Discussions that mention lexapro

Teth -

Did you find that your anxiety and/or depression got better over time post meds? When I quit taking Paxil, I was under the impression that eventually the brain will return to normal by itself and would take time to adjust to functioning without the med. So I decided to wait it out, but I just found that my problems were becoming chronic - getting worse over time. I think that you are right that when you are off the meds you have to take active steps to deal with your disorders, but I didn't really have the energy or resources to do this, so I just recently decided to try taking Lexapro to see if it will help. I'm on day 3 so far...but I don't feel all that different yet.

Two words: BE CAREFUL!!

I recently weaned off Paxil, since it wasn't doing much for me anymore. I started taking Lexapro at the same time. Paxil withdrawal was HORRIBLE. It lasted over a month, and I was depressed, had headaches, flu symptoms, dizziness, and mild nausea. I lost tons of weight - TOO much weight. I had no appetite and no energy. Fortunately I was financially secure and had no regular job, no big responsibilities. I had a bit of a safety net. Once I dragged myself through that horrible ordeal I found out I had other health problems, too, that were exacerbated by the Paxil withdrawal.

This is not an uncommon side effect! They call it "Paxil flu". I've weaned off of Prozac, Zoloft and numerous other meds without that level of fallout. It's something specific to Paxil.

I definitely encourage you to get off of Paxil, but be sure you have a safety net, are being closely monitored by a good psychiatrist, and are living and eating healthy. Hopefully there is nothing traumatic going on in your life right now, such as a death, a breakup, a life change. Proceed with caution!!

Quote from NiceguyEddie:

Teth -

Did you find that your anxiety and/or depression got better over time post meds? When I quit taking Paxil, I was under the impression that eventually the brain will return to normal by itself and would take time to adjust to functioning without the med. So I decided to wait it out, but I just found that my problems were becoming chronic - getting worse over time. I think that you are right that when you are off the meds you have to take active steps to deal with your disorders, but I didn't really have the energy or resources to do this, so I just recently decided to try taking Lexapro to see if it will help. I'm on day 3 so far...but I don't feel all that different yet.

Yes! I did notice anxiety / depression got better over time... it's not that they stopped from one day to another - they kinda 'diminished'. And one day I remembered I was no longer nervous or anxious, not one bit.
Eddie, for life to change, you must change. I don't want to encourage anyone to leave the meds if they are not ready to do so.
Yet you can start incorporating different things into your life (mix things up). You might want to start with walking and breathing exercises... eat properly, get enough sleep.. (check thill' s threat)

Good Luck! :)