Off Topic-Anyone here taking Lexapro? - Page 1

I know this is not dog related but I can't get anyone to answer my questions.

I have panic attacks and mild depression  since my husband was killed in Iraq. The docs want to put me on Lexapro. Could anyone here tell me if this SSRI works for them? What side affects if any? If none, how do you feel on this drug and has it helped.

Thanks,

Karla

email me privately at laurelty4@aol.com

Sorry to hear about your husband. I hope you have a good support group to talk to. How many miligrams are you on? I was on 10, the side effects I noticed after about 10 months was that I started to gain weight and was always tired. I could sleep forever. I was on it for 2 yrs, it has been 8 months since I went off it and still have not been able to lose a pound. I am not as tired and able to do more but after being "lazy" for about a 1 1/2 yrs its hard to get out of that routine. I was on it because I am very high strung and needed something to take the edge off, I know now don't sweat the small stuff, it will be there tomorrow. I think it really helped me and I know alot of people that are on it and they are very happy with the results.

Betsy

there's a generic called celexa, only cost $4.  it does help, but you cang ain weight on it and might make some people fatigued.  Xanax is wonderful for panic attacks.  I found the combo of amitripyline and Xanax works very well.

Lexapro  like many SSRI's will work for your anxiety. You will find that you may need to change meds depending on how it makes you feel. People are so individual. Please keep in mind, there are side effects your provider may not tell you about. Please do a web search on side effects of SSRI's / Lexapro. Weight gain is the # 1 complaint. Also, you can not stop taking the meds cold turkey. You will have what some people refer to as "brain zaps", "shocks"  in the chest, flu like symptoms, even worse depression and other symptoms for several weeks. I would prefer your physician provide you with low dose diazepam (valium) to help you sleep, as needed. The SSRI's are extremely addictive and most people who have come off them say they would never have done so if they knew the side effects and the "mask" it makes you wear. I am a PA, Special Forced Medic, US Army, and am sharing this information with you based on education and experience with patients.
I assume you are in some form of grief counseling. If not, go NOW. If you are, try getting in a extra appointment ot two each week. One of the healthiest ways to grieve is to let it out and talk about it as much as possible. If you need any more informationo n the services availabel to you, please let me know. Hang in there, you will get through this, and there is light at the end.

God bless your husband and his sacrifice. He will never be forgotten.

Sorry for the typos...

God bless and keep you and your family close for making the ultimate sacrafice for your country. 

Veronica

I am so sorry for your loss.

When I started having brain seizures they put me on Lexapro, I loved it, I called it my "Gel" Pill, Nothing mattered, My son couldnt even get me riled up. After a couple of days the initial Gel feeling wasnt as strong and after a week I was able to function again, albiet not up to the normal amount. After about a month and a half everything seems to even out and I was able to function fully on it. I stopped taking it tho, I dont like having to take anything.

If you do start taking it, DO NOT stop suddenly without consulting your dr first. I had serious thoughts of suicide in the first couple of days after I abruptly stopped taking it. I mean I actually saw myself doing the deed so talk with your Dr before you stop taking it and make sure you mention to him if you have ever ever had suicidal thoughts. I did not let my dr know I was stopping the meds. I should have tapered down because the Lexapro affects the Seratonin in the brain.

Therese

I am so sorry Karla....