Lexipro question

[DeeO]

Last summer, when I found out my husband was having an affair, I was an emotional mess. My stomach was in knots all of the time and I was a wreck. The counselor suggested that I go to my family doc for a prescription for something to "take the edge off". My doc prescribed Lexipro. I took one pill and felt that it gave me cotton mouth, so I stopped. I decided to take the edge off by drinking.
Anyway, we have been going through some rough times financially and I am feeling a lot of these same symptoms, mostly my heart is racing.
I found the Lexipro and the prescription and am thinking of trying it again. I don't want to drink.
Has anyone had experience with Lexipro? I just can't take my racing heart and I need to calm down.:confused:

[moxie]

Hey Dee,

Sorry to hear about your stress and symptoms. You might want to PM Irish, she has had great success with lexapro if I remember correctly.

Hang in there,
Moxie

[hazybee]

i was on it for a year and i drank throughout it so i dont think i felt the full effect since drinking caused more anxiety....but i didnt have many side effects from it.

[Quiet Storm]

I have been on it going on three months. If cotton mouth is the only thing that happened to you when you took the first pill then I'd say thats pretty good. Start up side effects are to be expected with these medications. Which ones you get and the severity depend on the person. The most common start up side effects are headache, nausea, tiredness, insomnia, increased sweating, increased anxiety, dry mouth, decreased libido and inability to orgasm, and probably a few others I probably have forgotten. Again, not saying you will get ALL of these, those are just the most common that people experience. Most(with the exception of the sexual side effects) should go away in a couple of weeks. Rarely, these medications may cause thoughts of suicide in the beginning. If this happens make sure you let your doc know immediateyl and if you feel you are an immediate threat to yourself you need to go to the ER.

I would say first that you should probably try some counseling before you commit to these medications, but youve said you've already done that. If you are willing to try the medication again, please do it with an open mind and with the frame of mind that the lexapro WILL help you. Also, please continue with the therapy. What kind of counselor are you seeing?

[DeeO]

Hi Quiet Storm, hazybee and moxie~
I went ahead and took one last night, rather than in the morning like I did last time. I woke up feeling like shit. I was nauseated, my pupils were huge and I have no appetite and the dry mouth is back.
I am not in any counseling right now, we just can't afford it.
I am not sure whether I will continue to take it, I hate what just one pill didi to me.
Thanks so much for your input! I really appreciate it

[Quiet Storm]

I understand, it can be pretty rough at first. I promise you it will get better if you stick with it though. I'm assuming you are taking 10mg. Alot of people cut it in half and take 5mg for a week or two then go up to the full 10mg. It seems to lessen the side effects for a lot of folks.

[poulou]

Hi Deeoo
I sense Ispelled your name wrong. I have been on lexapro for a couple of years if not longer. It works really well for me. I do remember having the effect you are having when I tried other meds. I tried paxil, prozac and zoloft. With the zoloft I felt like a deer in the headlights. I definitely felt drugged.
I think before you make too many decisions you need to give it a chance. I would certainly do the half dose for a couple of weeks. That is what I did.
you couldn't pay me a million dollars to get off my meds. Booze yet, my meds no. I can function, be relaxed, be happy and not feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop all the time
If you have more questions feel free to pm me
take care
Rachel
feeling like a mess is no fun and not fair

[shelley]

ditto the above advice, especially starting with half a dose for a week or two. anti-depressants take a while to work, they don't bring instant relief with just one pill here and there. they mask those anxious feelings (so to speak) so you can focus on life more easily.

[Ronnie]

Don't know what doseage your pills are, but nausea and headaches are very common startup side effects. Natural biochemistry changes very gradually over a period of weeks, so it is best to mimic that when manipulating one's biochemistry as well. Start with a tiny dose and increase it gradually. When you quit taking the pills, decrease the dose just as gradually in reverse.

Cut the first pill in four. Take one quarter pill each day for two days.
Take two quarter pills the third day.
Cut the second pill in half. Take half pill each day for two days.
Cut the third to sixth pills in quarters. Take 3/4 each day for 4 days.
Day 10 start taking a full pill.

[DeeO]

Thanks Ronnie and all who suggested I take a smaller dose. I never even thought about it. Today has been a bad day, I am light-headed, tired and still anxious.

