ccp
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Post by ccp on Apr 1, 2021 12:46:06 GMT -6
I have no experience but wanted you to know, reading tour post encouraged me to schedule a video appointment with my doctor today. I read these and always think about how jealous I am that someone had the courage to try something different. I’m ready to be happier.
Reading through some of what people suggested was motivating and inspiring.
I hope this helps you and I thank you for the reminder that feeling like this is no longer ok.
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addymac
Emerald
Posts: 12,713 Likes: 54,195
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Post by addymac on Apr 1, 2021 12:49:31 GMT -6
So something that happened to me that maybe I could see being a concern with you too is that my GAD experience was also masking some depressive symptoms. When my doctor first suggested Lexapro I was really resistant. I thought I didn’t need a daily drug, especially one that leaned antidepressant. I thought I needed something for breakthrough anxiety. She convinced me to try for a month, and it was life changing. Literally. What I thought felt like “less anxious” times were really just higher depression times. Now, I just feel... like myself. I was worried about blunting but it doesn’t. I still sometimes feel anxious but it’s manageable. I can think it through logically rather than spiraling. Oh, same here. It was really really hard for me to admit that there was depression at play, too, in addition to my severe PPA now GAD. lexapro saved my marriage, my relationship with my family, and my kid. I’m now on zoloft and I’m so happy I literally don’t remember the last time I used a Xanax. But it took over a year to get there. Now my frustrations with my 3yo are appropriate and I don’t find the idea of a second child horrifying 😂 and I am back to enjoying my job (my anxiety was taking away my love of acute care situations).
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Kida
Emerald
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Post by Kida on Apr 1, 2021 14:05:27 GMT -6
So I was really scared to take an ssri (I've been on celexa for about 3 years) and I thought I didn't need it because I wasn't depressed. I had severe anxiety about...everything, even treating the anxiety. It has helped me so much that I plan on never going off. I started at 10mg and was on that for a year, went up to 15mg for about a year and a half or so, then a few months ago I went up to 20. Each time I increased, I experienced side effects for a few weeks but now I'm myself. I can honestly say that I experience joy in my life now that wasn't so much present before. Even though I was happy, the anxiety weighed me down and I didn't feel as good as I do now. Like hawkward said, I definitely had depression that I didn't realize until it was gone. Alot of the time, not always, but alot, depression and anxiety go hand in hand, like a chicken and the egg situ. I also have a rescue med, ativan .5mg that I have for bad days and I occasionally use cbd to relieve heightened days. I'm so glad you reached out to your Dr because truly, that is the scariest and hardest part, now that that's over, you can get treatment and feel good again. Lexapro is like celexa's more pure and potent, younger sister. The way I understand it is you can take a smaller dose and it be as effective with less side effects than celexa. So 5mg of lexapro is similar to 10mg of celexa. If I have to up my celexa again, I will probably opt to try lexapro. I'm here for you if you ever need to talk. You can get through this and you deserve to feel your best self with out all the anxiety bringing you down. 💓
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Post by peppapig on Apr 1, 2021 17:02:49 GMT -6
Tlex , trueblue , courtniko , tj , cribs , addymac , hellosweetie , leahcar , jsgrl , kbw , newspapers , Diordra , SayitaintSnow , caer , fosterlove , jules1614 , jorkzy , cabbagecabbage , hawkward , canteverremember , Rusty Red , Kida, ccp, Whew, I think I tagged everyone...sorry for the post and run. It was a crazy busy day at work, and I read posts when I could, but wasn't able to respond. THANK YOU so much for the words of encouragement. I can't tell you how much they mean to me. All day I kept hoping my eyelash glue wouldn't come undone and cause my fake lashes to hang from my eyelids while trying not to cry. The hardest part is done, I just need to pick up the meds. I am so ready to be happy and NORMAL. My kids deserve it. Thank you again.
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Post by peppapig on Apr 1, 2021 17:06:46 GMT -6
I’ve been on Lexapro for almost 10 years now, started off on 5 and found my sweet spot is 10mg, any more than that and I feel the side effects too strongly. It takes about 2 weeks for me to adjust to being on it (have been off it for long periods a couple times in that decade) and to be honest, I can feel a bit worse before I start to feel better. Side effects for me tend to be a bit of dizzy-light headedness, feeling my heart race, feeling a bit woozy or nauseated, and feeling kind of flat and glum. I also can’t reach full O during that phase. But! Then I wake up one day and just feel kind of lighter, I laugh more easily, I’m less stressed and angry over small stuff, I can O again 😜 and I can just generally experience life more normally. It doesn’t change who I am or my personality in any way, it just lifts a cloud of misery. Like you I’d have good times and then really rough times. It was hard to accept needing a med because there were times I’d be fine without it. But it turns out I wasn’t having the good times I really thought I was, I was just comparing them to the really, really bad times. I’m so thankful for this med and it certainly isn’t a fit for everyone, but it has been life changing for me. It just lets my brain play on a more level playing field and be calm enough to get value out of the other side of therapy, which is learning new thought patterns and behaviour. Thank you for this...this is very helpful. I have anxiety over starting anti-anxiety meds, lolsob. I really was in denial for a while b/c I'd be convinced I was fine, but there is always an underlying feeling of dread that I don't think is normal.
