Lexapro - Anxiety Message Board

Coco11 · 10-06-2005, 05:29 AM

Hi,

I would just like to learn a little more about lexapro. What condition do you have to be in to be prescribed it & is it a very strong SSRI? Do the symptoms or anxiety have to be present for a long time for the dr to prescribe.
Does a doc talk to/ council you about anxiety aswell? Does depression almost always go hand in hand with it.

I know its a lot of questions and obviously every case is different but I’d just like to learn & understand more about the drug & anxiety in general.

Thanks x

Sonika · 10-06-2005, 10:26 AM

Hi, I tried Lexapro and it didn't do much for me but i have heard a lot of good experiences from people on the drug. Most SSRIs (like lexapro) do the same job but the chemicals in them are different and each person will have different reactions to each of them. What your doctor prescribes first has to do with his/her own experience with the drugs. Keep in mind that lexapro could very well work but if it does not, there are others you will be able to try.
I got my first prescription after a week of horrible and debilitating symptoms but i know people who will not get medication for years (my mother!) So, there is no standard. As much as depression/anxiety goes, i first had anxiety but when meds failed to treat the anxiety, depression settled. In my personal opinion, depression will come once you realize the devastating effects of severe anxiety. It is easy to say and very hard to do but we have to keep positive in order to get away from depression. I hope this helps!

hry33 · 10-06-2005, 02:57 PM

lexapro is one of many prozac type meds, none are stronger than others although the dose of them sometimes needs to be upped to get them working

docs of course should counsel about anxiety but many are too busy or lazy or simply dont know how to

anxiety and depression are separate, some anxiety sufferers are also depressed, some not, you dont need to be depressed for lexapro to help with anxiety

look up fight or flight response on the net for info about what anxiety can do to you

remember that gentle exercise and long walks are very relaxing and good for anxiety sufferers

WannaBeFreeToRoam · 10-06-2005, 11:24 PM

Hi Coco11,

I take Lexapro. I have been using it for about 5 months. It does very well for me and my anxiety. My family doctor prescribed it for me, but only because my insurance company will not pay for a psychiatrist. He is a great doctor. I was on valium - as needed, but he did not want me to keep taking that, as it is addictive. So he changed me and I tried it. He was the one to suggest this drug.

When you talk to drs., you cannot tell them or ask them to give you a certain drug. They do not like that! Just tell them how you feel and that you need help and be truthful. They will prescribe what they think is best for you. This is just my opinion, so listen to the others too. But it does not hurt to go to the doctor and talk.

Books on anxiety/stress help, as do breathing (the correct way) and exercise and things like yoga and meditation. I do breathe right sometimes but cannot seem to make myself do the others. I have arthritis too. I do not have medical anxiety like some of the people on this board. So, if that is what you have, maybe some of them can help you. I just get stressed really easily.

As far as what condition you have to be in, that is up to each individual doctor. Mine knew that I was greatly stressed because I was taking Kava Kava, before he started giving any anxiety meds.

I do sometimes get depressed. I did before Lexapro and I do now, sometimes. It just happens every now and then. Especially, if things are not going well, around me and if I am not feeling well. It also helps to keep busy - then I am not as depressed.

Hope this helped you a little. Take care. Wannabe