Anyone on Lexapro or Paxil???

[aliciatobytaco]

Hi.

I have been suffering from Anxiety/Panic Disorder for about 3 years. I tried every alternative before medication that I possibly could. I really didn't want to take any medication but I could not live with having severe anxiety and panic attacks so I finally started taking Paxil CR about a year ago. It helped sooooooo much, but the downfall I have noticed is weight gain and sexual side effects. Not something a newlywed needs to have :(
Well, my sister n law is on Lexapro for anxiety/depression and said she hasn't noticed any side effects. I know this a very personal topic but i feel like all of you are my friends and I can ask/discuss a topic like this. If anyone has experienced taking any of these medications or has taken Lexapro, I would love to discuss and ask some questions. If you don't want to post on CC please email me @ aklehm@cscgc.com.

~Alicia :?

[ozi-chichi's]

Hi Alicia,
Im sorry to hear that you have been suffering for so many years. Its such a terrible thing for you to have to go through.
I have Social Anxiety Disorder which is like Social Phobia, I have had this since I can remember and havent ever taken medication but I am researching what medication is best for me. I have a few friends with SAD and one was using Paxil but gained wieght and had nightmares, so she has changed over to vanlafaxine which doesnt appear to have side effects so far. Another friend of mine with SAD is just using small amounts of Valium which she says 'takes the edge off'. I think the drugs effect everyone differently, you have to find the right one for you.
I can give you the link to a site which has more of the above information if your interested send me an email to the address below (take out the spaces when using)
terresap @ upnaway .com
Goodluck Alicia, I hope you can find something that will help you without the side effects.
:flower:

[Hercules Momma]

Alicia,
I have depression and mild anxiety. I've been on Effexor for four years and swear by it. I've had no weight gain due to it, just my own fault of being lazy and not exercising! LOL.
Anyway I did try Paxcil when I first started having problems and it really made me feel bad, I couldn't sleep on the stuff!
Hope you find something that helps.

[Zoeluvs2chis]

Hi Alicia,
I have had anxiety and panic attacks for two years now, since a family member tried to "off" me by attempting to hire a hitman. Long story---too scandalous to air on Jerry Springer! (I'm innocent---she is whacked out)

I've been on Venlafaxine. The sexual side effects are there but otherwise, I have been able to not gain weight, whereas, on Paxil, I did blow up to a huge swollen blob.

I wish you alot of luck in finding the meds which work best for you. In extreme situations, I take a 1/4 or 1/2 tablet of Lorezapam, beneath my tongue, to qwell the anxiety when I feel overwhelmed. Most often though, I am able to take solely the Venlafaxine each morning, and deal better with my issues.

I'm keeping you in my thoughts that you'll find yourself singing in the rain, or running naked after your new hubby!!! :oops:

[aliciatobytaco]

Zoe~ you are soooo flippin funny!!! You crack me up!

Thank you Renata, ozziechi, and Zoe! It is hard to believe there is so many people dealing with this, but I guess it is more commom than I thought. It is great to get advise and here other peoples experiences, though I wouldn't wish a panic attack on my worst enemy....

I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, and please place me on your list for this also....

It is so funny though, becausee believe it or not my chi's have helped with some of this!!! Them along with my wonderful husband! :oops:
My puppers are such a "dose' of love and comfort that keeps on giving everyday!!! :D

[Amaze]

Hi Alicia!

I'm not much help on this one but wanted to send you some warm chihuahua kisses from Heuser and Tally! I can't imagine what its like but I can definately sympathize with you about medication issues. I hope you find the one that works for you...
Lys

[2Chiwawa]

Hi Alicia,

I have had depression, panic attack/phobia since high school in the late 1960s.

The two latest meds I have been on were Celexa and now the new form of Celexa the Lexapro.

The Celexa made a big improvement but after many years I started to get side effects and was beginning to be depressed again. Since I have been on Lexapro I have never felt so well since I first had my problems. I have had no sexual side effects with it and I have never been more anxity-free in my life. Besides not feeling panicy or phobic, my mind feels much sharper since I switched to the Lexapro.

I've been doing everything at home and at work much better. I haven't even had time to tell you all that I was feeling so much better that I got a promotion at work and have been getting into my job better than I have over the past few years.

The only problem I had was some teeth grinding called bruxism (sp?) after I was on the Lexapro for a week or so. I would wake up grinding my teeth. So my doctor added one small tablet of Tranxene (Chlorazapate) at bedtime. This is a very mild tranq. that I had used in the past to help with the panic. This pill is habit forming so I am only on the smallest dose they make and only one tab at night. My teeth grinding has stopped completely.

