Lexapro effect or revelation?

Question

Ok, I am a 19 year old, succesful college student. I was prescribed lexapro for the first time in 8th grade which I believe was a mistake, then got off in 9th...back on in 10th until this January. Now I haven't felt suicidal or anything like that but just sad and lonely so 6 days ago I got back on it. I'm at the age when I finally realized I should do some research before I get deeply back into the medicine. I noticed the dreaded weight gain side effect and realized that it did apply to me. I was athletic and healthy before the first time I got prescriped and put on about 40 lbs when I got off I lost that, got back on it gained weight again, got off and lost it...So that got me thinking: do I really need this stuff?

The biggest reason I feel sad is loneliness. I have a wonderful girlfriend but not many great friends (although i'm in a frat) and just rarely get out. So I have lots of free time, and all that time is spent doing nothing. This made me feel like it was really time for a change and formulated a plan in my head to begin changing my life. Moderate exercise in the morning and writing/reading at night mainly. It felt great to have this revelation, but then I got worried that this was the lexapro talking and if I decided I didn't actually want to start taking it again I would go back to the way I was...so my question is...is this a healthy revelation or can 6 days of being back on this stuff already be affecting me?

Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

I take Effexor ER and the thing is, when your depressed you can't think things through clearly. When you feel better you can visualize and set reasonable goals. So it sounds like the meds are helping you get feeling better so you can see possibilities. The meds aren't making you think things unrealistic. When I got anti depressants I started feeling better and went back to college and got my nursing degree. I finished it and now I am getting my teaching degree. Personally, If I quit taking my medication I would not be feeling good enough to go to college. Some people only need the med once in awhile, I am one who needs it every day. it is so worth it and I am much more productive because of the miracle of anti depressants. You go for it, you can do it!

Answer 2

I take Wellbutrin SR (150 mg) in the morning, and Lexapro (10 mg) in the evening - and that works well for me.  And, I've even lost some weight with this combination.  I think the Wellbutrin kind of makes me more active, and taking the Lexapro in the evening makes me sleep better, too.



You might ask your doctor about trying something like that...



Best of luck to you :-)

Paul.