Lexapro?

[cali23]

Hey guys,

I have a question regarding Lexapro. Has anybody been on it and stopped using it. I am currently planning to take Lexapro for anxiety that I have in medical school. I was wondering if I will be able to stop taking Lexapro after third year, or do you become dependent on the medication?

Do you think I will become more anxious after I stop taking the Lexapro in two years then I am now?

I feel that without Lexapro or some medication, I will fail out of second year. I have already failed two courses and do not want to fail another.

What do you think, should I take the meds...today was to be my first day.

I would greatly appreciate any advise you can give me.

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[sasaadasuzy]

dear coleage

Please read carefuly ALL You can about the medication.
Ask MD who prescribed it and believe.Individual experience are different.

Good luck

 

[Darth Vader]

Lexapro is an SSRI. Many people only are on SSRI's for 6 months to a year (standard therapy for depression), but if you find it to be very useful, some people stay on the meds for their whole lives. Like all SSRI's, lexapro is non-habit forming and not addicting. The only down side to going on and off it is that you may experience what's called a "serotonin withdrawl syndrome" if you stop taking it abruptly in which you can feel pretty down for a day or two. If you taper it off, you won't experience this syndrome. I'd reccomend taking it for at least 2 months and just see if you feel any different. If it helps, great. If it doesn't, then you can always go back to your psychiatrist to try something else.

 

[cali23]

Thank you both so much. I started the meds today after talking to my psychiatrist. He said I could stop taking them in a year after boards. Looks like this will be the best option for me to keep me in med schl and able to pass boards. Thank you for all your help!!!

 

[drchris71]

If you have failed 2 classes then you need to assess the reason....if it's anxiety then yes Lexapro may assist you somewhat, however Lexapro can't take exams. Take some time and clear up any other "life issues" you have bothering you....be it financial or personal. Also try to decide if you need any help due to any special circumstance or disability....(reading disability, ADD, etc.) If you do then the school has a committee that can authorize to give you more time for exams, or let you take them in a private room, etc. Don't be afraid to ask for help and don't be afraid to take time off if you need it. Good luck with everything...things do get better after 2nd year!!

 

[dexterraz]

hey there...I usually post in the dental forums but I'll make this short. I would go ahead and begin the AD, they help a great deal. I'm a predent in undergraduate course study currently but just started Paxil CR recently, and boy has it helped. There are times when I feel numb, but I feel back to my old self. Of course...I did go through some heavy life changes that I just could not deal with and Paxil helped considerably. I feel there is a time, place, and need for everything. Perhaps your present circumstances permit intervention and the AD is for you...its a decision you have to make. I was neurotic, anxious, and depressed before starting the SSRI...and I see a world of difference now. Stuff I always dreamed of doing. These medications are serious but you can always stop them..give it a try, it may change your life.

 

[dexterraz]

oh i see you have begun the medication..good luck! feel free to PM me at anytime...

 

[Olanzapine]

Originally posted by dexterraz
hey there...I usually post in the dental forums but I'll make this short. I would go ahead and begin the AD, they help a great deal. I'm a predent in undergraduate course study currently but just started Paxil CR recently, and boy has it helped. There are times when I feel numb, but I feel back to my old self. Of course...I did go through some heavy life changes that I just could not deal with and Paxil helped considerably. I feel there is a time, place, and need for everything. Perhaps your present circumstances permit intervention and the AD is for you...its a decision you have to make. I was neurotic, anxious, and depressed before starting the SSRI...and I see a world of difference now. Stuff I always dreamed of doing. These medications are serious but you can always stop them..give it a try, it may change your life.

If you get generics for cheaper, you might consider asking your psychiatrist to switch you to paroxetine (non-controlled release). The controlled release version is supposedly for people who have GI side effects, but most don't have GI side effects. It really was just a ploy by the drug makers of Paxil to make a way to extend their patent (Paxil CR is patented and brand name only, any company can make paroxetine now).

 

[Bill12]

Lexapro may contribute to weight gain. Of all antidepressants, Wellbutrin (bupropion) has the most potency to promote weight loss. You may discuss with your doctor if you will benefit from Lexapro.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

Holy Zombie Thread!
It asks for medical advice!
It markets specific drugs!
It MUST BE STOPPED!