[Ronnie]

The lexapro won't take away anxiety or depression overnight. It is not that type of medication. You should see gradual improvements starting around two weeks, with full effectiveness coming six weeks after you begin taking the medication.

[Quiet Storm]

Ronnie's right. Unfortunately, thats how it is with these medications. You are going to have to have a little faith and ride the storm out for a little while as your body adjusts to the lexapro.

[DeeO]

I am going to have faith, that's what is getting me by right now. Just got back from a graduation party, no alcohol was served. One guy came up to the host (my high school friend) and said, "I can't believe there's no beer at this party". She repiled "I am not going to talk out of both sides of my mouth, and tell these kids not to drink and drive, but then allow everyone else to". That shut him right up.
I was glad too, because I wasn't sure what my answer would be to an offer of a drink. One thing that I have really learned about this website is, people who don't have a drinking problem don't care one way or the other if you don't drink. It's the ones who have always counted on you to be a partier, a drinking buddy...whatever...who perhaps are questioning themselves as well...those are the ones who give you some trouble.. I really like the "I'm on a new medication and can't drink" reply myself.
Have a wonderful evening warriors, I have to sign off and get ready for the crazy Monday..only 3 days left of school for my HS kid and 5 for the younger ones!

[Dora]

I have tried several SSRI's with Lexapro being the least bothersome with side effects. I was sleepy alot for 2 or 3 weeks, didn't notice much mood change for 8 weeks (normal), but I feel it has really helped me. My doctor thinks I can come off it soon, now that I have solved the real problem, but I am not going to do anything to jeoprodize my sobriety. Maybe in 6 months (after the holidays) I will wean very slowly and see how I do.

[Quiet Storm]

Just an FYI for when anybody comes off lexapro. They make a liquid lexapro. Might be something you want to consider. Its alot easier to reduce dosages with the liquid than trying to cut those tiny ass pills up. You could split it easily into 5mgs but anyhting smaller than that and you arent going to get it right.

[DeeO]

Very good to know...right now I am just starting my 1/2 pill dose and I will work up to a whole pill. I am also very tired, I just thought it was because I am so busy. I had a bit of an AV scare tonight, but I squashed it.
I am going to go to bed early!!

[Dora]

Let us know how your do, Dee. That drowsiness, for me, was only temporary.....besides, I needed the rest, as I was so full of anxiety. I soon became full of energy and with a new and improved zest for life. Hopefully you will have the same good result.

[Steveo]

Sorry to sound like an asshole (it's really not my intention), but instead of doping yourself with medicine, why not face your problems and sort them out? In my country (Ireland), anti-depressants are seen as something you only take if there's something chemically wrong with your brain. If you're sad or angry or lonely you try to fix the root cause of the problem.

Taking anti-depressants is unnatural. Blocking out natural emotions is unnatural.

I would believe if you can sort out what's causing your problems, you may find cutting out the booze is a lot easier too.

Seems like a no brainer really...

[boggy]

Sorry to sound like an asshole (it's really not my intention), but instead of doping yourself with medicine, why not face your problems and sort them out? In my country (Ireland), anti-depressants are seen as something you only take if there's something chemically wrong with your brain. If you're sad or angry or lonely you try to fix the root cause of the problem.

Taking anti-depressants is unnatural. Blocking out natural emotions is unnatural.

I would believe if you can sort out what's causing your problems, you may find cutting out the booze is a lot easier too.

Seems like a no brainer really...

Ahem, Stevo - you seem to be clinging to a mindset that is rather outdated. The facts of biochemistry are that hormonal imbalances can cause depression. Stress over an extended period causes your body to produce more 'fight or flight' hormones, and supress the normal production of serotonin. It is a darned hard cycle to break by force of will alone; anti-depressants are a very efficient means of correcting the imbalance. Also worth a note is that for many of them, you take them for a period of months and then taper off. In effect, kind of like better nutrition, getting your body back on track - quite different from 'doping yourself' or running away from your problems. Should you ever be in this situation, I hope you won't let ignorance stand in the way of effective aid.

Now, Dee, I wanted to mention that $ - wise, Prozac is usually completely covered by Insurance, no co-pay at all. I have found it useful for depression/ anxiety, with minor side affects (slightly dry mouth, a little queasy at times) Worth a shot, I'd say.....

[Steveo]

boggy - I don't buy that, I'm sorry. Yes - a tiny percentage of the population requiring a medical helping hand is fine, but I get the feeling quite a large % of people in the US are on anti-depressants. Doesn't that seem a bit scary?