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Post by peppapig on Apr 1, 2021 17:07:53 GMT -6
When things are really bad and all my normal coping mechanisms fail I need a daily SSRI to smooth out the hills and valleys and get my over all anxiety level to a manageable level and a fast acting as needed medication like xanax or klonopin for unmanageable breakthrough anxiety. When things are ok and I can manage day to day with skills learned in cognitive behavioral therapy I just have the breakthrough med as a stop gap for situational tidal waves of anxiety with a specific cause and a specific resolution time period. If i use rescue meds more than I am comfortable with, or with some regularity, its time to go bacl on the SSRI. This was helpful b/c I didn't know I could take Lexapro AND the other med, too. That's good to know.
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Post by peppapig on Apr 1, 2021 17:11:06 GMT -6
newspapersI'm so sorry you were feeling that way. I'm glad that you are feeling better.
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Post by peppapig on Apr 1, 2021 17:14:15 GMT -6
I started Lexapro (5mg) in February after about eight years of anxiety. I’ve done therapy as well, although I’m between therapists at the moment. Immediately it helped, like within 48 hours. The fluttery panic of existing or going in public: gone. The racing thoughts in the background that sound like “What’s that noise? Probably the roof giving out. What if it collapsed? What if that’s the thing that takes all our savings? What if there black mold in there making us sick? Fuck!” : gone The 500 open tabs in my brain that were each playing a flash animation: gone. Like, I could just live and focus and be present without constantly pulling into my head. Lexapro also had some side effects for about two weeks as I adjusted. I take it at bedtime and it knocked me out immediately for a while like a sleeping pill. I felt a bit spacey or foggy for a few days. Also I had *zero* sex drive. That last one almost made me quit but I kept going because I was seeing a lot of benefits. Now, the side effects have all but gone away. My sex drive is lowered for sure though but I can feel sexy and orgasm and have good sex. It takes a bit longer to get there. What you described is totally me, so I feel encouraged to read about your experience, though I'm sorry you went through this. Also, what you and Tlex, have said about sex is comforting too, b/c that was a concern
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trueblue
Sapphire
Posts: 4,524 Likes: 16,333
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Post by trueblue on Apr 1, 2021 17:14:44 GMT -6
peppapig, you can as long as they are different classes of meds. I don’t know enough about the names you posted to know if they are or not. Your doc knows what s/he is doing as does your pharmacist. Do yourself a favor and ask the questions you have even if they sound ridiculous. Better to get the answer than sit and stew in anxiety.
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Post by peppapig on Apr 1, 2021 17:15:54 GMT -6
And I forgot to add, I’m really proud of you and I hope this is the beginning of a new healthy chapter in your life. Thank you...I know I get some side-eyes (deserved, lol) from my posts, and I get it. I know what I'm posting isn't normal, but I can't help it - but that's the anxiety. Thanks for your support.
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Post by peppapig on Apr 1, 2021 17:17:19 GMT -6
And I forgot to add, I’m really proud of you and I hope this is the beginning of a new healthy chapter in your life. +1 Really proud of you peppa. ❤️ I'm crying. Thank you
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Post by peppapig on Apr 1, 2021 17:19:58 GMT -6
I have no experience but wanted you to know, reading tour post encouraged me to schedule a video appointment with my doctor today. I read these and always think about how jealous I am that someone had the courage to try something different. I’m ready to be happier. Reading through some of what people suggested was motivating and inspiring. I hope this helps you and I thank you for the reminder that feeling like this is no longer ok. I totally get it. I feel like we are so good at dispensing reasonable and rational advice for others, but not so much when it comes to ourselves. If my friend was feeling this way, I would 100% encourage her to talk to someone...but for some reason I just didn't want to? or couldn't? get off my ass to do it. I hope you do call your dr.
