Not sure if this is a triumph or pitfall?

[mjewell]

So I started taking Lexapro, an anti-depressant, back in September. At first it helped a TON! I went 6 straight days without taking a Xanax (I was taking 2 and sometimes 3 a day before). My hubby and i went on our anniversary trip to Mexico and i felt fine and great the entire time. At that point all i could think was that I LOVED Lexapro.


Since we got back from that trip, my confidence has increased and I have had the energy and desire to do all sorts of things I never used to want, like go to three parties in one weekend, go to Walmart the Satruday before Christmas, LOL. I've even been drinking again and actually enjoying myself, not panicking and feeling yucky as soon as i got a buzz.


So here's the weird thing...while all this good stuff is going on, I've been having to take 1 or 2 Xanax a day again. Even though I am still able to do all these things, I find that i do still get nervous enough before or during to have to take Xanax. I think the Lexapro is still working as I feel generally calm all day and not constant butterflies like I used to, but I hate it that I am falling back into the habit of having to take Xanax whenever we do anything. I have also been falling into an unhealthy lifestyle, which is very out of character for me. I have gained about 12 pounds, not exercising as much, getting depressed and SMOKING!! I can't figure out what the heck is going on! Do you think it is just holiday stress?

[liriodendron]

More compelling reasons to just say no to the meds IMHO.



what happens if you just don't take them?


Edited by: liriodendron

[silver]

Anti-depressants have their side-effects, and different ones work better for different people. If you don't feel that it is working, go to your doctor and try a different one. I know lots of people (myself included) that respond very well to a specific medication. It is a catch 22 as to whether they help you more or not. That is a very personal choice that you need to make for yourself.

[californiagirl]

It sounds like the Lexapro is working somewhat, but you may either need a higher dosage or maybe a different med for total control. My opinion on meds, is if they work for you to make your life easier, then that's what you need to do. I was on Prozac for a while, and it did wonders for me. No panicing, no anxiety, no OCD behavior, and I could even be confronted with sick people and not panic at all!!!! I was happy, totally carefree, and actually loved life. I may go back on it, because I'm going through some rough stuff right now. You sound happy that you're able to do more things, and I'm happy for you, as it's a great feeling!! So, maybe the increased dosage or different med would work better for you. Let us know what you come up with, and continue to enjoy life!!!!

[mjewell]

I think you guys are probably right. I have been in denial about the Lexapro not working for me because I did feel so good at first, but my dr. told me if it isn't damn close to making you feel 100% it isn't doing its job. Maybe I should go back and try something different. I am on the highest dosage for lexapro, so I guess maybe I need to try something else.


I also think i have the winter blahs right now, which doesn't help.


lilio - to answer your question, if I just outright stopped taking lexapro i would probably have severe withdrawals for a while...you are supposed to taper off of them. But in the general context of your question, I am not ready to stop taking meds yet. Before i started taking anti-anxiety meds i was a mess. I was very agoraphobic, rarely left the house, never socialized and almost couldn't keep my job. So I know I am definitely better off with the meds for the time being...at least until I get my confidence back completely and maybe try therapy again.


My issue is more with anxiety and panic than emetophobia. Emetophobia plays a huge part of it, but the anxiety for me was overwhelming before I started taking meds - Since i have generalized anxiety I am always nervous and worried about everyhting, not just v* related things, so meds are a good solution for someone like me.

[japa]

It sounds as though the Lexapro has made you feel stable enough to try things that you wouldn't have tried without it. You are pushing the envelope of the comfort zone, so the Lexapro is working. Without it, you wouldn't have been doing the extra things, am I right?But the additional activities are making you nervous, so you are adding in the Xanax.


What if you just don't take the Xanax? Are you going to have a panic attack then? If you just have a light anxiety, once you get wrapped up in your activity, that will probably subside.

I think you guys are probably right. I have been in denial about the Lexapro not working for me because I did feel so good at first, but my dr. told me if it isn't damn close to making you feel 100% it isn't doing its job. Maybe I should go back and try something different. I am on the highest dosage for lexapro, so I guess maybe I need to try something else.


I also think i have the winter blahs right now, which doesn't help.


lilio - to answer your question, if I just outright stopped taking lexapro i would probably have severe withdrawals for a while...you are supposed to taper off of them. But in the general context of your question, I am not ready to stop taking meds yet. Before i started taking anti-anxiety meds i was a mess. I was very agoraphobic, rarely left the house, never socialized and almost couldn't keep my job. So I know I am definitely better off with the meds for the time being...at least until I get my confidence back completely and maybe try therapy again.


My issue is more with anxiety and panic than emetophobia. Emetophobia plays a huge part of it, but the anxiety for me was overwhelming before I started taking meds - Since i have generalized anxiety I am always nervous and worried about everyhting, not just v* related things, so meds are a good solution for someone like me.

Edited by: japa

[liriodendron]

So is the plan to eventually taper off the dosage and be med free some
day or will you revert back to your old self if that happens?

[mjewell]

Japa -


Yes, I think you are right. A few times I have been brave enough to let the anxiety pass and not take a Xanax. Maybe I am taking it as a preventative because I worry too much that I will get panicky when I would probably be fine. That's just a matter of being brave on my part.


Liliodendron - Yes, I would like to eventually taper off the meds once I am feeling confident and learn the tools I need to cope with any anxiety that might come my way (through therapy or whatever). I know many people end up having to go back on meds when they hit a rough patch, and I am resigned to the fact that I may be one of those people, but I am going to try my hardest not to. I honestly don't mind the prospect of having to go on and off meds for my life. Of course that is far from ideal, but I would really rather live my life to the fullest while I can rather than battling my anxiety forever.

[beadgirl]

mjewell- years ago I was prescribed lexapro... It didn't work for me. right now I am on zoloft and love it. I just hate the sexual side effects... I have xanax that I got right before i went to the Dominican Republic 2 months ago... I never used it for the trip but recently started using it and I totally can see that it is SOOOOO addictive. My advice is to see your doc and see what other anti anxiety meds would be an option for you.


Haha! I love yor quote! <--- "Girls only like guys who've got skills: nunchuck skills...."

[mjewell]

Beadgirl -


Yeah, I think I will take Japa's advice and just try to fight the urge to take a Xanax for a while, and if things still aren't working for me I will go back and ask for something else.


I know, I love Napoleon!