lexapro, depression advice?

IRON37 · Nov 28, 2008

I'll try to sum my situation up as best I can. Ive began going to counseling and taking 20mg lexapro for the last 2 months or so. On the lexapro Im not quite sure how I feel? Because overall I seem (to myself) like a nicer person to others. but When Im alone with my thoughts I still dwell on things and get depressed..if not WORSE than before I began the lexapro. I dont know if it is sleep related. Ive had messed up sleep patterns since i was like 14, Im in my early twenties now. My sleep has improved slightly but I still have weird hours.

I still have anger issues as well, which I guess is my own fault. But luckily Ive built up very good self restraint in most cases I just go take a walk or handle it alone somehow. I would like to say the anger seems to run in my family. As does the depression. I had a few panic attacks a year ago from moving to a different city and taking some classes. Im assuming that was a mix of depression and stress or changes? Either way it made me see the world in a whole new light and realize my own mortality. It was not a good feeling at all. Made me question everything. Existance, God, myself. Just more things for me to dwell on that i'll never have answered.

Ive realized how unhealthy of people I hang out with also. Ive always been the one in a group that was different. I exercise and try to usually do the right thing but i cant say the same for everyone else I know. They always drink and get me to go along. Theyre good friends but i hate bars..I just dont fit in that scene. Especially if I dont want to drink Im like an alien to everyone or something lol. Im sure me drinking doesnt help my depression/ sleep at all when i do. I would just distance myself from these friends and stick to the gym as a loner like I used to but that is a lonely life. I would probably be more depressed. I dont live in a health conscious town so its pretty hard to find my niche. I want to move but Im trying to get through this phase of whatever is wrong with me before i make any big changes like that.

Im thinking of trying a different med besides lexapro. Im just worried that i havent given it enough time to work though maybe? I really dont know how i am supposed to feel lol. Maybe i just need to make lifestyle changes, I dont know. Sorry for the long thread i guess Im just venting a little. Feel free to offer some input if you have any ideas?

evolutionX · Nov 28, 2008

Hi

I am a Pharmacist and can tell you that Lexapro is SSRI (Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitor) and treats Serotonin levels. Like Phoenix said it will treat temporarily but when you quit your brain will have to deal with a more imbalance. You can also look into Dopamine stimulants or medications i.e Wellbutrin or stimulant like Bromocriptine. Depression can be from several causes including low Test levels.

OuchThatHurts · Nov 28, 2008

Iron37,

You said 2 months right? That is just simply not long enough to determine or realize the full benefits of your therapy. I think you should print your post out and take it to your doctor. You shouldn't need an intermediary between you and your doctor and if you feel you do then you seriously should consider mentioning it to him/her or finding someone new, even if it means you have to drive to get there.

If you're having doubts about your treatment, you seriously need to talk to your doctor about it though. You both need to be on the same page.

IRON37 · Nov 28, 2008

Yall are right, I should probably wait awhile longer before i decide it isnt working. I just realized it has actually been 3 months by the way that Ive been on the lexapro and going to counseling. Im not sure if my doctor is no good or if its my fault. The way my personality is Im so used to hiding certain things from people until i fully trust them. Maybe I havent said everything that I needed to. I definately havent mentioned past steroid use which I know plays some kindof a part. I just figured he would be biased towards them like the rest of the world but I guess he needs to know. i'll see how it goes maybe I do need a different doctor.

OuchThatHurts · Nov 29, 2008

IRON37 said:
Yall are right, I should probably wait awhile longer before i decide it isnt working. I just realized it has actually been 3 months by the way that Ive been on the lexapro and going to counseling. Im not sure if my doctor is no good or if its my fault. The way my personality is Im so used to hiding certain things from people until i fully trust them. Maybe I havent said everything that I needed to. I definately havent mentioned past steroid use which I know plays some kindof a part. I just figured he would be biased towards them like the rest of the world but I guess he needs to know. i'll see how it goes maybe I do need a different doctor.

Please take my advice and be completely upfront with the one you have now first. Otherwise, you almost have to start from the beginning. If your current doctor does not make you feel at ease so that you can trust him/her, then tell them that and then move on to another doctor. Remember, it's a relationship. Sometimes a person can only help you as much as you allow them to.