[Ronnie]

Steve,

After years of alcohol abuse, the brain often DOES have a chemical imbalance. Alcohol interferes with the normal function of the serotonin system. SSRI's also intervene in the serotonin system, in a different way. Alcohol lowers available serotonin -- that is why it is called a depressant. SSRI's increase it, hence the term antidepressant.

If using an SSRI for a period will help someone get off alcohol and stay sober long enough for the artificial effects of alcohol to pass, why not use one? Far better to use medication carefully, under a doctor's supervision, than to self-medicate with alcohol.

90% of alcoholics die without getting and staying sober. If antidepressants increase the percentage of people who stick their quit by even 1%, it would save many people's lives and may brake the chain before the next generation is affected.

[Tree.]

I just started on the lexapro again, I went off it because I was mixing
it with beer. Dumb thing to do I know, but I must say, I had really
bad anxiety attacks for a few months until I went to the doctor.
I thought I was losing my mind. I went on lexapro 3 years ago and
I have only had 1 since. Lexapro for me, (maybe not for everyone)
made me feel normal again. Lots of energy, able to handle any tasks,
the future looked very bright. But it also made me forget I had a drinking problem. I wont make that mistake again! Had a slight side effect for
me though, Sex lasted for hours, a real problem when you have to get up
and go to work in the am:eek: I give it a 7 out of 10


tree>:)

[weenserwee]

I just started taking an SNRI... Does anyone have any experience with this?

[CatSuit]

I just started taking an SNRI... Does anyone have any experience with this?

Yep. Several years ago I took Effexor XR for a couple of years. Why I stayed on it that long I have no clue. I don't do well with serotonin reuptake inhibitors. What was especially bad was when they screwed up on my prescription and instead of giving me the slow release capsules, they gave me the tablets. OMG. I thought I was literally losing my mind. The capsules were bad enough...but the tablets. Wow. Scary. I thought I'd gone bipolar.

Dopamine reuptake inhibitors work well for me. But everyone is wired differently. It depends on which neurotransmitter needs to be tweaked. The SNRI may be what you need. You'll know if it isn't right for you. Can't quite explain it, but you will know.

[weenserwee]

Thanks, Cat. I'm nervous has hell. I can't remember the last time I had prescription medication for anything -- not even an antibiotic. It has to be over 15 years or more.

I've been depressed for so long, and I think it's time I tried something. So... I'm trying this. A little freaked.

[boggy]

boggy - I don't buy that, I'm sorry. Yes - a tiny percentage of the population requiring a medical helping hand is fine, but I get the feeling quite a large % of people in the US are on anti-depressants. Doesn't that seem a bit scary?

Feeling Sad, or Lonely, or Mad - different things than a period of depression. Certainly identifying the cause of any of these IS at the root of solving a problem. In depression, there's a good chance that you can identify a problem and even work towards resolving it; the thing that drives you bats is that it is so very hard to break the rut, or initiate action. I've had years between episodes. In the throws of one, it's like wearing a cement suit - you just feel HEAVY, just starting to move is difficult. It makes no sense at all, and you know it, and still, there you are.

I tried to think, reason, work my way out of my last rut for 6 months. 6 months!! When I finally felt too close to the breaking point, I went to my Doc and discussed it with him, and started a program of Prozac. In a couple of weeks, I felt worlds better - in retrospect, I should have seen him much, much sooner.

Is a sizable % of the populace taking anti-depressants? Well, I don't really know. Do you? I think a lot of people self-medicate with alcohol and drugs. The difference is that anti-depressants can help you solve a problem, or get back into the mindset to do so - they restore a positive mindset, they don't numb you into complacency.

I think the notion of stigmatizing a person for taking them is far more scary than their actual use. You are entitled to your opinion of course, but it'd be fair to make that an informed one. Look up "depression" on your computer, read a little bit. I kid you not, if you're ever actually depressed, you won't just be 'getting over it'. If you ever need that sort of help, you'll be glad it's there - and you won't have any use for people judging you without really understanding what they're talking about.