Please feel free to e-mail me on the topic any time. I have had 40 years experience of coping with this problem and I don't mind talking about it. I feel that the more open about it I am the more my friends understand and the more I can help others even if they just overhear what I say.

Good luck and don't give up.

[aliciatobytaco]

Wow Faye, Congrads on the promaotion at work! That is fantastic!

My doctor switched me to Lexapro yesterday, so we'll see how it goes.
I was very anti-medication before I personally experienced having full blown panic attacks and anxiety!! it is trully a nightmare!!!

I can't believe so many people are suffeing from these same problems, and I am realizing it is more common than I ever thought. Thank you for sharing yor story. It is nice to know you have others to "lean on" and recieve support from if needed. :D

[Bren75]

Hey girly yeah paxil will cause weight gain. Thats a side effect... :cry:
I have PMDD so I was put on prozac to help with that but am being switched to lexapro cause the prozac has gelatin in it and I don't eat gelatin due to religion.... anyways from what I read it shouldn't cause weight gain which is a concern of mine but I'll let ya know what I think.... ;)


Your definately not alone!
:P

[Romans Mom]

I took Paxil several years ago after being diagnosed with anxiety due to many things that happened at once/too close together anyway. I took it for a few years, and I had all the yucky side effects and don't take it or anything anymore. It's a bear getting meds regulated--good luck with it, and I hope you feel better soon. :)

[2Chiwawa]

Good luck Alicia. I hope you get a good outcome with the Lexapro.

I understand about reluctance to take medication. There are many issues involved. But I have always looked on illnesses like depression, panic or phobias the same as any other illness. They are physical and chemical problems like diabetes or any other illness we would all take medication for. Some of us inherit these problems in our families just like other illness. Others have these problems thrust upon them due to stress or fear.

Someday more people will understand this and there will be no stigma involved in taking these medications for "mental" problems. Problems with depression, panic and phobia are complicated mind/body issues that involve physical and mind issues combined. What people forget is that the mind resides in our physical brains and our physical bodies so that sometimes the mind needs us to help it physically with medications for our bodies and brains just like we would take insulin for our pancreas or heart medication.

I am glad that your puppers and husband are able to help you through this. I have good help too. Talking and asking questions here is also good.

[aliciatobytaco]

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers again. I was hit with a MAJOR panic attack last Thursday evening, out of nowhere. I was doing great, happy with my life and BAM, it happened again. This has casued me to steep back down to into depression,and anxiety 24/7. Medication isn't working at all for some reason, but I am going to seek counseling for this. Just please keep me in your prayers :flower:

[Romans Mom]

Alicia, I'm sorry sorry you aren't feeling well. You will for sure be in my prayers for this to end. You are a wonderful person and only deserve the best. :wub:

[ozi-chichi's]

Alicia im sorry to hear you have had another panic attack. Its an awful thing, I know to well what its all about. I hope you do get some help for it as soon as you can. The more you wait the harder it will become. Dont wait too long because agoraphobia is just around the corner and its not pretty.

CBT(cognitive behavioural therapy) is supposed to work wonders for people like us, Im starting it in the new year and will email you a detailed description of what happens when I go.
Remember that there are people that love you and care deeply for you and will do anything for you, these people include your new husband and wonderful family. You have a fantastic support network including people here so you will get through it, its just a matter of time:-D
You can email me at any time for any reason, I am here for you.

[PacoPeppyAzul]

I understand exactly what you are going through. It is the worst and scariest thing ever to go through in life. I have suffered from depression, anxiety, panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive disorders. I really didn’t think I was going to make it, I thought I was going crazy. I still suffer from time to time, as I believe that it will never completely go away but it can be controlled tremendously.

I have gone through lots of counseling and I have been on Zoloft for 4 years now. It does have some side affects like, sexual side affects but other than that it is great. I used to be scared to go out in public places, I was so anxious at work I had to leave; I didn’t even feel comfortable at home. I also compulsively worried that I was going to die everyday and I am only 25 years old. I don’t worry anymore and have no anxiety or panic attacks. It is a miracle! I still am obsessive compulsive though but I am working on that.

I have heard great things about Lepraxo. A co-worker of mine is on it and loves it and says there is no side affects. Good luck with the medicines.