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Post by peppapig on Apr 1, 2021 17:21:18 GMT -6
peppapig , you can as long as they are different classes of meds. I don’t know enough about the names you posted to know if they are or not. Your doc knows what s/he is doing as does your pharmacist. Do yourself a favor and ask the questions you have even if they sound ridiculous. Better to get the answer than sit and stew in anxiety. okay, got it...I'll definitely ask. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.
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Post by rhymeswithdisco on Apr 1, 2021 17:32:05 GMT -6
I take Effexor (SNRI) and buspirone together for GAD. It’s been the only combination I’ve found that’s even taken the edge off the anxiety. I’m glad you have reached out for help peppapig. I hope you start feeling more like yourself soon. I’m proud of you.
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Post by 4PrivetDrive on Apr 1, 2021 17:34:54 GMT -6
I’ve been on Lexapro for years and I know I am way better on it than off it, and I swear i would physically fight someone who tried to tell me they weren’t necessary ::cough::my mother::cough::
It’s such a night and day difference for helping with how I feel. I am now up to 20mg and it seems like I’ve hit the right dosage.
And echoing others, but you took the first and hardest step! So proud of you!
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Tlex
Ruby
Posts: 22,759 Likes: 154,991
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Post by Tlex on Apr 1, 2021 17:48:35 GMT -6
I’ve been on Lexapro for almost 10 years now, started off on 5 and found my sweet spot is 10mg, any more than that and I feel the side effects too strongly. It takes about 2 weeks for me to adjust to being on it (have been off it for long periods a couple times in that decade) and to be honest, I can feel a bit worse before I start to feel better. Side effects for me tend to be a bit of dizzy-light headedness, feeling my heart race, feeling a bit woozy or nauseated, and feeling kind of flat and glum. I also can’t reach full O during that phase. But! Then I wake up one day and just feel kind of lighter, I laugh more easily, I’m less stressed and angry over small stuff, I can O again 😜 and I can just generally experience life more normally. It doesn’t change who I am or my personality in any way, it just lifts a cloud of misery. Like you I’d have good times and then really rough times. It was hard to accept needing a med because there were times I’d be fine without it. But it turns out I wasn’t having the good times I really thought I was, I was just comparing them to the really, really bad times. I’m so thankful for this med and it certainly isn’t a fit for everyone, but it has been life changing for me. It just lets my brain play on a more level playing field and be calm enough to get value out of the other side of therapy, which is learning new thought patterns and behaviour. Thank you for this...this is very helpful. I have anxiety over starting anti-anxiety meds, lolsob. I really was in denial for a while b/c I'd be convinced I was fine, but there is always an underlying feeling of dread that I don't think is normal. It’s tricky because sometimes anxiety serves us really well and it feels unsafe to think about “turning it off” even though another part of us really wants to shut it up! You’re still going to be you, and I hope you sense how not-alone you are in this.
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Kida
Emerald
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Post by Kida on Apr 1, 2021 18:00:59 GMT -6
I’ve been on Lexapro for almost 10 years now, started off on 5 and found my sweet spot is 10mg, any more than that and I feel the side effects too strongly. It takes about 2 weeks for me to adjust to being on it (have been off it for long periods a couple times in that decade) and to be honest, I can feel a bit worse before I start to feel better. Side effects for me tend to be a bit of dizzy-light headedness, feeling my heart race, feeling a bit woozy or nauseated, and feeling kind of flat and glum. I also can’t reach full O during that phase. But! Then I wake up one day and just feel kind of lighter, I laugh more easily, I’m less stressed and angry over small stuff, I can O again 😜 and I can just generally experience life more normally. It doesn’t change who I am or my personality in any way, it just lifts a cloud of misery. Like you I’d have good times and then really rough times. It was hard to accept needing a med because there were times I’d be fine without it. But it turns out I wasn’t having the good times I really thought I was, I was just comparing them to the really, really bad times. I’m so thankful for this med and it certainly isn’t a fit for everyone, but it has been life changing for me. It just lets my brain play on a more level playing field and be calm enough to get value out of the other side of therapy, which is learning new thought patterns and behaviour. Thank you for this...this is very helpful. I have anxiety over starting anti-anxiety meds, lolsob. I really was in denial for a while b/c I'd be convinced I was fine, but there is always an underlying feeling of dread that I don't think is normal. I totally get this. Starting and upping and basically anything to do with meds make my anxiety crazy, which is just proof it needs to be treated lol. But you got this. Also, just a heads up, for ME, the third day after starting my med and upping it, I had crazy anxiety and mood swings but I was fine after. For some ppl the initial week or so can be rough with side effects but it is so worth it to push through. The first week I felt a little floaty and disconcerted but it got better after that. If you need to talk it out or anything, we're here for you!