[DeeO]

Hey Steveo~
I woouldn't say a 1/4 of a pill for a couple of days is "doping myself". And yes, I know how the Irish are, my parents were born and raised in Ireland, came here in 1959. Basically, I have been trying to sort out my problems. This is not something done overnight, just as the drinking didn't get out of control overnight.
Last week, when I posted this question, my heart was literally RACING. I couldn't control the anxiety. I am sorry it seems like a cop out to you, but I can see a difference in me even in a short amount of time, with a low dose.
It has helped "calm" me down as in my heart isn't racing.
This medicine was prescribed to me a year ago and I never took it because of how the first pill made me feel. Now, in smaller doses, I am taking it better.
As for trying to solve my problems and sort them out, if you only knew.

[wwadd]

I will add my weak two bits for what they are worth.. I used to think like other folks in the world who are quick to jump on folks who are taking medicine to get past certain issues (it was mostly my fear of giving in and saying I need help), but after I went through some rough stuff in my life I was prescribed Adderall (i know i am dating myself i guess) but for me it worked damn well for almost a year...

The only reason I stopped taking it was life, divorce... layoffs etc. I can't speak for the other medicines that are being discussed here but what I can say is that I was under constant dr. supervision and it helped me tremendously. In fact I am contemplating going back down that route. I figure if a doctor advices you to take something and it works then carry on... and if someone has a problem with it then, oh well. No worries. It is much better than drinking.

[DeeO]

wwadd~
Thanks for stopping by...your 2 bits are very welcome here. I agree..if a doc prescribes something, and it does help you....why not accept the help? I am as stubborn as can be, but when my physical symptoms got the best of me (heart racing)...I knew I had to do something.
Have a good evening!

[crazy]

DeeO,

I started taking Lexapro a month ago. I have had anxiety issues for years, it is just the way i am wired, and plus i had a major health scare a few years ago that really rocked my foundation, and i still carry it with me. I also decided to quit drinking at the same time i started the lexapro. The first 2 weeks were weird....the first week i felt totally nuts...dizzy, not myself, nausea, etc...the second week was a bit better. Then i slipped and drank. THAT was a huge mistake. Hangovers were x10 the next day. Do not drink while taking Lexapro! That was when i found this site and decided i will never have a drink again. I am on Day 14 now. I starting week 5 of taking Lexapro. I feel SO good i am asking you to stick with it...it takes at least a month to six weeks, my doctors says, to start working. I don't have the racing heart anymore, and i dont get panic attacks anymore (I'd get them every other day or so). I feel a sort of "calm" in my soul now. I honestly feel that the Lexapro is helping me with my quit, and i dont give a rats ass if people think i am copping out by taking it...if it helps me to get my life back to together and NOT drink I am on board baby!

[Ronnie]

Glad to hear that, Crazy!

Make sure you keep a log of your feelings and share it with your doctor. Each person responds differently to drugs and mixing them with alcohol can cause serious problems.

[DeeO]

Hi Crazy~
Thanks for stopping by....I also have that same calmness....anyone who has read my journal and especially those like Ronnie, jen and PB and others who have really helped me, might have noticed a difference. I also don't have the desire to drink, I have the desire to try and find some sort of "rightness" in my life...and I am SLOWLY getting there.
I haven't quite reached the whole pill yet, I am going slow;y, but what i have taken...has worked.
I hope you continue to be successful with your head and heart!!

[Ronnie]

I haven't quite reached the whole pill yet, I am going slow;y, but what i have taken...has worked.Lovely to hear! This is yet another case when "less is more". A sip of sherry may have heath benefits, but a bottle a day is going to cause nausea and headache.

Dang -- that sounds like lexapro! Good news is that I've never read of anyone abusing antidepressants.

[DeeO]

Hi Ronnie~
Do you think I could stick with just 1/2 a pill?

[Hulagirl]

I am on day 6 of Lexapro, which was prescribed to me for panic attacks. Like many of you this first week has been difficult -- I'm extremely sleepy all day and I just feel medicated, like I'm in a fog. I also am very emotionless and I have no appetite. Does anyone have any suggestions on overcoming the sleepiness? Should I drink caffeine? Take supplements/herbs? :confused:

[crazy]

Hey Hula
I wouldnt drink too much caffiene because you dont want to become overly dependant on that...I KNOW how you feel, i felt the same way the first week i was taking Lexipro. I seriously thought on many occasions "okay this just isnt going to work, i cant function like this" but my Dr. really urged me to try it for 4-6 weeks before making any decisions. By week 2 i was feeling much better. By week 3 I was feeling fantabulous. The only way i think is to just ride out this first week. I think by day 8 you'll feel a difference. Your brain is adjusting to its new cozy serotonin bath! It will adjust. Hang in there! Try sleeping more. I went to bed earlier becuase i was feeling so medicated, and it helped me get through the week.

