Lexapro

I was recently diagnosed with severe/chronic anxiety and the doctor prescibed me Lexapro. I have researched this online, but I would like to know more about it from people and not just science articles. If you have any info that would be helpful, that would be great.

I am so nervous about taking prescription drugs: is it addicting? wil I gain weight? how fast does it work?

I am so embarrassed and upset that I am labeled.

I can't help you much but I'm sure they could become addicting...as with any drug, if not taken as prescribed - it could cause serious side effects.

And please don't feel like you're labeled...doctors and shrinks these day have a name for everything including a frigging toe nail pain...just take care of yourself

I don't know about lexapro - I just wanted to say please don't feel embarrassed.

I've taken something like it. These are my own experiences and thoughts about it.

It absolutely helped me and I was very skeptical about taking it. It sat in my cabinet for over a month and I looked at it all the time but was scared.

The drug will regulate your seratonin in your brain. After a few weeks of taking it I started to notice that I was dealing with things better. I didn't have a knot in my gut and I was able to function much better. I was a sobbing mess for a while before that.

I had to start at a low dose and ramp up. When I went off it of 2 years later and I to wean off of it.

It helped me a great deal and I quickly got over being embarrassed by it when it really helped me get control.

I did gain some weight from it, but I didn't know that ahead of time so I really didn't watch. If I would have know that ahead of time I would have been more aware of how much I was eating.

All in all, though the 10 pounds was totally worth the benefits and I wouldn't hesitate to give it a try.

Please let me know if I can answer any other questions or if anyone else out there does as well.
-Susan

I LOVE Lexapro and most people that take it feel the same. I've been taking it in conjunction with many other mental meds for 4 years now. It is a great drug and helps take the edge off. It is something that your body will get dependent on. You must take it as prescribed. DO NOT just stop taking it. You will have side effects and withdrawal.

Don't worry about the label! Don't let it control you. I loved finding out that I had a condition and that I wasn't just nuts. At least you have something that can be defined and treated. Having this 'label' allows you the freedom to work yourself out of it. It gives you direction and an explanation of all your erratic behaviors and mood swings.

Please feel free to FM me for more info. I know EXACTLY what you are going through.

Hi Carissa,

I've never taken Lexapro but I'm a nursing student and have had some patients who use it. You shouldn't be embarrassed

Though it's a prescription drug, the side effects aren't too bad at all. At most, you might experience things like nausea, diarrhea and difficulty sleeping. I know for a fact that it doesn't cause weight gain so no worries there either. And as far as I know, you won't become dependent on it. (just peeked at one of my drug books to double check... there is no warning for tolerance or dependence)

Just be especially careful with your intake or use of other suppressants and sedatives like alcohol, antihistamines (Benedryl, etc), and pain meds. Matter of fact, let your doc know if you ever plan on taking anything new (even over-the-counter meds and herbal supplements)

...and I'm sure your doc warned you to let him/her know if you become pregnant. It's contraindicated when breastfeeding.

Oh, and it takes 1-4 weeks to kick in.

Overall, I think you'll be just fine! Best wishes... and don't be down! Be proud of yourself for doing something about it

Feel free to FM me anytime!



-Jeanine

ETA: Weight gain isn't a direct effect of Lexapro but increased appetite is. So as long as you're cautious of that you can avoid gaining.

It is my understanding that Lexapro works similarly to Prozac as an antidepressant. Like all other antidepressants, its intake needs to be monitored carfully. Symptoms can return. It will put you on an even keel. You will not get hyped up or feel sedated. You will more than likely feel pretty normal. You should stay on it long enough to reach maximum results at the proper dosage. Good luck and dont worry. Itis important that your treatment is effective.

ETA: I dont believe it is addictive.

I was taking lexapro for quite a few months, when i found out i was pregnant, i stopped taking it, although you arent supposed to abruptly stop, I did b/c i was worried.
I did experience weight gain from it, my dr told me it increases your appetite and slows down your metabolism.
It really helped me with my anxiety, dont feel ashamed or embarrassed about being labeled, and please feel free to FM me if i can help in any way