This stuff saved my life. I have body dysmorphia due to acne and very low self esteem. It got so bad I hid in my apartment for over 5 years. Literally only left for work and would grocery shop overnight to avoid people. I can now function. It got rid of 99.99% of my negative thoughts and i now like the person I see in the mirror.
Dang....i have body dysmorphia ... Even though im 6 foot. Muscular. I excerise like crazy and always feel ugly. My wife says im crazy. I am crazy. And ugly. ...started lexapro like 5 minutes ago. Its gonna take time. ..i hope its ok.
I’ve had SEVERE anxiety my whole life, with random episodes of severe depression. The voices in my head are gone. I’ve experienced no side effects… like everyone else here… I will say.. this stuff WORKS! 😭❤
Been suffering from server anxiety disorder for 20 years now. Couldn't work couldn't speak to anyone without suffering. I started esitalopram and I'm shocked how it helped me out. It saved my life😢
I had become majorly depressed over a break up I had 7 months ago. Literally the worst 7 months of my life. I had started to go to therapy again and it helped but it wasn't enough. When I started taking this I realized really how hard I was being on myself for no reason. This bitch is lit!
Ive been taking Lexapro 10mg going on 2 weeks now and i can honestly feel the difference in the way i think. I am more happy and content, at work i can look customers and employees straight in their eyes and hold a actual conversation more fluently than i use to. I feel more confident and satisfied with life 😊
Thank you for this video! I've been raw dogging severe anxiety and depression for over 10 years now and my life is in shambles. I just got prescribed this and can't wait to see the results. Any ounce of hope at this point is greatly appreciated. The comments make me feel optimistic.
I'm glad the video was helpful, and I hope the medication works well for you! Remember that it can sometimes take up to 4-6 weeks to see the full effects of the medication. And if this medication doesn't work well for you, there are always other options 🙂
I was there, and this stuff was a game changer! My completely non-medical, unprofessional, experienced only based advice: don’t stay on this stuff for too long. It was such a great change of my life that I stayed on it for about five years, then weaned myself off, and finally realize that I think I just stayed on it a little bit too long. When you’re on it, it’s great, but also use it as a tool to realize this is how my life can be and how I can live my life. Then maybe after a year or two or whatever consider trying to wean yourself off of it. And I do know you need to wean yourself off of it with a professional. You can see if you’ve rewired your brain a little bit at point to cope with anxiety just more typical skills, and you can always go back on if you have to right?
I am too shocked how well it worked on me, many scenarios have happened where my old me would have felt completely anxious and overwhelmed with the negativity but after a few months of taking it I can manage these situations with a calm mind
I was just recently (as in 3 days ago) prescribed Lexapro for my anxiety. I've binged watched so many SSRI videos to try to educate myself on how exactly the medication will work & this one truly made the most sense in layperson's terms. So thank you! Very informative & easy to understand.
I'm glad you found the video helpful! I hope that the medication helps for you. Remember that it can take as long as 6-8 weeks before you start to feel its full effect, and that the medication does not work for everyone! It is very much trial-and-error, but again, I hope that it works well for you 🙂
I've been 4 weeks on it and I'm drasticly different specialy in social sitautions. I don't shut down anymore. It seems like I can handle any interaction without much problem. Is wild. Something I would struggle with before I can actually do now.
My partner has a huge stigma against medicine like this. But I need it. Thank you for this video, I feel like it will make it easier to understand it’s not just “dope”
The comments on this page have been inspiring. Just got prescribed Lexapro today and am really hoping it can help me feel better. For most of my life I’ve just felt like things are just “not right,” or I need to constantly change something to try and be happy. I’ll let you know how it works! 🤞🏼
I was prescribed this drug for anxiety, about a year ago. I was doubtful, and told my doctor that if it made me fat, sleepy or stupid, I'd stop it. It took almost three months for me to feel any different, and it did help with my anxiety by tamping down my emotions. Then I started noticing memory problems. Example: I went to pick up a prescription that I had called in. The pharmacy said they did not have it, but upon further investigation, they told me I had picked it up two days prior!! I had zero recollection of this, which was scary. I called my doctor and she recommended cutting the 10 mg pills in half, so I did that. It seems way better, so far. My anxiety is still under control, and no more memory lapses.
