Lexapro: Do you have any experience?

LizzieRickard · Oct 12, 2014

I take meds for my anxiety. I had the same problems, comfort eating, anger/aggression, panic attacks, etc. I wasn't depressed, just stressed. I talked to my doctor and she gave me a low dose of medications. I am still in the adjustment stages, but my grades have slightly improved and I don't get so upset or angry. I am more tired, however. I used to be able to just go go go go go and now I have to have sleep or I am useless. I slept for a few days after starting, but I am more regulated and if I get about 6 hours a night I am fine. It has also helped clear my mind so I can focus to study, retain the information I am studying, and focus on my exams. Although, my first exam right after I started I got the lowest grade of the quarter (70% ugh) But I have done much better on the exams after I started taking it. My marriage is better for it since I used to be a tyrant.

Overall you have to do what is best for you, but in my experience it has helped.

Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN · Oct 12, 2014

You have to do what you think is right for you; I'll give you my experience with mental health issues.

In 2011 I was also diagnosed with GAD and prescribed meds. I took it as prescribed and after a while I felt like someone had put a bag/bubble around my head. Everything was fuzzy and I felt numb to my anxiety; it was there I just didn't care about it. I decided to stop taking it and see a therapist instead.

Along with my weekly sessions; I would do progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and I kept a journal of my fears/anxiety triggers. Eventually I learned to deal and cope with the anxiety without the need for medication which was my ultimate goal.

I know this won't work for everyone and that is why I think it is important to do what YOU think is best. Every medication is different and may/may not work for you; but you will never know unless you give it a try. I will say this though I used to think therapy was a bunch of bull**** until I sought their help and was lucky to have a wonderful experience that lead me out of a very dark time in my life.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Oct 12, 2014

We cannot offer medical advice as per the Terms of Service. Please seek the help of a professional to get the medication and therapy to make you better. There is no reason for you to suffer when there is help out there...would you hesitate to take insulin if you were a diabetic and try to do it the "natural way"? No you wouldn't.

Do it for you. Do it for your husband. But most of all do it for your children....Your children deserve the best Mom they can possibly have....((HUGS))

RescueNinjaKy · Oct 12, 2014

They usually start you on the lowest dosage to see how you're tolerating it.

I personally know people who had it very similar to you. The fear and anxiety is quite debilitating but it's hard to actually know that it's not normal.

Some people will want to delay using the drug as they don't believe or want to think that it's gotten that bad to need drugs for just anxiety but let me tell you, mental disorders are real and just like any other illness, it requires treatment.

Someone that I know has meds for a panic disorder and now states "I should've seek treatment earlier"

I hope that this helps you and that you know that help is available

SnowballDVM · Oct 12, 2014

One of my friends was in a situation somewhat similar to yours...wife, mother of two teenagers (one with special needs), works full-time in a stressful job, feeling extremely stressed and short-tempered and anxious. She went to see her doctor and came away with a prescription for Lexapro. She reported feeling much better within a few days. I know that's just a second-hand account from a stranger on the internet, but I hope it helps!

Jen_Loves_Nursing · Oct 12, 2014

I am not asking for medical advise I am asking for experiences.

We cannot offer medical advice as per the Terms of Service. Please seek the help of a professional to get the medication and therapy to make you better. There is no reason for you to suffer when there is help out there...would you hesitate to take insulin if you were a diabetic and try to do it the "natural way"? No you wouldn't.
Do it for you. Do it for your husband. But most of all do it for your children....Your children deserve the best Mom they can possibly have....((HUGS))

Jen_Loves_Nursing · Oct 12, 2014

This is helpful thank you.

verene, MSN · Oct 13, 2014

My experience with using lexapro for my GAD in conjunction with therapy has been positive. Figuring out if using it alone, using another drug, or using medication with therapy, or therapy alone, is going to be the best path for you will be something you need to work out with your healthcare provider(s) as every person is different. Please do work with them on finding something that works for you though; anxiety can take a huge toll on both self and loved ones.