Depression. Anxiety. Panic Attacks. etc

[silverwhisper]

[distributes hugs to all and sundry]

:>

ed

 

[Nightbird]

Can I have a handshake?

 

[silverwhisper]

sure, that works.

[claps NB on the back firmly]

ed

 

[Nightbird]

Thanks Ed. Very nice of you.

 

[Quoll]

in retrospect, this isn't the right thread for this.

ed

Ed, it might be a good time for you to read the quote in my sig.

|337 0n l) l_l l) 3

 

[silverwhisper]

heh...awesome, quoll. top o the mornin' to ya.

ed

 

[onlyerics]

Lexapro?

Hello, everyone! First things first, HUGE HUGS to everyone and hope you guys are okay. I apologize for not keeping in touch. Quoll, congrats on your new baby! Sweet Erika, I hope you are doing well. Saw your post here, but haven't read it all.

I am doing okay...just trying to take it one day at a time. I have been in counseling for three straight months. It has been alright and helpful in some ways. At times, it was a bit overwhelming especially with school and STUFF(which I will discuss later) at work going on at the same time.

My psychologist has recently recommended some anti-depressant and anti-anxiety (as she said that I have generalized anxiety disorder and depression) medication. She did say it was my choice when I hesitated. So I went to my doctor, and he prescribed Lexapro for me. He said that people barely had any side-effects, but told me that there were indeed some (side-effects, I mean).

My questions are: Has anyone been prescribed/taken lexapro? My psychologist did say that it was a slow-reacting drug...so I won't feel it really working immediately. Did it help any at all? How did you feel after taking it awhile? Was there something you didn't like about it?

I know people react to medications differently so I expect different answers. This is the first time taking any kind of anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication...so I hope you guys would understand my concern.

As for work...well...let's just say that my reason for considering medication was due to what happened at work. I had gone back to school since I am trying to complete some pre-reqs for pharmacy school. One of my co-workers had told me that I was going to get accepted because I was a minority. (I am Asian-American and live in the US, btw.) Needless to say, I was very hurt. It lowered my self-esteem. I have always been a bright student and I work hard-both in school and at work.

Now this lady's comment had challenged for what I am. This lady had apologized for this comment, and although I had forgiven her...I can not forget it. It is difficult for me to go to work, and I cry nearly every morning before going to work. I do have friends at work who have been very supportive of me. Still it is very tough to go to work and put on a brave front.

This is why I have considered to take some medication. I am also going to try doing some yoga, and I have been praying nearly everyday.

Other options I have considering was changing jobs. Yet I hesitate because of the benefits I will be losing(i.e. insurance)...and the fact that I am going to start a new job will put me in a whole new level of stress because of the training...and I might have to put off my plan of going to school, which sort of sucks since I am not getting any younger.

Sorry if I typed this in a hurry. I will explain more and fill you in later.

Onlyerics

 

[bobsgirl]

First off, oe, welcome back!

I took Lexapro for about a year, and had to switch medications because of side effects. It just made me feel awful, physically. But my sister takes it with no problems at all.

PM me if you like.

 

[SweetErika]

Onlyeric's, I'm pretty sure it was Lexapro I was on last. I was also on Buspar (buspirone) at the same time.

I had headaches and nausea for a couple of weeks at the beginning. After that, I was doing pretty good until the sexual side effects kicked in. My libido dropped slightly and I had major problems orgasming, and then arousal became an issue. It helped the depression, but I became more depressed from the sexual problems. They were probably magnified because I was already having trouble with sex from the rape/PTSD (which is why I was depressed and anxious).

Anyway, the sexual problems were one more thing I couldn't deal with at the time, and I quit the Lexapro. I stayed on the Buspar, and it helped me sleep and manage enough to get through grad school, without sexual side effects (actually, my therapist said they used it a lot for Vietnam Vets with PTSD, and the vets didn't want to get off of it because it enhanced their sex lives ). Once the anxiety was under control and I wasn't doing crazy things like staying up all night, inviting terrible thoughts in and upset at Hubby because he didn't know I was hurting , the depression was very manageable and many of the symptoms went away.

In short, I'd try Buspar or similar drugs again in a heartbeat, but am very, very hesitant to do anti-depressants unless there's no other option because the side effects are enough (there are others for me, like feeling emotionally numb, headaches, severe heartburn after a few months [that was with another one, IIRC], but sex is the biggie) to make me feel worse in general.