[Dora]

Hey Hula,

I agree with Crazy (that sounds funny). The fatigue will go away. It lasted about 10 days for me. It works for me. It is subtle. I don't feel any side effect now except the desire to get out of bed in the morning and to enjoy life. I suffered terribly from panic and blushing.....and depression, also. I am about 80% better. I think part of it was alcohol, of course, but I am not taking any chances by stopping it until next year after the holidays. I hope you have good results.

Dora

[Ronnie]

Folks, please! If you're having problems with your medications, don't self-medicate with caffeine, alcohol or herbs. Talk with the doctor who prescribed it. there are other formulations, doses, etc. that may work better.

Dee, Lexapro comes in 10mg and 20mg doses. If your doc gave you 20mg, 1/2 a pill would take you down to 10mg. If that is enough, tell the doc and have the prescription lowered next time you get a refill. Lexapro is a time release formulation, so it is probably better to get the lower dosage pill than to cut them in half long term. I'm not a pharmacologist, so I don't know.

Hula, Did you start taking a full pill? Many people who start with a full pill get nauseous and other unpleasant symptoms. The body doesn't react well to sudden changes in hormone levels. Caring docs tell people to start gradually and to stop gradually. Why not back off to 1/2 pill for a week and see if you feel better. If that is ok, step up to 3/4 of a pill for 4 days (cut 3 pills into quarters). If that feels ok, step up to a pill per day.

[Hulagirl]

Thanks so much for the advice. I definitely didn't think caffeine was the answer . . .

My doc had me start on an entire 10 mg pill. Since I've already taken them for almost a week now, do you think it would make a difference if I switched to 1/2 pill at this point?

[Ronnie]

If you've adjusted, don't rock the boat. If you're still feeling lousy, try backing off and see if it helps. If you still feel lousy, call your doc and see if a different medication would work better. If you feel better on a lower dose, let yourself stabilize there, then increase your dose gradually, so you don't trigger the side effects again.

Remember -- if/when you stop taking these meds, reduce your dose slowly as well. I gave an example of a 10 day schedule earlier in this thread that you start when you have at least six pills remaining.

[DeeO]

I have the 10 mg and I am taking just 1/2 a pill....seem to be doing fine...can't decide whether to "up" the dose or not!

[Ronnie]

That is a question for you and your doc. You can try increasing it to 7.5 mg and see if you notice a positive or negative effect after a few days. Each person is different. Your biochemistry may be sensitive and 5 mg may be the right level for you though clinical trials found 10 - 20 mgs to be the effective dose.

[crazy]

DeeO, i would ask your doctor...she/he would probably best to answer that question...I am on 10mg which is the lowest dose...i dont know that 5mg is used as a dosage that often..i think it is 10 or 20 (if 10 doesnt seem to be doing the job). I would talk to dr. first and she/he will probably recommend you try the 10mg. Your body is probably used to it by now, if you are worried about those icky initial side effects, you are probably over that hump by now. Good luck! It is helping me tremendously.

[DeeO]

Hi Crazy~
That's what I will do!
Thanks! :0

[journeyer]

Glad I found this topic on Lexapro. Thanks to Ronnie for sending me over here. I quit drinking about 100 days ago, no slip ups since thankfully. But it has been extra rough as I am also about to go through a divorce. I have always been a little prone to periodic bouts of depression/anxiety and that got much worse after my quit and the marital issues. So I finally went to the doc to seek out some meds that might help. He put me on Lexapro plus a short term quick acting anti-anxiety med(diazepam). First day I took half a 10mg of the Lexapro and it sent me into a full on panic attack, worst I have ever had. Stopped taking it and called the doc, who told me stop taking it and come back in, but keep taking the diazepam, which has calmed me down tremendously, but makes me way too sleepy, and I'm half dosing that also. A lot of people have told me be patient with the lexapro, that the bad effects will pass and it will really help, but others have told me they just had a bad experience with it that did not pass even after a month. Anyways, I hope when I go back in they find some type of AD that I can tolerate because the diazepam(valium) is really addictive I am told so I can't continue it for long even though it is working for me.