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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by lillexgrrl on February 10, 2004, at 14:13:29
Are the results of Lex really worth it? I really hate the thought of relying on a drug to feel normal. Is there anyway to help with anxiety besides medication? I really don't want to be on meds for the rest of my life... I have been on the Lex for 22 days now. I am thinking about topping the medication... is that safe?
Posted by linkadge on February 10, 2004, at 14:23:22
In reply to Is Lex really worth it?, posted by lillexgrrl on February 10, 2004, at 14:13:29
If you honestly noticed no mood improvement, then it is probably safe to stop the medication. However, sometimes, when the medication starts working is when we feel that we don't need it.
I wanted to stop Celexa on week two, in hindsight it was when it just began to work.
Anyhow, do what you feel is best for you.
You can visit psychobabble alternative if you want to investigate alternative ways to treat your problem.
Best of Luck
Linkadge
Posted by lillexgrrl on February 10, 2004, at 15:28:50
In reply to Re: Is Lex really worth it?, posted by linkadge on February 10, 2004, at 14:23:22
> If you honestly noticed no mood improvement, then it is probably safe to stop the medication. However, sometimes, when the medication starts working is when we feel that we don't need it.
>
> I wanted to stop Celexa on week two, in hindsight it was when it just began to work.
>
> Anyhow, do what you feel is best for you.
>
> You can visit psychobabble alternative if you want to investigate alternative ways to treat your problem.
>
> Best of Luck
>
> LinkadgeSo do you think that maybe it is just strting to work, and maybe that is why I feel like I don't need the medicine?
Posted by linkadge on February 10, 2004, at 15:44:35
In reply to Re: Is Lex really worth it?, posted by lillexgrrl on February 10, 2004, at 15:28:50
A lot of the time this is the case.
You need to ask yourself exactly why you started the medication to begin with. 21 days ago where were you. Were you crying, were you sleeping, were you over anxious? Did the doctor push this on you, or did you go to him for it.
Are you stopping it because you feel you really didn't need it or because you are perhaps afraid of what it might do to you.
You really need to examine the risks and benefits of the treatment, as well as what it has done for you.
Best of Luck
Linkadge
Posted by Bill LL on February 10, 2004, at 16:36:05
In reply to Is Lex really worth it?, posted by lillexgrrl on February 10, 2004, at 14:13:29
The only thing I have heard about, besides medicine, for anxiety is yoga. I don't know what the success rate is. Don't worry about the idea of taking drugs the rest of your life. You can stop whenever you want to. For now, give the Lexapro a try.
Posted by Wildman on February 11, 2004, at 8:41:08
In reply to Re: Is Lex really worth it?, posted by linkadge on February 10, 2004, at 15:44:35
> You need to ask yourself exactly why you started the medication to begin with. 21 days ago where were you. Were you crying, were you sleeping, were you over anxious? Did the doctor push this on you, or did you go to him for it.
Excellent points to consider!!!
> Are you stopping it because you feel you really didn't need it or because you are perhaps afraid of what it might do to you.
Once again, excellent. It's a paradox, you want to stop taking it as you now feel better, but you are feeling better because you continue to take it. It's not like aspirin - take it for the headache that would have lasted for 6 hours and then take it again if/when the pain comes back.
Lex is a drug that must build up in your system over time. While it is building up, you may feel some wierd things going on. Once you've hit the plateau in serum levels, you will probably stop noticing the drug at all. Once _I_ hit the plateau, I felt like my old self again, and did consider (briefly) stopping.
I am now in week 9 and have begun to increase my dosage as of this morning, as I felt my old thought patterns were coming back.
> You really need to examine the risks and benefits of the treatment, as well as what it has done for you.As far as risks go, I am not aware of any hardcore risks that would scare me away from this drug. You _can_ feel somewhat "uncomfortable" during the early days of treatment as you get used to it, but that goes away.
For me, the risk was in not doing anything about my situation, and not being able to live my life to the fullest!!! That was a risk I was not willing to take....
