I was put on Effexor XR and have been on lexapro in the past. Would this type of medicine be more effective since it releases norephinephrine as well as serotonin?

A co-worker who has a background in counseling told me today that she thinks that I am bipolar. I am already on medication for clinical depression, but it hasn’t been diagnosed as anything other than a seratonin imbalance. I sleep a normal amount: 6-7 hours a night. I feel good, but not high. I haven’t had a depressive episode since my most recent ex broke up with me for a married man she had been cheating on me with (I call that a mitigating circumstance). The only warning sign that I agreed with (she felt that I was over-confident and moving "a million miles an hour" which I attribute to a new excercise regime and weight loss) was that I spend money compulsively, but I have always been something of a wastrel. Opinions? I can’t afford to see my doctor right now, but am planning on going ASAP.
Telling me that bi-polar and manic-depression are the same thing is not helpful at all. I’m after personal experience and advice here, not help with semantics. So please, if that’s all you have to say, don’t.

I agree that a background in counseling isn’t proper qualification for a diagnosis but that was what sparked this introspection. I’d rather ask professionals and others with similar background and experiences and get told "no, your current meds are fine" (Lexapro 10mg by the way) than not ask and never know for sure.

I have tried Celexa, and lexapro but they didnt do much of anything for me. Please any advice would be useful thanks

I have found that doctors are very willing to send you home with samples of prozac, lexapro, zoloft, etc even if you tell them you are NOT DEPRESSED.

I have spoken to several other people that have encountered this with their doctors also. I have told my doctor that I am going through a stressful time, and feel anxious and worry often.

Not depression.

I understand the fact that some anti anxiety drugs such as valium and xanax can be abused, and or addictive, but as a responsible adult it bothers me that my doctor will send me home with packets of drugs that are not for anxiety, and do nothing to help it.

Thank you all for taking the time to answer my question regarding the treatment of anxiety. I have a problem with anxiety and I’ve handled it pretty well with taking .5mg of xanax 2xdaily. However, I would like to get of the Xanax and perhaps try something better, such as, Lexapro or Buspar. Being a male, I’m very concerned about the sexual side effect, that would make me feel worse. Should I stay on Xanax or give something else a try. Thanks for all your responses. It’s great to know that I’m the only one out there with this. It’s embarrasing talking to someone about this because it seems to me that if you’ve never experienced GAD, one cannot not know how horrible it feels. Again, thanks for all your responses.

is there any anxiety medicine that doesnt take more than a week to kick in? say the same day you take it, it works. ive tried lexapro and that didnt seem to do anything.

I was on lexapro for anxiety before and it really helped me. I stoped taking it because my moms insurance stoped paying for it- now my anxiety only seems to be becoming more and more severe as I get older and venture farther out into the world. I am thinking of going back on lexapro again- but if I did, would I still be able to go out and party with friends? After all, the goal here is to be able to lead a normal life- I’m still not living a normal life if my anxiety is gone but my activities are restricted.
I knowww I can have fun with out alcohol but I liikkee alcohol- I don’t want to aalwways go without it..

Damn… why couldn’t I have just been born normal without this fucking over reactive brain of mine.

I was on lexapro for anxiety before and it really helped me. I stoped taking it because my moms insurance stoped paying for it- now my anxiety only seems to be becoming more and more severe as I get older and venture farther out into the world. I am thinking of going back on lexapro again- but if I did, would I still be able to go out and party with friends? After all, the goal here is to be able to lead a normal life- I’m still not living a normal life if my anxiety is gone but my activities are restricted.

I know, ask my doctor, I will! But in your experiences, is it ok? I am set to start Birth Control pills next month, Yazmin or Yaz and Anti Anxiety meds at the same time, either Lexapro or Cymbalta (dr said to try one of thos, so I am still researching to see which one I want. I had Effexor but was too afraid to take it, so switching at next appointment.

Any input would be great!

Also do you prefer yazmin or yaz? differences?

Lexapro or Cymbalta? differences?

I currently take the following meds: metoprolol, felodipine, diovan, aspirin, lexapro, and gabapentin. I still feel depressed and anxious, but my blood pressure is under control. I just feel bad…tired, upset stomach, blah.

I have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Anyone have this that can give me some ideas on how to live with this in every day life. I am currently taking lexapro and xanax for it.
It helps but it doesn’t take it all away. How do you live with this everyday of your life……….please help……..

I’m feeling disorientated, out of it and really, really tired. This is my 5th day with Lexapro (5mg) once daily and I take it at night. I also had trouble reaching an orgasm last night with my husband, which never happens! I’m wondering if all this is a normal process of starting Lexapro and if I should be feeling these symptoms so soon.

Can anyone provide some insight that has taken Lexapro?

I have a son 17 years old very disorganized, and complaining of panic disorder , he took sentraline 4 pills a day and sometimes alpazoam. i am so worried he is going to take spm. after 7months no improvemet. today i went to see a specialist , he gave lexapro and others ,i hope God will assist me and please share with me those who have this problem.

I’ve been taking Lexapro for a year and a half now and want to come off of it because it has caused problems with my thyroid and prolactin levels and a whole other range of things. I might also try to get pregnant in the future. I’m on 20 mg daily at the moment. How fast or slow should this medicament be reduced to avoid having withdrawal symptoms?

I am just curious about this…I take Lexapro for OCD and Depression and my sister takes it too and we share it because its expensive for us so she gave me a bottle with no sticker on it. Is that illegal?
Danny, I AM PRESCRIBED TO IT. It’s just because its very expensive for my mom to buy it for me. My sister is also prescribed but she only has to pay for hers.
So please dont jump to conclusions.