Medication

26 posts / 0 new

#1 Mar 1 - 9AM

Needshelp

Medication

I have struggled with depression/anxiety most of my life. One time about 10 years ago a friend suggested I see a doctor about taking anti depressants. So I went, and started taking Celexa. It changed my life! I remember thinking "oh, so this is what normal people feel like!" I stayed on it for about a year. I wanted to get pregnant, and I didn't want to be on medication during my pregnancy. I had to go right back on after my daughter was born because postpartum depression hit me hard. Well, for me it was more anxiety, but the two are connected.

Anyway, I have been on and off of it since then. I feel good when I am on it, but go off because it causes weight gain, and it interferes with my acting. When was the last time I went off of it? Right before I met my N. My therapist had been trying to convince me to go back on, but I resisted for the reasons stated above. I told her I usually end up going back on because of sever hypochondria. I obsess about a disease and am convinced I have it. She then asked me if I could see a parallel in my obsessive thoughts over the N. I had an "aha moment" and went to a doctor. This time we're trying Lexapro- hopefully no weight gain.

So, I go on Lexapro. I believe this is what gave me the strength to finally end things with the N. Finally.

Unfortunately, I have been playing doctor. The meds were really interfering with my acting, so I cut the dosage in half (the dr suggested this, actually.) But then I took it further. I started taking it every other day. STUPID!!

For what have I done since cutting the dosage so drastically? Checked out his Facebook page. Become completely non functional. The latest, this morning, I sent him an email (like how I snuck that in there?)

I am a big idiot. Now I will have to deal with the email I sent.

Not only only am I going to start taking the Lexapro every day again, I am going to up it to the original dosage. If I'm fat and can't act, that is okay. I cannot live like this.

So those of you who are really struggling, and think medication might help, I say give it a try. It has sure made a big difference in my life.

That is my PSA for the day. Thanks for reading!

#2 Mar 1 - 7PM

janemarie

I am on Lexapro also....My

I am on Lexapro also....My dr. cut my dosage in half after 3 weeks because I couldnt remember shit and I became more depressed and fatigued...After a week on the lower dose...the fog lifted and I feel normal again... As far as weight gain...I think people tend to gain weight because they are so comfortable with themselves and happy so they carelessly eat......I continue to work out and think...I will not get fat unless I put a lot of food in my mouth....soooooo...I am watching...Im not going crazy but I am very conscious of the amount of food I eat. The weight gain just doesnt come from no where...just be on alert!!!!!!

#3 Mar 1 - 12PM

Phoenix72

TOTALLY AGREE WITH JONBS!!!!

TOTALLY AGREE WITH JONBS!!!! I posted a link to an article about Adrenal Fatigue yesterday on this forum. Please read up on it. If you need help in guidance of what tests you need and then what supplements/vitamins/etc that you need, please let me know. When your adrenal glands are shot from working soooooo hard when you are under stress, the only real solution is to give them a break by taking hydrocortisone. And,no, the dosage you would take will NOT make you gain weight, grow hair in odd places, etc...it will actually have the OPPOSITE effect. When I first started on hydrocortisone 2 years ago, I actually LOST weight, like 15 lbs in 2 months! My brain wasn't foggy, motivation, energy, etc. You are more than likely mineral and vitamin deficient. Just let me know and I will be more than happy to help!

#4 Mar 1 - 1PM (Reply to #20)

jones

Thanks Phoenix, I could not

Thanks Phoenix, I could not remember who posted the great article!!! Its a must read for everyone it is a huge healing step for our bodies and mind!!!!! What do you mean by "more" then vitamin/mineral deficiency I would love to know what else you have learned you are very knowledgeable on the subject. What kind of Doctor did you go to??

#5 Mar 1 - 1PM (Reply to #21)

Phoenix72

I meant by more than likely

I meant by more than likely there is adrenal fatigue along with vitamin/mineral deficiencies. I am extremely anemic. When someone is anemic, the medications/supplements/vitamins/minerals they take will not absorb into the body properly. Along with anemia, if you have lack of cortisol due to adrenal fatigue, then that also effects what is absorbed into the body. I take 2,000 iu's of D3 during the summer and triple the dose during the winter because lack of sunlight. Did you take the 24 hr cortisol saliva test?? If so, did you keep the test in the freezer until you shipped it overnight?? I actually went to a plastic surgeon who also specializes in hormone therapy and once was a family physician. A doctor who is open-minded and will allow you to control YOUR body is the best! The way I found him was I just started calling doctor's offices and asking whoever answered the phone "Does the doctor test adrenal fatigue with the cortisol saliva test?" If she knew what I was talking about or said yes, then I was IN!! ALOT of doctors do not believe in adrenal fatigue or testing for it because they don't know how to test nor how to treat it!

