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•Voting Question: Relationship becoming mundane due to effects of anti-depressants?
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My boyfriend and I have been dating for a year and a half now and everything has been great. Our personalities and interests are nearly identical and we are both really sexual. However, recently, my boyfriend started taking the anti-depressant Lexapro to help with his anxiety. Although I am incredibly happy for him because he is now motivated to do many things and he is productive and much more relaxed, I am worried that it is also effecting him in a negative manner. I am not an advocate of anti-depressants, as I had used them previously and I know exactly what mood changes they had instilled in me at the time of use. My boyfriend seems to have become somewhat emotion-less and his libido has vanished. I know that decreased sexual desire is a side effect of Lexapro.
I love my boyfriend very much, but lately, with his lack of any kind of affection or seemingly, loss of a soul, I find myself feeling quite detached from him. I almost feel angry towards him at times. I feel like our relationship is not exciting anymore, and it used to be up until he began taking his medication.
We never really argue, and I do not want to hurt my boyfriend’s feelings by directly saying, “Hey I really don’t like you when you’re on those pills.” So my question is, how do I go about speaking with him about how I feel? I want my boyfriend to have the help he needs, but at the same time, I do not want to feel detached from him because of his sudden lack of personality due to the numbing effects of his anti-depressants. How should I address this issue to him, without hurting his feelings?
I should include that we are also young; 22.
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• Lexapro Question...?
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I have a 41 year old female friend who uses Lexapro (anti-depressant) daily. I am concerned that prolonged use may have negative effects.
What are some side-effects of prolonged use of this drug? Any advice on how to stop using it without terrible effects?
Thanks for any advice.
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• Having trouble getting on an anti-depressant. Anybody else have this problem?!?
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I began having panic attacks back in November. At first, I didn't know what it was and it freaked me out completely! To make a long story as short as possible, I started to see all these doctors...even a neurologist. They quickly said that I was having panic attacks. But, mine last about 45 minutes from beginning to end. I was prescribed .25 of Xanax and instructed to take it once a day. I was under a tremendous amount of stress at the time and the Xanax did help for a while. But, once my traumatic experience ended (student teaching), I figured that it would get much better. Boy, was I WRONG! My anxiety took a turn for the worst in December and my doctor told me to try Effexor. Bad mistake. Day 1: Felt cracked out. So, got off of that medication. I tried Celexa (20 mg.) Day 1: Seriously almost died from seratonin syndrome. I had hallucinations, psychotic thoughts, burning sensations, chills, panic, nausea, etc. It was horrifying!!
So, I was then prescribed Zoloft, Ambien CR, and .25 of Xanax. I should mention that my anxiety has interfered with my ability to sleep at night...which always seems to be when my anxiety surfaces the most. Anyway, I was on Zoloft for 11 weeks. I felt some relief, but noticed that I was getting extremely dizzy in stores with florescent lighting. Also, this is important: I never was able to get on the minimum dosage of 25 mg. I only got to about 18. My doctor had me increasing slowly because of what happened with Celexa. She said I was hyper-sensitive to the medications (lucky me).
OK, so went back to the neurologist and had an EEG to make sure that I wasn't having partial-seizures which can mimic a panic attack. The result was negative...had to be the Zoloft. Quit Zoloft and moved on to 5 mg. of Prozac. Was on Prozac and got up to 10 mg after 4 weeks, but had the WORST muscle tension, anxiety, nervousness, etc.
Therefore, my doctor told me that Lexapro was out of the question (combination between Celexa and Prozac) and that Paxil was DEFINITELY not an option because of the more serious side effects.
Now, I'm still taking Ambien CR, .25 Xanax, and 10 mg. of BuSpar (which seems to be helping slowly). But, here is my question:
Have any of you guys experienced this kind of difficulty getting onto anti-depressants?! I wonder if they aren't working because I don't need them and I simply need an anti-anxiety medication such as BuSpar and Xanax. Depression has only been a secondary emotion as a result from being frustrated about my anxiety. But, I still feel very hopeful.
I should note that I do see a counselor every week, try to meditate, relax, walk, etc. But, I just don't know how to get over this!! Any suggestions?