You may have underlying conditions. Anxiety brings with it an unusual level of alertness due to the high stress it creates. It's worth checking out. Or maybe you were simply getting too much serotonin which can cause temporary issues
I am having harm ocd. I am so much worrying. My doctor prescribed me this medication. Is it really helpful. I am having doubts in the OCD, I can’t trust even on medication. Please let me know.
@@deepkaur4135 With OCD you need to accept the obsesion. Speak out loud the worst scenario your OCD makes you afraid of, record it and listen to it and push trough the cringe and fear. Also, just say out loud, "I acknowledge you, you are valid and I accept you". That's it, don't say why and don't detaliate. When you do not have an episode and are feeling good, practice the skill of cognitive diffusion, relax, meditate and do stuff for yourself. Also keep your needs in check, I mean the need to be competent, to have autonomy in decisions and the need of having meaningful connections with others. If those needs are frustrated your thinking is altered. Don't lose hope, it gets better, with practice you can have years free of OCD episodes. Cognitive therapy and counseling helps if you feel you need help.
Hi Susan, I am 4 weeks in and yet to notice any big difference? How long did it take you to feel the improvement? Just wondering how long I should give it? Thanks
@@justech05 a few months for sure for me. I’ve hit a plateau I think, after four months, but I’m giving it more time. All in all it’s been a help for sure.
Hey man just wanted to say these are some great videos I hope you continue making these! Helping me study alot, they are interesting to watch and easy to understand.
I have been taking this medication for almost a year myself. I have no positive words to say about this medication. Rather, it caused me to experience additional depression. Most of the time, I felt powerless and unable to do anything. At some point, I stopped taking this medication. I no longer take any medication. In the beginning, it was difficult, but now, a year later, I feel better than when I was taking that medication. In my opinion, this medication messed everything up instead. It made me numb. At least it did for me.
Yup, medication is really trial and error in this field. That is why it is best to try small doses, see what works and change your life with the energy provided so you get off them asap. Therapy works great if you find a therapist you vibe with. For example, for me, 5mg of this works like a miracle drug.
Thank you for sharing your personal experience with it! In general, it is ok to take it with or without food, but this can definitely vary from person to person!
I've been struggling with depression and anxiety disorder for like 12-14 years and the SSRIs or SNRIs don't work for me. Instead, I use alprazolam (0,5 mg tablets) every 6 hours and zolpidem. Changed my lifestyle, eat 3 meals a day w/o caring if they're healthy or not and sleep at least 6 hrs. You may call me an addict, nevertheless I've never used illicit or illegal stuff.
That's completely understandable. I would recommend talking to your doctor or pharmacist about any worries that you have before taking it! Maybe they can answer any questions you have.
I have been taking ecitalopram for 6 years. It made me feel numb with my emotions. I dont care as much about things as i normally would. I would like to discontinue but i am unable to so, since along with me being able to feel and care again come the depressive mood and rumination. I belive everything is caused by stress. Even when stressful triggers are no longer part of my life. I am addicted to these pills😢
I'm sorry to hear that you experienced some of the negative side effects of this drug. Thanks for sharing your experience with it. I would always recommend speaking to your doctor or pharmacist for any actual medical advice, as these videos are meant only for educational purposes.
Thank you. I have been on Fluoxetine for about 16 years and told my new Doctor I wanted to wean off it. I started to cry in his office, so that didn't help. He prescribed Lexapro for me to try that. I have only been taking that for about 10 days and know it needs longer, but I think I still should try to withdraw from SSRIs as I have been on them so long. Not sure what to do...
