Friday, April 23, 2010 nurdreams1079 asks

Q: What is an alternative for lexapro?

My boyfriend is supposed to take lexapro everyday & if he does not he is a completely different person, & not in a good way. He needs it to deal w/ everyday stresses. Otherwise he will stress about EVERYTHING !!

(ex. how I do the laundry & how its not how he would do it & he doesn't understand why I do that way) He doesn't like lexapro because it causes him trouble sleeping, difficulty climaxing, & makes him feel foggy, so he is refusing to take it, even though he NEEDS it. He wont go talk to the doctor, he has done some research and thinks he knows all there id to know. Unfortunately when he doesn't take it he is very unreasonable, & stubborn, & its very hard to get to listen to anyone. I need help because the stress just keeps building & he cant deal w/ it on his own, & I dont want it to get to the point where he snaps, like he has done before. (hes not violent he just gets depressed & could get suicidal) Is there another pill that will have the benefits he needs w/out the side effects? Or, is there something he can take w/ the lexapro to counter act the side effects? Please help me help him!!

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Answers (4)

John Folk-Williams, Health Guide

4/25/10 1:01am

Hi -

I'd like to add to one question Judy raised - have you talked with him about what you're seeing in his behavior and how it affects you? This is one of the most important things you could do. I know you're concerned about his snapping and may feel that you'd be adding to the stress he feels. But if you hold back until you snap, then there's the danger that you could pour out a lot of your hurt in anger and just get into an argument. I'd try to find a time when he's a little less stressed out and you're feeling OK and then talk to him about the change you see in his behavior when he's on medication and when he's not.

Whatever he may know in his mind about depression, that knowledge isn't helping him with stress. You should point out how his irritability and carping are hurtful to you as well. If lexapro has unacceptable side effects, there are dozens of other medications to look into, but that requires a visit to a doctor. Psychiatrists are much better informed about specific effects of these drugs and interactions with each other, but it sounds like he would resist seeing one - is that true?

I know he wants to believe everything is fine, but he needs to hear the specific ways in which it's not.

Please feel free to stay in touch here.

John

Judy

4/23/10 11:49pm

Since we're not medical doctors here, we really can't tell you a lot about medications, but I know I take Lexapro and it has calmed my anxiety quite a bit. Maybe you could call his doctor and leave a message about what has been going on and how he's not compliant in taking his meds and the reasons why. Or, you could insist that you're going to go with him to see the doctor and talk about meds - he could need a different dosage or a different medication, some are worse than others with the side effects. Is the doctor who is medicating him a psychiatrist? That would be the kind who is most knowledgeable about psychiatric drugs. He/she should be able to suggest some alternatives for him. Have you talked with him about how his behavior is affecting you?

I'm sorry you're having to go through this and I know it's frustrating when the person with depression won't help him or herself. Just be sure you're taking care of yourself so you're not dragged down with him. Write here any time and let us know if you need any more information.

Stephanie

4/26/10 8:40am

I have been taking L-5-HTP from the health food store. It is a natural substance that helps increase seritonin. It has helped me lessen my anxiety, sleep better and feel healthier. I take 100mg once a day.

carlp

5/17/10 1:10pm

There are many alternatives to Lexapro -- it is just one of many anti-depressants. If this one isn't working out for your boyfriend, he should ask his doctor to try a different one. Each one has different side effects. It takes time to find the right one, and a good doctor will work with him to find one that he is willing to take.

My sister had to try 3 before she found one that worked for her, and that did not interfere with her sleep or her sex-drive.

It is pretty common for people not to want to take the medication their doctor has prescribed because of the side effects -- but doctors really want to know this and they NEED to know it. Most of them are willing to help you find an alternative. They would rather help than have their patients not find something that works.

6/ 2/11 4:12pm

I HAVE USED LEXAPRO FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW AND I DON'T KNOW HOW I LIVED WITHOUT IT. IT TOOK A FEW WEEKS TO GET PAST THE SIDE EFFECTS THAT YOU HAVE INITIALLY, I JUST HAD TO STAY WITH IT, IT IS NOT EASY THOUGH. ABOUT 4-5 WEEKS INTO TAKING LEXAPRO I STARTED LEVELING OFF THE BAD FEELINGS -- SUCH AS NERVOUSNESS, HEADACHE. ENCOURAGE HIM TO TALK WITH ANOTHER MAN WHO HAS TAKEN IT SUCCESSFULLY. MAYBE THERE IS ANOTHER MED THAT WOULD DO THE SAME THING, ONLY THE DOCTOR CAN REALLY HELP THERE. GOOD LUCK, DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY ARE TERRIBLE THINGS TO DEAL WITH FOR THE PERSON LIVING THROUGH ITAND THOSE AROUND THEM AS WELL. I AM SO MUCH BETTER AFTER A YEAR OF TAKING LEXAPRO.

Q: What is an alternative for lexapro?

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