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• Can you smoke marijuana while taking anti depressants?
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I have been taking 10 mg of lexapro for about 3 weeks, I was wondering if there was any negative side effects if you smoke while taking this type of medication.
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• Effects of Lexapro?
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My Dr. put me on 5mg of Lexapro. I know this is a very small dose, but I am still leary of taking any anti depressant. Does the positive effects of this drug outweigh the negative? Also, will marijuana affect what the drug is supposed to do? I only smoke a little before I go to bed to help me fall asleep. Please don't tell me that drugs are bad or give a lecture, I already know.
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• Serious health question concerning salvia divinorum when mixed with perscription drugs
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Hello,
I request from whoever is knowledgeable some information concerning the use of salvia divinorum when paired with other substances. My question is, is there a viable chance that it can interact with a prescription drug?
More specifically, will it have a negative effect if someone who takes salvia is also on the medication lexapro? Lexapro is an anti-anxiety, anti-depressant. This is a very important and potentially dangerous situation for someone I know, so all informative answers would be extremely appreciated. Thank you!
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• i feel like im descending into a state of stupor?
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im almost 18 years old and over the past couple years i have gone from a happy, social, extroverted, healthy person to a weak, zoned-out mess. it started with feeling depressed. i told my doctor and they tried me on a several anti-depressants (prozac, lexapro, remeron) but they all had negative effects like making me emotionless, migraines, and creating anxiety. i gave up on depression meds and my depression began to deminish and within a year i was fine again. then i started having anxiety and panic attacks for no apparent reason. my doctor wouldnt give me anything for anxiety and it got worse and i fell deep into depression.
now i dont feel my anxiety. my mind either feels extremley concentrated or off. the only times i feel that there is a "light on" is when im researching or thinking about weird things like consciousness, weather patterns, prophecies, the news or if im talking about myself. im totally introverted and dont care about anyone but myself. iv almost totally lost all interest in people. i thought it would just be a phase but now im loosing my social skills. like i never know what to say or how to respond. half the time i dont even know what their saying because im so warped into my own head. unless they have something REALLY interesting to say i just dont care what their saying.
i used to be very physically active like horseback riding, hiking, just moving around and doing stuff. now all i want to do is read stuff and watch and stare and think or not think. im absorbed into my mind like i dont care about my physical world. i lucid dream a lot and i wish i could just live in my dreams.
i often just stare and stare. my perception has changed a lot... most of the time i dont look at one thing but everything at once like im always using peripheral vision. but when i talk to people my eyes lock onto theirs and i feel like im staring at them in a creepy way but i cant help it. either that or i have shifty eyes when i talk to them in attempt to avoid their eyes but then i look really creepy. so when im talking to people i guess i cant help but look creepy. funny though cuz im not a creepy looking person at all. in fact im often told im attractive and very photogenic (im a girl).
im also extremely irritable. sometimes i cant sleep and lay in bed for hours. other nights i cant seem to get enough sleep and i sleep through my alarm. i feel sooo lazy. it seems like so much effort to do anything physical. i used to keep my room clean, make my bed now i can care less. i used to also used to love animals and i had a snake, fish aquarium, dumbo rats, and even goats that i raised and showed. now i just have my dog that sit with me.
so i've tried everything. having a good diet, forcing myself to do things to take me out of my shell like going to youth group, trying to talk to ppl, changing my attitude but even when im in a good mood on the inside, i cant show it. i see so many ways to do things better and i think ppl are dumb but funny =) i feel numb unless something funny happens but what i think is funny i guess isnt really that funny so i feel dumb when i laugh and no one else does. but i dont really care. im a lot like a run away train once my mind starts going it doesnt stop. so anyone know whats wrong with me?
not really whats wrong but what happened? why did my whole personality change?
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• What are the most common side effects for women taking Lexapro, and are the results worth it?
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I was recently prescribed Lexapro for my depression and anxiety.
As of now I have only taken it once in a small dosage as recommended by my doctor to start me off.
I have been reading up on the side effects and have seen many woman complaining about extreme weight gain, fatigue, libido issues, mood swings, and many other negative side effects. After reading about these issues I have begun to question whether or not I would like to continue taking Lexapro.