While I'm thinking about it, I read something interesting the other day. Artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame, can cause and exacerbate mood disorders because they screw with the brain chemistry. One study had to be stopped prematurely because participants with a history of depression or anxiety were having such severe reactions to a small amount. So, if any of you guys are into artificial sweeteners, you might want to cut them out completely and see if there's any effect on your depression/anxiety. I use some Splenda every now and then, but have avoided the others for years after I linked them to some of my headaches.

Google "aspartame depression" or similar to read the research and articles - some are clearly from loonies and just scare tactics, BUT I've read quite a few from credible sources, and don't doubt years of double-blind studies!

Onlyerics, you'll get accepted because you're a highly intelligent, hard-working person who would thrive in the program and field.

 

[Quoll]

I was on lexapro for about six months, it really seemed to help my anxiety but unfortunately it gradually failed in the depression dept, I don't think it had any adverse effects in the libido dept.
I'm now back on zoloft, strange thing is it has affected me differently this time, it certainly isn't working as well as it did the first time I was on it, it keeps me on a reasonably even keel I guess, but the mood swings are much stronger and the anger much closer to the surface.
This time around it has pretty much killed my libido, probably not such a bad thing for me. I still get the urge but generally not without some prompting, so in a way that works out ok. That said, the first time I was on it I got my life back for quite a few years, *shrug*.
One thing to be aware of, is that for some people during the first few days you can feel a bit like a zombie, plus the headaches that Erika mentioned.
The meds aren't perfect and aren't for everyone but for me they have been a lifesaver.

It sounds to me like your co-worker feels like she isn't up to your standard and perhaps regrets that she hasn't got the drive to improve herself.

Oh yeah, check out the blank manual, there were a few threads started about lexapro and other meds.

 

[Nightbird]

I was on Zoloft for about a month.

It made me really tired but definately evened out my mood swings.

I will say though, coming off of it was horrible..

 

[bobsgirl]

I was on lexapro for about six months, it really seemed to help my anxiety but unfortunately it gradually failed in the depression dept, I don't think it had any adverse effects in the libido dept.I'm know back on zoloft, strange thing is it has affected me differently this time, it certainly isn't working as well as it did the first time I was on it, it keeps me on a reasonably even keel I guess, but the mood swings are much stronger and the anger much closer to the surface.
This time around it has pretty much killed my libido, probably not such a bad thing for me. I still get the urge but generally not without some prompting, so in a way that works out ok. That said, the first time I was on it I got my life back for quite a few years, *shrug*.
One thing to be aware of, is that for some people during the first few days you can feel a bit like a zombie, plus the headaches that Erika mentioned.
The meds aren't perfect and aren't for everyone but for me they have been a lifesaver.

It sounds to me like your co-worker feels like she isn't up to your standard and perhaps regrets that she hasn't got the drive to improve herself.

Oh yeah, check out the blank manual, there were a few threads started about lexapro and other meds.

Yes. I had forgotten this. Lexapro worked very well for the anxiety for me. Unfortunately, the side effects from it made my life so unpleasant, I had to stop it. And I remember that it doesn't work right away. It takes a few weeks to start noticing a difference.

For people who are hesitant to take anti-depressant meds, I can tell you, if the drug is doing its job correctly, it's not going to turn you into a zombie. They're not magic pills, but they do help level out the symptoms of depression.

The most important (and the most difficult) step is asking for help.

 

[bobsgirl]

I did something very foolish. I waited until after I had taken the last pill in the bottle to get a re-fill for my depression meds. Too late I realized that the prescription had no re-fills left, and the doctor's office had to call in a new one.

So I've gone two days without taking it. I woke up feeling like the darkness had swallowed me up whole. And damn it, it's my own stupid fault.

 

[silverwhisper]

{BG}

ed

 

[Quoll]

I did something very foolish. I waited until after I had taken the last pill in the bottle to get a re-fill for my depression meds. Too late I realized that the prescription had no re-fills left, and the doctor's office had to call in a new one.

So I've gone two days without taking it. I woke up feeling like the darkness had swallowed me up whole. And damn it, it's my own stupid fault.

Youch, been there {{{{{ BG}}}}}.
Someone gave me a rope with a knot at the end, wanna hang on?
You'll make it through sweety.

 

[Denae]

Hello, everyone! First things first, HUGE HUGS to everyone and hope you guys are okay. I apologize for not keeping in touch. Quoll, congrats on your new baby! Sweet Erika, I hope you are doing well. Saw your post here, but haven't read it all.