Hi Kathy, sadly I don't have any experience with weaning off of SSRIs, but I came across this recently published article online called "What I have learnt from helping thousands of people taper off antidepressants and other psychotropic medications". I skimmed over it and it looks like it might have some of the information you're looking for. Here is a link to it if you're interested: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7970174/ I would definitely recommend at least reading the abstract to see if it relates to what you're looking for. I hope it helps! Goodluck and let us know how it goes 🙂
@@NurseRyan Thank you so much for your reply! That is very kind of you indeed. I had to stop the Lexapro as I wasn’t well with it so I am just on 10mg fluoxetine and will try to wean from there. Looking forward to watching the link you sent. So grateful to you! Blessings to you.
Escitalopram can cause anxiety to worsen. The anxiety might go away on its own and eventually help, but it might not. The best thing to do would be to let your doctor know so they can help decide if this is the right drug for you!
It took 4 weeks for me. I went through hell at first when I started. After a month . . . everything was back in balance. It takes some time for your nervous system to get used to operating differently and escitalopram helps you to have adequate supply of seratonin. Sorry for the long explanation.
Hi, sorry for the very late response, I missed your comment! I believe that the answer to your question is still unknown! Sadly, it is simply not known exactly how these drugs work, and why it takes a long time before the effects are seen.
People claim that the side effects subside over a certain amount of time, but I don't know if the side effects subsiding is a good thing. I think that once this happens, your body has officially become dependent on the drug, and that's scary.
I agree it is scary, I have been given a prescription for it by my GP and I'm relatively healthy (overall health wise) the only pills I take are vitamins in the morning but now I'm scared I'll be relying on this drug forever 🥺
There is still controversy about the safety and effectiveness of these drugs, especially with long-term use! I always recommend using your own research and judgement, and weighing the pros and cons before taking them!
I just started taking this after being suffering from panic attacks and agoraphobia I’m feeling better I don’t know I always feel dry mouth or excess saliva and bitter taste . Will it go away after some. Is it a normal thing
That is one of the side effects of the medication. Sometimes it goes away on it's own, sometimes not. I would definitely recommend speaking to your doctor or pharmacist for the best information for your case!
Blurred vision is another side effect of antidepressants. If it gets worse, doesn't go away on its own, or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain, headaches or nausea, definitely speak to your doctor about it. Even if it is just mild affects to your vision, I would still recommend letting your doctor know, just in case!
@@NurseRyan I know that it dilates your pupils . . . and gives a feeling of depersonalization. The only thing that helped me was realizing it was the same feeling when I get my eyes tested . . . and they use eye drops to dilate the eyes: same exact feeling.
Do you know why lexapro would cause anxiety. It does so for me specially in the morning. I've been taking 10 mg for one month. I also take clonazepam sometimes to combat the anxiety. Thanks.
Apparently if you start taking it for the first time it takes time for the medicine to settle and work so perhaps that’s why the anxiety, usually you will notice difference around 4-6 weeks!
Same here, noticed increased anxiety in the first 3 weeks, I am 4 weeks in and noticed that's subsided but yet to notice any big improvement. Just wondering how long I should give it. Thanks
Hi, sorry for the very late response, I missed your comment! I would always recommend speaking to your doctor or pharmacist for any actual medical advice, as these videos are meant only for educational purposes! Taking them together may increase the side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, etc.
Hi, I would always recommend speaking to your doctor or pharmacist for any actual medical advice, as these videos are meant only for educational purposes! The feeling your experiencing may or may not go away over time while taking the medication, so I definitely recommend reporting the side effect to your doctor. Hope that helps.
Hi, I would definitely recommend speaking to your doctor or pharmacist for any actual medical advice, as these videos are meant for educational purposes only. How long you should be taking the medication varies greatly from person to person, and case to case. Sometimes antidepressants are ordered for 6 months, 1 year, or even indefinitely. Hope that helps!
There may be some interactions between these two drugs including increased risk of irregular heart rhythm. I would definitely recommend speaking to your doctor or pharmacist for the best information for your case!
