Posted by jujube on December 8, 2004, at 18:06:16
In reply to Could I be bipolar2, posted by Carrie Barton on December 8, 2004, at 13:32:40
I know what you are going through. Although I did not quit smoking, I did quit drinking 8.5 years ago. At the same time, I stopped using the over-the-counter stimulating medication that I had been abusing for a few years and also gave up my 10 - 12 cups of coffee habit. Although my anxiety levels were high before this (probably because of the med and the coffee), when I stopped using those three substances, I did crash. I went through what the doctor referred to as an agitated or anxious depression. The first month or so was hell because I tried to treat it naturally with supplements, diet, etc. At that point in my life, I had never been on an antidepressant or any other prescribed medication. Once I was diagnosed, I was put on Paxil, and it was a Godsend for me. It helped me out of the depression and quashed the anxiety and anxiety attacks. It did take about 3 weeks to a month before I felt somewhat better however. And, in that time, I did experience some increased anxiety and fatigue (as a result of start-up side effects). To help combat the increased anxiety, my doctor gave me a very small prescription of Xanax to be used as needed.
I wish you all the best, and good luck with the Lexapro.
Take care.
Tamara
poster:jujube
thread:426206
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041206/msgs/426336.html