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Post by SayitaintSnow on Apr 1, 2021 18:21:22 GMT -6
Thank you for this...this is very helpful. I have anxiety over starting anti-anxiety meds, lolsob. I really was in denial for a while b/c I'd be convinced I was fine, but there is always an underlying feeling of dread that I don't think is normal. I totally get this. Starting and upping and basically anything to do with meds make my anxiety crazy, which is just proof it needs to be treated lol. But you got this. Also, just a heads up, for ME, the third day after starting my med and upping it, I had crazy anxiety and mood swings but I was fine after. For some ppl the initial week or so can be rough with side effects but it is so worth it to push through. The first week I felt a little floaty and disconcerted but it got better after that. If you need to talk it out or anything, we're here for you! oooooooh yeah, this reminds me that when I started Lexapro I was taking it evenings and I felt like it was giving me anxiety and sleeplessness at nights. I was talking to my friend about it (who also happens to be a PA) and she said anecdotally she hears this from a lot of people and so she recommends taking it in the mornings. I switched to mornings and had zero issues after that. TLDR if you end up taking lexapro, peppa, consider taking it early in the day.
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hawkward
Global Moderator
Loss, Infertility
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Post by hawkward on Apr 1, 2021 19:15:38 GMT -6
And I forgot to add, I’m really proud of you and I hope this is the beginning of a new healthy chapter in your life. Thank you...I know I get some side-eyes (deserved, lol) from my posts, and I get it. I know what I'm posting isn't normal, but I can't help it - but that's the anxiety. Thanks for your support. It’s hard. I think I’ve told you before but you remind me of my sister’s spiraling. She knows it’s not rational but she also needs me to tell her it’s not rational. It’s a good thing we have different triggers so we can talk each other down 😂
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Post by sassafras83 on Apr 1, 2021 19:31:28 GMT -6
Currently I am on Paxil and take Xanax when needed (not often, but as other have mentioned, it’s like my security blanket).
I am definitely in the GAD category with occasional panic attacks. Everyone is so different, so unfortunately there is no “one size fits all” med. it can be frustrating trying to find the best fit for you, but once you do it is so worth the hassle.
I have always had side effects for a week or two depending on the med, either when starting a new med or increasing dosage. Increased anxiety, fatigue, loss of appetite. They go away though and it is totally worth it.
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tj
Moderator
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Post by tj on Apr 1, 2021 20:03:07 GMT -6
I’m so sorry. I wasn’t familiar with peppapig’s history at the time. I didn’t mean at all to imply that she wasn’t doing a great job of taking care of herself or that her dr didn’t have her best interest at heart. I was trying to say what addymac said here: I’d start the lexapro. Then get an appt with a psychiatrist who is better at managing psych meds. My GP was helpful to get it rolling but I ended up needing to switch meds 3x before I found the right fit for me. But I didn’t word it nearly as well. Peppa I’m very happy for you for taking such a big first step. I hope it helps. It’s okay if the first option doesn’t work and you need to try another option. Don’t get discouraged - you deserve to feel better.
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Bluebird
Amethyst
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Post by Bluebird on Apr 1, 2021 20:32:55 GMT -6
I took Lexapro for a while for GAD, and it was very effective. It started working pretty quickly and stopped making me sleepy after the first couple of weeks.
I was not able to O on it though, so when I felt more stable, I decided to wean myself off (with my doc’s guidance). I found it difficult to get off of and the weaning process had to be much slower than my dr originally advised. Still 100% the right choice at the time.
A few years later, I tried Zoloft for my severe PPA. Also highly effective, no sexual side effects for me, just occasional upset stomach. It was also significantly easier to taper and get off of than Lexapro.
There is no one size fits all solution, and we all have different experiences. Hoping you find some relief soon!
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Tlex
Ruby
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Post by Tlex on Apr 1, 2021 21:21:07 GMT -6
I’m so sorry. I wasn’t familiar with peppapig’s history at the time. I didn’t mean at all to imply that she wasn’t doing a great job of taking care of herself or that her dr didn’t have her best interest at heart. I was trying to say what addymac said here: I’d start the lexapro. Then get an appt with a psychiatrist who is better at managing psych meds. My GP was helpful to get it rolling but I ended up needing to switch meds 3x before I found the right fit for me. But I didn’t word it nearly as well. Peppa I’m very happy for you for taking such a big first step. I hope it helps. It’s okay if the first option doesn’t work and you need to try another option. Don’t get discouraged - you deserve to feel better. FWIW I did get that from you, and I wish I’d taken more time to word that in my first response to you. I appreciate the intent of what you wanted to share and it’s absolutely valid. You shouldn’t settle for a med that isn’t working for you, and it’s important to get care from a doctor who really listens and knows their shit.