#6 Mar 1 - 1PM (Reply to #22)

jones

Yes, I took the ZRT 24 hr

Yes, I took the ZRT 24 hr saliva test but did not put it in the freezer I just followed their directions. Honestly, I dont think the Doctor even needed me to take the test because my blood pressure was through the roof and I had such anxiety leaving my marriage. basically I was a mess. I too take large dosages of vitamin D it works.

#7 Mar 1 - 1PM (Reply to #23)

Phoenix72

Going to PM you....

#8 Mar 1 - 2PM (Reply to #24)

jones

Help I have been looking for the PM section on this site and can

not find it....

#9 Mar 1 - 12PM

jones

I would highly recommend that

I would highly recommend that you have a vitamin and mineral deficiency test done. What I have found is most depression is caused by deficiency caused by many things including stress (PTSD) or eating poorly mainly vitamin D and all B's. Also have a cortisol saliva test (causes anxiety) ZRT.com lab is suppose to be one of two of the best labs for this test. google: vitamin deficiency and depression vitamin deficiency and anxiety A few website I have found through my doctors: 1) Dr Wilson adrenal fatigue (take is on line questionnaire regarding your adrenal glands). He also has and excellent book about this subject. Our adrenal glands regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, cortisol and adrenaline levels, over 50 hormones including sex hormones, etc. I have found this is the secret to good health. It can take up to two years depending on the stress you have been under to get it working properly again. 2) Dr Fuhrman "Eat to Live" he has been on PBS, Dr Oz (they have been friends since college) all the morning shows and practice what he preaches. You can also find him on You Tube. WIth his vegan diet you flood your body with vitamins and minerals. You maybe able to find his book at your local library. His website is excellent you can join for a month and with that you can ask him questions for no extra charge. My doctor gave me Dr Wilson vitamins: I just posted on someones post about "ADRENAL GLAND' a few days ago, I recommend you read the info that was posted by the member its a great article. also: have your thyroid tested and female hormones tested

#10 Mar 1 - 12PM (Reply to #15)

Needshelp

I have actually had my

I have actually had my thyroid and hormones tested- all normal. I am open to looking into other things, but right now, with all that is going on, medication is the way to go for me. It is not for everyone, but I have proven to myself time and time again that medication is the way to go for me. Thank you for your suggestion though, and I will absolutely look into it!

#11 Mar 1 - 1PM (Reply to #18)

jones

one day at a time :-)

#12 Mar 1 - 12PM (Reply to #16)

Phoenix72

The problem is MOST doctors

The problem is MOST doctors do not properly test hormones and thyroid. They test your TSH and that's it and say "oh, you're fine". You have to test ft4, ft3, rt3, etc. TSH is the stupidest test EVER!! I have Hashimoto's and for years the doctor would just test my tsh and not my antibodies, then say everything is fine. I had to do my own research and find out what was going on. If you wish, you can join a forum on Yahoo for Adrenal fatigue and they post all the time with issues and guidance. Please feel free to join and just read in on their conversations. BTW, the moderators there are knowledgeable like the ones here. :)

#13 Mar 1 - 1PM (Reply to #17)

jones

this is correct. Back in the

this is correct. Back in the 70's our mothers were tested with these advanced tests but somewhere along the way the insurance companies wanted to save money and only want to conduct the cheap thyroid test. If you do have a thyroid problem you must treat your adrenal gland issues first prior to thyroid issues other wise you can damage your thyroid. After learning about my adrenal gland issue it really makes me made that Doctors do not conduct a cortisol test on a regular bases as it is the key to good health I also think the pharmaceutical companies want to see billions of dollars worth of drugs vs selling vitamins since you can not patient a vitamin.

#14 Mar 1 - 11AM

Sparrow

Like a chainsaw, use your

Like a chainsaw, use your medication as directed, is what my brother always says. You don't make your own instructions with anything that can cause harm. Wise words from a wise man. You are not alone my friend, the majority of the people in the world that are on meds have gone off them, experimented with the dosage etc........and most fail, for a reason. We should not play doctor, as you already mentioned. Don't try fixing something that isn't broken.....in other words, the doctor prescribed the correct dosage for you, don't change that on your own. If it is the side affects that are bothering you, deal with them instead. If it's weight, diet and excercise and if it's the acting, ask yourself what you believe is the problem. Are you having trouble remembering your lines? Are you having a difficult time focusing? Figure out what the problem is there and work on that. As you may already know, there are many successful people in the acting world, that relies on medications such as yours as well. MANY.........you will get there. Start exploring all the avenues. You will see. Good luck!