I also heard it is VERY hard to discontinue use once you have been taking it for a while.
I understand all anti-depressants have side-effects, but I want to take the medication I believe is best for me. If I continue to have doubts I plan on contacting my doctor and discussing it with him.
Has anyone taken Lexapro before and had any particular side effects? If so, what ones? Are they worth dealing with to rid me of my depression and anxiety?
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•Voting Question: Did you have these symptoms in early pregnancy?
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First of all, I'd like to say, I know it would be easiest just to go see a doctor but I don't have the money for that right now, so I'm doing some research while I try to gather what money I can.
I am on the 4th month of my missed period. Before that, since about June or July of '10 I've had periods every other month and before that they were every month but pretty irregular. I have taken several pregnancy tests and even gone to a pregnancy center and all tests (I have not had a blood test yet) were all negative.
I feel like my breasts have gotten larger, though they have not really hurt. A couple of weeks ago I had some ovary pain followed by some chest pain on the same side. I have gained a little bit of weight.
In March I started to take anti-depressants, 10mg of Lexapro. I sort of feel like all these symptoms and my missing period are a side effect but it's really hard to tell. It also seems weird that it's been 4 months and have no positive pregnancy tests. It IS possible that I'm pregnant because of my sexual activity but I'm wondering how likely it is with my symptoms and the fact that I am taking Lexapro.
I'm looking for people that have experience in similar situations that may be able to give me an idea of what's going on. Like I said, trying to do some research while trying to get money to go to the doctor.
Any advice/information would be so helpful!
No, my last period was in January. Meaning my next period should have been in March. I would only be around 12 weeks. But with my medication and irregular periods it's hard to say.
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• Do any of you deal with panic attacks and anxiety?
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I began having panic attacks back in November. At first, I didn't know what it was and it freaked me out completely! To make a long story as short as possible, I started to see all these doctors...even a neurologist. They quickly said that I was having panic attacks. But, mine last about 45 minutes from beginning to end. I was prescribed .25 of Xanax and instructed to take it once a day. I was under a tremendous amount of stress at the time and the Xanax did help for a while. But, once my traumatic experience ended (student teaching), I figured that it would get much better. Boy, was I WRONG! My anxiety took a turn for the worst in December and my doctor told me to try Effexor. Bad mistake. Day 1: Felt cracked out. So, got off of that medication. I tried Celexa (20 mg.) Day 1: Seriously almost died from seratonin syndrome. I had hallucinations, psychotic thoughts, burning sensations, chills, panic, nausea, etc. It was horrifying!!
So, I was then prescribed Zoloft, Ambien CR, and .25 of Xanax. I should mention that my anxiety has interfered with my ability to sleep at night...which always seems to be when my anxiety surfaces the most. Anyway, I was on Zoloft for 11 weeks. I felt some relief, but noticed that I was getting extremely dizzy in stores with florescent lighting. Also, this is important: I never was able to get on the minimum dosage of 25 mg. I only got to about 18. My doctor had me increasing slowly because of what happened with Celexa. She said I was hyper-sensitive to the medications (lucky me).
OK, so went back to the neurologist and had an EEG to make sure that I wasn't having partial-seizures which can mimic a panic attack. The result was negative...had to be the Zoloft. Quit Zoloft and moved on to 5 mg. of Prozac. Was on Prozac and got up to 10 mg after 4 weeks, but had the WORST muscle tension, anxiety, nervousness, etc.
Therefore, my doctor told me that Lexapro was out of the question (combination between Celexa and Prozac) and that Paxil was DEFINITELY not an option because of the more serious side effects.
Now, I'm still taking Ambien CR, .25 Xanax, and 10 mg. of BuSpar (which seems to be helping slowly). But, here is my question:
Have any of you guys experienced this kind of difficulty getting onto anti-depressants?! I wonder if they aren't working because I don't need them and I simply need an anti-anxiety medication such as BuSpar and Xanax. Depression has only been a secondary emotion as a result from being frustrated about my anxiety. But, I still feel very hopeful.
I should note that I do see a counselor every week, try to meditate, relax, walk, etc. But, I just don't know how to get over this!! Any suggestions?
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