I am doing okay...just trying to take it one day at a time. I have been in counseling for three straight months. It has been alright and helpful in some ways. At times, it was a bit overwhelming especially with school and STUFF(which I will discuss later) at work going on at the same time.

My psychologist has recently recommended some anti-depressant and anti-anxiety (as she said that I have generalized anxiety disorder and depression) medication. She did say it was my choice when I hesitated. So I went to my doctor, and he prescribed Lexapro for me. He said that people barely had any side-effects, but told me that there were indeed some (side-effects, I mean).

My questions are: Has anyone been prescribed/taken lexapro? My psychologist did say that it was a slow-reacting drug...so I won't feel it really working immediately. Did it help any at all? How did you feel after taking it awhile? Was there something you didn't like about it?

I know people react to medications differently so I expect different answers. This is the first time taking any kind of anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication...so I hope you guys would understand my concern.

As for work...well...let's just say that my reason for considering medication was due to what happened at work. I had gone back to school since I am trying to complete some pre-reqs for pharmacy school. One of my co-workers had told me that I was going to get accepted because I was a minority. (I am Asian-American and live in the US, btw.) Needless to say, I was very hurt. It lowered my self-esteem. I have always been a bright student and I work hard-both in school and at work.

Now this lady's comment had challenged for what I am. This lady had apologized for this comment, and although I had forgiven her...I can not forget it. It is difficult for me to go to work, and I cry nearly every morning before going to work. I do have friends at work who have been very supportive of me. Still it is very tough to go to work and put on a brave front.

This is why I have considered to take some medication. I am also going to try doing some yoga, and I have been praying nearly everyday.

Other options I have considering was changing jobs. Yet I hesitate because of the benefits I will be losing(i.e. insurance)...and the fact that I am going to start a new job will put me in a whole new level of stress because of the training...and I might have to put off my plan of going to school, which sort of sucks since I am not getting any younger.

Sorry if I typed this in a hurry. I will explain more and fill you in later.

Onlyerics

HI OE,

I was prescibed Lexapro almost two years after having two anxiety-related meltdowns. I've had absolutely no side effects. I wasn't thrilled with the idea of going on a medication, but felt that I had to give it a chance. I'm glad that I did. I'm on a fairly low dosage (10 mg).

Earlier this year I began taking yoga classes. I was lucky in that the first yoga studio that I went to "felt" right. Due to a physical injury I couldn't attend my class for 8 weeks, but am now getting back to it. In this short time, yoga has done so much for my soul. I feel peaceful and beautiful for 90 minutes in a class and I often take it home with me.

Since finding some incredible inner peace in yoga, I stopped taking my Lexapro regularly. Didn't ask my doctor, but I would take my little pill once every couple of days. Although I've not had any negative reactions by doing this on my own, I wouldn't recommend doing this because it can be very, very dangerous. I will be talking to my doctor at my annual physical in a couple of weeks and see about lowering my dosage to a 5 mg under their recommendations (doing it the right way).

Don't let what your co-worker said rule your life. If you enjoy the field that you are studying for, stay with it. Your brains and dedication to the field will be how you receive your grades and will get you hired once you graduate. Stick with it & believe that you are worthy of the good that is coming into your life. It can be hard, but when you realize that you will be empowered.

 

[onlyerics]

Just wanted to say...

THANKS, everyone for sharing the different side-effects you all had. The last time I had a session with my psychologist, I told her that I would keep a journal to note ANY changes (both good and bad) when I start taking Lexapro.

I apologize for not posting immediately. I had been ill and went to the ER this past Wednesday. My doctor believes that I might have gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD), although he wants to do more tests. He put me on nexium, and I just recently started feeling better. It does make me kinda mad though. I have this gut (no pun intended) feeling that GERD had something to do with me being stressed all the time. (DEEP BREATHS. DEEP BREATHS) My doctor told me take it easy this weekend, and gave me a medical slip so I can be excused from work for the next few days. I am feeling a little bit better though. I know I really shouldn't feel this way, but I do feel guilty because I am not studying for the test that's coming up this upcoming week. (Yeah, yeah, I know. I really shouldn't be stressing out.)

But anyway, Denae, I'm glad that you shared your yoga experience. I ordered the beginners package from yoga.com. I did take some yoga classes two years ago and liked it. I wish I had continued it. But that's okay. It's not too late to start again. I would have taken some yoga classes here at our university, but they were $100 per session. It was too pricey for me, so I ordered a DVD instead.