I have been wanting to get off the Zoloft now because I feel so good and have been on it for 4 years, but I am scared my panic attacks will come back.

If you ever need anyone to talk to email me J

I can’t believe how many of us have anxiety!!

[aliciatobytaco]

Thanks for responding everyone! It is amazing how many people do suffer from this horrible thing. I am doing much better today. I saw a counselor that used to treat me for this, and I know now that this is something I need to be 'counseled' on for a while to come. Lexapro has had some side effects for me, but all together has worked pretty well. I thought of trying Zoloft, but I think most of the 'SSRI's" are about the same. I don't know if I want to be switching meds at this point. I might add to the anixety?!? Thanks again for all the support, and anyone is free to email me whenever also. hugs and love ~~Alicia :)

[2Chiwawa]

Alicia, I'm so sorry you had an attack. You did the right thing to go to a professional. I have always been in therapy along with my medication. I believe in talking to a therapist and not trying to get better just with meds. Besides getting more insight about what triggers your panic it is good to just have someone to talk to. Just knowing you have someone on your side besides family can help with the panic.

Panic and anxiety are sneaky. You have to keep at it. But you WILL GET BETTER and YOU ARE NOT CRAZY.

Please e-mail me at two chiwawa at yahoo . com. I've learned some techniques over the years that might help you.

Also, it takes time to get your medication right. Do what you think is best for you but keep talking to your therapist and your family and don't feel alone that you have this. It is a health condition like any other condition and many many people have it and come through it.

I am so sorry you have to go through this.

[Chloe's Mom]

Alicia,

Don't know how I missed this thread, but count me in with the Depression/Attacks! (Childhood AND First Husband issues.) You are definitely not alone, sweet pea, and looks like I'm not, either! (No wonder we all understand each other so well here.:))

I was on Prozac for years until my Doctor switched me to Effexor three years ago. Though I did experience some weight gain, (partly the medicine, and partly my own laziness!), I'd still swear by it. Now, don't get me wrong...I still have my moments - lots of them! But, I'm also in therapy, and finally we are chiseling away at the things that have been unmanagable and debilitating for me.

Now, if I can just get through the stress of this last month and a half of wedding details without freaking out, I'll be fine! I actually was at the Dr's today, and when he heard about some of my "Bridal Moments" as my fiancee calls them, he prescribed Xanax for me, too!

I just have to look at it this way...God made us all unique...some of us more unique than others! Every day is a gift wrapped in a challenge, and we can only do our best to understand what we're dealing with and handle it at any given moment. Sometimes we hit the ball out of the park, and sometimes we run to the dugout at the mere thought of a pitch! Just know that on those days that you hide in the dugout...you've got a whole team here who have been on that bench, and who are rooting for you to get out into the sunshine and PLAY!!! :)

[lilblizzardchic]

i take lexapro for depression so if you need anything to discuss you can at rodgersirishrose@aol.com

[Capri]

alicia, here is a great link to different medicines and their side effects. Maybe you can find one w/o sexual side effects and weight gain, but they weight gain and sexual side effects seem to be a side effect in most drugs, not that you would necessarily have those side effects if you took the medicine that list it as a possible side effect.

http://www.anxieties.com/med-intro.php

I know people that suffer from depression, and depression w/anxiety, but not panic attacks. I understand what you are going through, and you may not want to say it to sound pitiful, but I know you are suffering, and I feel for you.

The only answer is to try different meds until you find one that works w/no side effects or the least amounts of side effects. No one medicine works the same way for two people, so it's hard for anyone to give you a recommendation. Don't have big expectations going in when you try something new. Just know that it's trail and error.

[Capri]

(Escitalopram oxalate) Lexapro
Possible Benefits. Helpful for generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, depression.

Possible Disadvantages. Therapeutic response can take four to six weeks. Avoid alcohol. Do not take during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects. Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, fatigue, increased sweating, or dry mouth may occur.

Dosages Recommended by Investigators. 10 mg per day, may be increased to 20 mg.

[aliciatobytaco]

thanks Capri, lilblizzardchic, and Ri!!!

It is amazing that this many folks suffer from the same stuff, huh?!?
I have been doing MUCH better with medication, therapy, and having a strong faith in God, and knowing that he CAN heal me :)
It is still and something I struggle with, but thank goodness for my wonderful hubby, and family!
Oh, and a good dose of three sweet, cute, little chihuahuas don't hurt much either!!!!!!!
thanks again for replying and I am here for anyone that might need to talk about things too :flower: