Posted by galkeepinon on September 14, 2003, at 23:51:49
In reply to Lexapro and Anxiety Side Effects, posted by PHV on September 14, 2003, at 21:49:41
Hi PHV, I'm about ready to start week 7 on Lexapro. I, too, literally noticed quick, positive results within days of starting this med.
But, I have also had my bad days when I wondered if it was really helping. I have had days of anxiety, especially lately, and insomnia for a while, which went away, and I found alternative meds to take to help me fall asleep at night.
You talk about loss here of 3 people very close to you. First, Dr. Bob's Grief Board here may be extremely helpful for you:-) you might want to check that out.
Next, depression didn't ever run in my family, until things started happening~family issues~ and I thought I was able to deal with them and I did....for a while. I was full of fear about starting Lexapro because of the side effects. I had never tried the medication but I am so glad that I did.
I have noticed clenching of my jaw, and lately I have been doing it a lot. I blame it on not handling stress too good. I have also noticed a big increase in my appetite the last week or so.
The anxiety YOU are experiencing may very well be from what is going on in your life now and how you're handling it. For me, my body finally quit trying to 'handle' things per say, and I chose to start anti-depressants back in 1995.
I would definately talk to your doctor about your anxiety, only you both can figure out what would be best for you to at least start, etc.
Just my opinon, but you need to grieve, it is very healthy, and it may be that your body/mind/heart is telling you to do just that. The Lexapro, in my opinion, will help you deal 'better' with these feelings.
I am in the process of working through feelings also.
I think it would be to your benefit to talk about your feelings of these losses, and give the Lexapro a chance.
I wish you loads of peace, and please let us know how you're doing:-)
Take care.> Hi -
>
> I'm on week ten of taking 10mg of Lexapro for depression. I literally noticed positive results within days of starting this med and felt back to my old, happy self very quickly. However, within the past several days, I have been feeling extremely anxious and ready to jump through my skin - which is extremely unusual for me. Ten years ago I was on Serzone for depression. My doctor at that time told me that my body would tell me if I no longer needed the meds to function. After approximately six months, I began getting butterflies in my stomach and would feel anxious shortly after taking those meds. My doc told me it was my body's way of telling me I was ready to stop taking the meds. I was wondering if anyone else out there feels this anxiety might be a side effect of Lexapro suddenly during week ten. I am truly blessed and not regularly afflicted with this terrible depression; however, within the past year alone, I have lost three people very close to me, a close relative was diagnosed with cancer, and two other people who have been close to me for over 30 years, moved across country. Depression does run in my family, but in the past I have been able to deal with my episodes without medication - due to my fear of side effects. Has anyone out there experienced anxiety, weight gain and clenching of the jaw since taking Lexapro? My biggest concern is why did this anxiety suddenly start in week ten? Could that be my body's way of telling me I am finally dealing with and accepting the reality of the sadness and tragedy of the past year and telling me that Lexapro is no longer needed? Any help anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much. Patty
poster:galkeepinon
thread:260070
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030912/msgs/260091.html