As for my co-worker who made that racial slur, she happens to be one of the supervisors. I was actually shocked when she said that...being a supervisor and all...who is suppose to have more education and experience dealing with people. Anyway, I did report her to medical and administrative directors because both my supervisor and my manager had gone home. And I was smart not to follow the usual chain of command (which would go from supervisor to manager to administrative director and finally the medical director) because when it reached my manager...she simply decided not to get involved with it.

She and that certain supervisor are close friends. The thing that really bothered me was that she said she wasn't there when it happened so she didn't know if it happened or not. I was angry, of course, since what she said was bullshit. She's the manager, and I expected her to get a little more involved in what happened...even if she was not the first person I told. I believe that she decided to turn her cheek the other way because of her friendship with that idiot supervisor.

Politics. That's all it is nowadays. It's not about doing the right thing anymore.

Okay. I'm sorry. I'm getting depressed. I will continue my studies however. After what happened, I don't think I should be working in there much longer than I need to.

Hope that everyone is ok. ***HUGS***

 

[bobsgirl]

Feels like there's no way out.

 

[SweetErika]

Feels like there's no way out.

We're going to hold your hands then, until you find your way. You will - you're definitely moving in the right direction.

Will you be able to get your prescription tomorrow? What might help you until you can get it?

An email will be on the way shortly. Maybe a little distraction will do you good.

 

[onlyerics]

Feels like there's no way out.

I hope a huge hug will make you feel better so here's one from me.


(((((((BG)))))))

 

[silverwhisper]

onlyerics: jeez, that sucks! i'm sorry to hear your manager is completely and totally useless.

BG: when did you get your scrip filled?

ed

 

[bobsgirl]

Thank you for the support, SweetE, oe, and ed.

Things are back on track. My outlook is a little brighter this morning.

 

[Ibsen]

I finally have own internet again!

I did finish high schol, and are now studying at Uppsala University (history). It feels... Both intresting and booring nat the same time. It is fascinating how easy it is to take a intresting subiect and make it so booring just by puttig some pressure on it.

I really dont know what to do any more. But I realized this weekend that Iam really school tired, so after this year, I will try and do something else. If it is possible.

But I must say, I feel alot better now compared to high school. Even if it isnt all good.

Now I´m just lookingfor a girl to cudle with. As it is now, it goes slowly, but it goes. Atleast if I am not too blind...

 

[13thFallenAngel]

need some advice

Hey guys, just thought I'd stop by just for some advice.

I know I have depression. I don't know how severe but I've had it since I was a kid or my early teens. I've been doing alright, keeping it at bay for the past several years but now I think it's affecting me even more worse or my ability to keep it down is eroding (part of it ties in with a revelation in my identity).

My question is, should I go to a psychiatrist/psychologist to get some counselling? I'm a rather proud person and I grew up in a culture where being mentally ill is such a humongous stigma and it's difficult for me to even go near the counsellor's office on campus (I'm a uni student and my schoolwork is getting affected). One of my housemate was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and later the psychologist insisted that she take meds for depression as well. She also said that the psychologist manipulated her emotions. Are they really supposed to do that or did I watch too many movies?

And another thing, should I take meds? I hear all about these side effects and it concerns me.


I'm just frustrated right now and I find it hard to talk to any of my friends (from both cultures) because I don't think they can fully understand the situation I'm in. (which is basically I'm an international student living in a different culture for the past 2 years and I've become this odd amalgam who can fit in both worlds and at the same time, not).

I feel the need to break something.....I think I'll go make some scones to work off the energy.

 

[Ibsen]

If your school qwork is affected - TALK TO SOMEONE. I am in a similar situation, and to quote Croccodile Dundee : Why go to a schrink? Doesnt people have friends?

Of course, it isnt always that easy, so I think you should get to a counselor if you cant talk with your friends. Becouse people need to talk about their problems. I know, I a from a culture where you keep it all bottled in untill you oneday stands there and are robbing a money-transport with machine-guns and a stolen car...

About meds... Well, I blieve that just by changing your lifestyle (food, sleep etc) you can get a long way. But then again, I am not a psyciatrist, or a MD, so my advice are just general.

Talk to someone, thats my strongest advice, it helps. Atleast sometimes (in a majority of the cases anyway).