So, are you saying that on the days I get my period and take ibuprofen, I would have a heavier period if I take this as well? I hope I’m making sense lol
Haha that is a possibility! It may or may not, but I would definitely recommend speaking to your doctor or pharmacist for the best information for your case.
The side effects vary greatly from person to person. Sadly, as far as I know, there's no way to know how they will effect you without trying the medication.
Hi, that is definitely one of the side effects. I would definitely recommend speaking to your doctor or pharmacist about it! It might be that this medication is not for you, and another might work better!
All the possible side affects makes me not want to take anything, and just deal with my problem myself. I ride a motorcycle and with the possible side affects I can't ride so No Thank You. Thanks for the info.
@@justech05 I felt the difference. One thing I did feel made me stop taking this crap. It took away my ability to be zexually active. I'm 61 and had a vasectomy a few years back which screwed me up a bit. And then this stuff just totally killed it. Nope, Nope, Nope...Hell to the No. I'm dealing with my issues with THC and it's working just fine. I'm slowly taking myself off of it. I cut my pills in half for a month and Sept 30th was my last half dose.
Stopping escitalopram abruptly can definitely cause withdrawal symptoms including dizziness, nausea, irritability, confusion, headaches, insomnia, and more. It's best to talk to your doctor about withdrawal symptoms and how to help manage/prevent them!
Taking Advil with Escitalopram may increase the risk for bleeding. I would always recommend speaking to your doctor or pharmacist for any actual medical advice as these videos are meant only for educational purposes!
Like already mentioned, always ask your doctor for any actual medical advice! These videos are meant for educational purposes only. With that said, it is not recommended to take 5-HTP with Escitalopram or other SSRIs.
I’ve just started this and also aripiprazole. To hopefully treat my anxiety and depression, unstable mood, constant thoughts of negativity and suicide, excessive anger issues and as well as poor motivation. I was on pristiq for about 1 1/2 years but during that time I’ve also tried to take my own life. I just don’t want to be angry and I want to stop projecting my negative energy and emotions towards my family.
Serotonin on its own cannot pass the blood brain barrier (a barrier that prevents certain toxins and chemicals from entering into the brain from the blood), so simply taking Serotonin would not increase Serotonin levels in the brain. Hope that helps!
You can take L-tryptophan which is a precursor to serotonin. Our body makes serotonin from L- tryptophan found in foods. It also comes in supplements form . Try 500 mg L-tryptophan along with dinner . It helps with sleep and anxiety.
Hi, I haven't personally seen tapering off of this drug, but I found this online if you are interested: "Guidelines recommend short tapers, of between 2 weeks and 4 weeks, down to therapeutic minimum doses, or half-minimum doses, before complete cessation. Studies have shown that these tapers show minimal benefits over abrupt discontinuation, and are often not tolerated by patients. Tapers over a period of months and down to doses much lower than minimum therapeutic doses have shown greater success in reducing withdrawal symptoms." (Tapering of SSRI treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms, 2019). I always recommend speaking to your doctor if you would like to explore tapering!
Yes! I have. Cut the pills in half for one week, then half pill every day for one week, then half pill every other day for 2 weeks, then half pill once a week, to zero. There are also side effects when coming off that lasts for about 2 weeks. It feels like your brain is coming back to normal. Life becomes vivid again, libido comes back, and everything is crystal clear again. My vocal range came back too!
@@Max612 so I’m in the process of tapering just like this on half of half every two days end of the month I’m doneeeeeeee 👏🏽👏🏽 it’s been a journey omg but no side effects through my entire taper
Hi, sorry for the very late response, I missed your comment! I would always recommend speaking to your doctor or pharmacist for any actual medical advice, as these videos are meant only for educational purposes! Sadly, I'm not sure what the answer to your question is, and again, would recommend speaking to your healthcare provider for the best information for your case.
I'm sorry to hear that. These medications can work differently for everyone, and are very hit and miss. I hope you're doing better now. Thank you for sharing your experience.