Wednesday, February 25, 2009 bcon03 asks

Q: On Lexapro 30mg, feeling it may be more of a hinderance than help.

Hi,

I have been living with OCD since I was 7 years old, and at that time my parents didn't want to medicate me. However I started receiving medical treatment when I was 17. I was started on Lexapro 5mg, and gradually increased to 20mg. Within the past 2 months I have been bumped yet again to 30mg. About 4 months ago my doctor tried augmenting my Lexapro with Wellbutrin to counteract some feelings of lethargy and boost my motivation which had been going downhill since July of 2008. We abandoned that when I got extremely jittery and more anxious. For the first few months on Lexapro I felt the best I had in YEARS. Literally I felt like a whole new me. Combined with therapy I was on my way to becoming a new person. Now I am 18 years old and at college. I'm having a lot of trouble getting motivated on projects, homework, studying, ect. I'm also finding that I don't care if I miss a class or do poorly on a big project or exam. This is totally unlike me, as all through high school I worried and worried (which I found actually improved my grades) about things of this nature. I also get frustrated with myself because I'm not as social as I want to be. I've heard about SSRI lethargy, ill motivation, and frankly just not caring. On days I don't have classes I don't really even get out of bed until 2ish. This really bothers me but I don't have the motivation to get out of bed. Many would say that I'm just a normal college student, not wanting to do work and sleeping late. However I know different. I've always suffered from severe OCD which is anxiety and as an end result gives me depression. What I'm wondering is: should I lower my Lexapro dose and hope for a good result or can I try a non-SSRI anti-depressant like Cymbalta coupled with something for anxiety like Klonopin? I'm just really anxious (no pun intended) to get better, I NEED to do well in college and I get depressed about my poor efforts. It's one big viscous cycle. Somebody please help me.

-Bren

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Answers (3)

Jennifer L. Fee, Psy.D. Psychologist, Health Guide

2/26/09 7:01pm

Hi Bren,

You've just highlighted why people need good, competent, up-to-date Psychatrists who will listen to what their patients are experiencing and adjust accordingly. I like that you are actively thinking about your meds, and would encourage you to search for a Psychiatrist with whom you can form a real working relationship.

I don't want to advise you on specific medications because I am not a Psychiatrist. However, the psychiatrists that I refer to will listen to their patients ideas. If they disagree with a patient, they carefully explain why in a way that makes sense. I hope you can work with someone like that.

Also, please consider getting some Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can also help with the issues that you described. Some universities have free or low cost counseling centers, so check out what your school offers.

Regards,

Jennifer L. Fee, Psy.D., Psychologist

The Stress Masters

Linda

3/ 8/09 7:54pm

lexapro did nothing to help my depression. It only caused some aggravating side effect such as constipation and weight gain. I felt more depressed due to this.

Christy1234

3/12/10 8:47am

I have been on Lexapro for 8 months and have gotten to where I can't sleep and I am tired, but still feel like I could run forever. Symptoms are definitely worse--as far as lethargy and not wanting to do anything the week before and the week of my period. I have started to taper off of it as of today...I have been on 10mg and took my first 7.5 dose last night. I don't think it is healthy for anyone to be on 30mg. There is an article http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/pinealstory.htm

You should read this. I am trying the natural approach. A good diet, force yourself to exercise, taper off the meds, and go to a chiropractor. I went to my first appointment yesterday and they found that a disc in my neck that is essential to the "flow" of everything in the body was kinked. Hang in there!! And if you are on birth control and use tampons, you should stop those too! They mess up your endocrine system by not letting your body expell the menstrual blood. That is why so many young women have awful periods and endometriosis! You might not think it is all related, but it is!

Q: On Lexapro 30mg, feeling it may be more of a hinderance than help.

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