Posted by sexylexy on February 11, 2004, at 11:20:30
In reply to Re: Is Lex really worth it?, posted by Wildman on February 11, 2004, at 8:41:08
Hey There,
I remember the many many days I swore that Lex was not working. I wanted to get off it, I hate to take medication for a headache nevermind panic/depression brought on by a stupid birth control pill.
I think the others are right in thinking that you need to examine your own situation. If you are currently depressed, everything is going to look really negitiave especially things that are "supposed" to help you.
I have been taking 10mg of lex for about 7 1/2 weeks and just last week started realizing a change for the better. At this point I am glad I stuck it out, things are easier to take, I do not get that over sensitive over emotional thing anymore and really am able to handle things better. I am still not the happy go lucky girl I was before taking the birth control pill, but I am excited to see what the coming weeks on lexapro bring.
From what I have found, depression tells you not to do things that are good for you. If your head is telling you to quit wait it out. If its your body telling you something is wrong and you cannot handle it, get off.
You really have to consider your own story. Is your depression something you have delt with all your life, is it situational, greif related or brought on by a medication such as myself. Good luck and God Bless no matter your decision.
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on February 11, 2004, at 14:23:08
In reply to Is Lex really worth it?, posted by lillexgrrl on February 10, 2004, at 14:13:29
Hi Lillie,
I agree with what the others have said, it all depends on whether or not taking Lexapro is worth it to you.
It's definately worth exploring alternatives to medication. There are thousands of books on how to combat anxiety, simply go to amazon.com and do a search for books on the subject.
If you want to stop taking Lexapro I would recommend tapering off. This will minimize your withdrawl symptoms. But your doctor or pharmacist can probably recommend the best way for you to discontinue Lexapro.
I don't blame you for not wanting to be on medication for the rest of your life. I hope you find a solution that works for you.
K.
Posted by bill-bob on February 11, 2004, at 14:44:59
In reply to Is Lex really worth it?, posted by lillexgrrl on February 10, 2004, at 14:13:29
My thought in going on Lex was that it would allow me to first reach a "reasonable" state of mind, and then to explore non-drug options sometime after that. I was desperate for some kind of relief from my depression, and the Lex has definitely done the job (I've been on Lex now for almost 10 weeks). It is still my plan to go drug-free eventually, even though I know it won’t be easy. I’ll likely be visiting the Psycho-Babble Alternative board frequently when I do decide to go for it.
B-B
Posted by lillexgrrl on February 11, 2004, at 14:47:30
In reply to Re: Is Lex really worth it?, posted by KathrynLex on February 11, 2004, at 14:23:08
Thank you for all the really good advise.
I have dealt with anxiety all of my life, and have never really tried to do anything about it until now. I had kinda gotten used to it as a way of life until my doctor suggested the Lex, because I have a tendancy to be over emotional.
But I really would like to try alternate therapy...
Posted by Nemo2 on February 12, 2004, at 20:41:29
In reply to Re: Is Lex really worth it?, posted by lillexgrrl on February 11, 2004, at 14:47:30
You guys are wonderful. I just got home from a busy day at work and read all the follow-ups to this thread. I've been on Lex for 5 weeks and felt mostly positive mood elevation within the first week. I am moving back toward my "best" self now in a way that is truly amazing to me. Since the Lex started pulling me out of the deepest and darkest depression I've ever experienced in my life I've realized just how much anxiety has been my partner in most of my 54 years. I've never tried an AD before and wish I had. I don't know where this is going, but the alternative is scary. I have two uncles and a grandfather who killed themselves at about my age. I understand their choices because I'm convinced that it was coming my way. My side effects have been manageable and have been gradually evening out in a relatively short time. Hang in there, trust your feelings and be good to yourself with a strong dose of patience. I don't mind the idea of staying on a med forever now. I've accepted the fact that life is always changing and sometimes the road ahead is not the one you've always expected. Regardless, we are all very adaptable and strong, we just need to find help where it lives. It's all around us. Nemo2
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