
I have researched SSRI's and anti-depressants. Although many people report success and a better life, there are no conclusive studies to prove this to be factual. If you read the clinical trials, SSRI's were not found to be more effective than placebo and in many cases many people had to drop out of the studies due to the side effects.
I do not claim that people are not benefitting from these drugs. I have no idea if they are. I do know there are no long term studies on these medications and the pharmaceutical industry has a tight grip on primary care physicians.
I have read and communicated with many victims of these controversial drugs thus reinforcing my opinion. My opinion is to not take these drugs. If you have exhausted all other possibilities and decide to opt for a medication research it extensively and read (and understand) every last word in the drug pamphlet. Start at the lowest dose possible and have family or support nearby for the first 2 weeks. Go online and look for negative feedback. (I say this because when I did research, I primarily looked at the positive feedback, big mistake!)
Good luck friend,
Tony
It was the most terrifying time in my life.
I write this because I am trying to prevent this from happening to other people. I am glad if it helps anyone.
I appreciate your sentiment. I am so much better now that at least I know I can live life. The first 3 months were unbearable.
Tony
just because the med doesnt work for one doesnt mean it wont work for you.I take celexa and zyprexa for bi polar but that doesnt mean you would get the same results I have. sometimes you have to try these meds to see which one will work for you. I was on lots of other meds before the ones I am on now. I am thankful I didnt give up and I have a great life now thanks to the meds and therapy.
Love Venora
My dr. has prescibed this drug for me and I want to research it first. I dont like what i'm hearing. im scared this will happen to me. It happened with another drug before..same effects..what can i do?
OMG, your experience must have been beyond terrifying. Thank you so much for sharing your story because every time I even start to THINK that I might need to go back on an SSRI, I read a story like yours and the answer is clearly, NO WAY.
My heart just goes out to you and I hope more recovery comes with each passing day.
Take good care....