Posted by azalea on December 10, 2008, at 20:04:14
In reply to Re: Advice, posted by desolationrower on December 10, 2008, at 1:06:40
What dose of Lexapro did you start with?
Starting at a very low dose like 2.5mg (1/4 of a 10mg tablet) or 5mg (1/2 of a 10mg tablet) can minimize the intense anxiety associated with SSRI start-up.
Remeron (mirtazapine) is also a good choice, as d/r mentioned.
> > I am a male in upper 30's married with 2 kids. No financial or family problems. I had episode 2 years ago. Doctor gave me lexapro. Had lost 40lb, no appetite, could not get out of bed, et.. That first dosage raised my anxiety to levels that i thought would kill me. Neighbor had Ativan that saved me. Tied Lexapro for several weeks, but continued loss of appetite, increased anxiety, bad bowels made me stop. Continued with low dosage of Klonopin. Then I weaned myself off of that and felt "ok" until now. Been off of everything for 1 year, then it comes back. NO appetite, losing 2lbs week, can not get out of bed, nightmares, negative thoughts all day, etc.... Went to doctor and he wants me to try lexapro again. He did give me Klonopin. Taking .5 at night and .5 during day if needed. Makes me feel drugged, but still no appetite and still feel like sh*t. Any suggestions or diagnosis from some that have been through similar situations? I am functioning, but feels like I could lose my sh*t any time. Thanks for any advice. The SSRI' scared the sh*t out of me last time, but I am having same "side effects" now and NOT on ANYTHING. Not sure if Lexapro added to problem or maybe I never gave it a chance. Klon does not seem to help much, hardly take it. Every morning starts out with the same old "bad" feeling . Do not want to do anything! Just get out of bed and go to work. Everybody keeps asking why I am in such a bad mood. I can not wait to get home and take some benedryl to try to sleep. Want to feel better, but still not sure what is problem, anxiety or depression. Have had full medical work up with all results fine.
>
> mirtazapine might be a good drug to try...most people don't like how it increases appetite/weight, but it works quickly, and can reduce sri side effects. or start a tca.
>
> -d/r
poster:azalea
thread:867693
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081204/msgs/867968.html