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Post by jessijean on Apr 1, 2021 22:58:41 GMT -6
Personally lexapro didn't do much for me but I do know it helps many people. I felt better on daily buspirone (sp?) I then took a genetic test and found a SNRI that's my magic pill, pristiq.
Lexapro made me a bit tired and I initially gained weight on SSRIs but that tapered off and wasn't significant.
You should be proud of yourself for getting help. It took me nearly a year to admit I needed to see my doctor and a counselor.
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George
Gold
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Post by George on Apr 2, 2021 7:13:35 GMT -6
I’m proud of you ♥️ I put off taking to someone about anxiety for years too long; this place gave me the courage to finally do it, and it ended up happening at a time when things were about to get really dark for me. I now take Zoloft daily and life has changed for me in a brilliant way. I had dizziness for a couple weeks in the evenings but that’s gone now. I hope that you start to see positive changes soon. Know that it can take some changes and modifications to get the right med/dose for you. You took hard steps toward better days.
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joy
Global Moderator
TTC, Pg, B&C
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Post by joy on Apr 2, 2021 7:25:13 GMT -6
Tlex , trueblue , courtniko , tj , cribs , addymac , hellosweetie , leahcar , jsgrl , kbw , newspapers , Diordra , SayitaintSnow , caer , fosterlove , jules1614 , jorkzy , cabbagecabbage , hawkward , canteverremember , Rusty Red , Kida, ccp, Whew, I think I tagged everyone...sorry for the post and run. It was a crazy busy day at work, and I read posts when I could, but wasn't able to respond. THANK YOU so much for the words of encouragement. I can't tell you how much they mean to me. All day I kept hoping my eyelash glue wouldn't come undone and cause my fake lashes to hang from my eyelids while trying not to cry. The hardest part is done, I just need to pick up the meds. I am so ready to be happy and NORMAL. My kids deserve it. Thank you again. peppapig!! I am so so so happy to read this post. ❤️❤️
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bart
New
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Post by bart on Apr 2, 2021 9:04:44 GMT -6
I'm a lurker, but good for you for taking the first step! It's definitely the hardest one, so be proud of yourself!!
I have prescriptions for both Lexapro and Seroquel (quetiapine). I take 20mg of Lexapro at bedtime - I get too foggy if I take it in the morning, but it does give me strange dreams. I've been off and on Lexapro multiple times over the past 10 years, and have been on it for the last year straight. It helps me function, and makes me feel like myself. I have no desire to go off it any time soon.
I used to take quetiapine (25mg, a very low dose) only when I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep. Disclaimer that medications impact everyone differently, and I am not a doctor, but it knocks me on my ass. Like, I better be on my way to bed when I take it because I will be dead ass asleep 30 minutes after I take that pill. Just something to consider. I would also wake up with a dry mouth and have to pee a lot.
Figuring out the optimal timing of when you take meds can be just as much of the game as the medication itself and the dosage.
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Post by fosterlove on Apr 2, 2021 9:07:30 GMT -6
oooooooh yeah, this reminds me that when I started Lexapro I was taking it evenings and I felt like it was giving me anxiety and sleeplessness at nights. I was talking to my friend about it (who also happens to be a PA) and she said anecdotally she hears this from a lot of people and so she recommends taking it in the mornings. I switched to mornings and had zero issues after that. TLDR if you end up taking lexapro, peppa, consider taking it early in the day. It is interesting how differently it affects people. I took it in the morning and was dizzy and had insomnia. Switched to evenings and now I’m sleeping better and am not as cloudy in the day. Same here, I had to switch to evenings.
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Post by peppapig on Apr 2, 2021 16:23:59 GMT -6
Thank you all for giving me a heads up on what to expect. I think I'll try taking it in the evening, since I have to function during the day, and go from there. I appreciate the support
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Post by peppapig on Apr 2, 2021 16:26:45 GMT -6
Thank you...I know I get some side-eyes (deserved, lol) from my posts, and I get it. I know what I'm posting isn't normal, but I can't help it - but that's the anxiety. Thanks for your support. It’s hard. I think I’ve told you before but you remind me of my sister’s spiraling. She knows it’s not rational but she also needs me to tell her it’s not rational. It’s a good thing we have different triggers so we can talk each other down 😂 Lol yes, I think I remember you mentioning this! I have literally told my kids' doctor that I bring them in just to see him roll his eyes at me, hahaha He told me during the pandemic he didn't have much business, and that I kept him afloat - and that I should have had more kids He was kidding, of course, but it was hilarious.
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