#15 Mar 1 - 11AM (Reply to #13)

Needshelp

You are absolutely right,

You are absolutely right, Sparrow. I learned the hard way! These medications affect everyone differently. I so wish I could be one of those actors who is not affected! However, when I am on the medication at a therapeutic dose, I just don't have the access to my emotions that I need. At the same time, the way I am right now, I am way too in touch with my emotions, and I am unable to do the prep work I need to do, like learn my lines....

#16 Mar 1 - 11AM

Ophelia

I'm on that one too, after I

I'm on that one too, after I returned home from my xmas visit and unexpected D&D with my exN I went to see doctor to ask for referral to a CBT therapist. Doc took one look at me and offered antidepressant and I said let's give it a month of therapy and see if I can lick this myself but within two days of feeling as though I was going over the cliff was back in her office saying I'd reconsidered. No magic cure, but it helps, I feel. Anyway just reporting that there has been no weight gain for me, in fact I've lost even more. Had already lost 20lb since switching to a completely plant-based diet a couple of years ago, and exercising more, and I've lost probably another 7-10 since December, I think it's the combination of lifestyle, diet AND stress. Anecdotal yes, but the antidepressants didn't stop or reverse my weight loss trend.

#17 Mar 1 - 10AM

Hunter

Back to day 1 of NC for you..

Back to day 1 of NC for you.. My guess is you will get the ST.. Antidepressant or lexapro and not the cause of weight gain.. Emotional eating and lack of excercise are.. I know this as fact ., I kept insisting my weight gain was due to the drugs .. Im off them and have been .. Nope still have that extra 20 pounds to shed.. It's my own fault.. Poor diet and lack of excercise .. I'm back on Tract.. PS don't play Doctor with prescription meds ..your Doctor doesn't try to act so don't try to Doctor., Hunter

#18 Mar 1 - 12PM (Reply to #10)

Needshelp

Hunter- no ST. Instead, I

Hunter- no ST. Instead, I got an angry reply about my silence, was told he was trying to get back with his ex wife, and God told him never to contact me again. Oh, but if I leave my husband RIGHT NOW I can still have him. I know, shouldn't have even read it. It hurt- of course it did- it was contact. At the same time, it reiterated who he is. Back to day 1 for me. Sigh.

#19 Mar 1 - 10AM (Reply to #9)

Needshelp

Yes, I think I will get the

Yes, I think I will get the ST too. That's what I deserve for being so stupid! For me though, I swear it is the drugs that cause the weight gain. When I am on them, even though I am hungrier, I don't eat more, and I exercise. I still gain weight. When I went off of them this last time, I lost 25 pounds, doing nothing different. I had extra weight from my pregnancy that did not come off until I went off the meds. That said - I will not let the weight gain get in my way again. As far as playing doctor, I should have gone to med school! Being a hypochondriac I research things and think I know far more than I do. You are right though. I will stop that too.

#20 Mar 1 - 9AM

Maggster

Medication

Please discuss with your physician if you are depressed and if anti-depressants are prescribed, it is imperative to follow your doctors orders exactly. We are under enough distress and anti-depressants, like any prescription medication, needs to be monitored carefully. What is effective for some is not for others. Narcs brains may all be wired the same but ours aren't.

#21 Mar 1 - 9AM (Reply to #6)

Needshelp

I agree. I wasn't saying

I agree. I wasn't saying that everyone should go out and get meds. I didn't express that properly. I just meant that it can be helpful, and if you were resistant to the idea it may me a good idea give it a try. Of course, a consultation with a doctor is imperative. Sorry! I was certainly not trying to play doctor with anyone else!

#22 Mar 1 - 11AM (Reply to #7)

Ophelia

Needshelp your message is a

Needshelp your message is a helpful one, every now and then people sometimes refer to medications (anti-depressants) as though they are necessarily bad or to be avoided, or a sign of defeat (I actually felt that way) but they can and do help some people. Just be VERY careful about the addictive short-term things such as those in the benzodiazepine class....

#23 Mar 1 - 9AM

dabussard

I am on Lexapro

And I love how much better I feel. I have gained about 10 pounds in the last four months and my appetite has increased drasically. But, I can sleep and concentrate on my everyday life so much better... How much of a doseage does your doctor have you on? I am on 10 mg a day.

#24 Mar 1 - 9AM (Reply to #2)

Needshelp

I am also on 10 mg/day. It's

I am also on 10 mg/day. It's funny though - I can't sleep when I'm on the full dosage - it gives me insomnia.

#25 Mar 1 - 10AM (Reply to #3)

dabussard

wow

I have to take the Lexapro before bed because it relaxes me and helps me sleep... Maybe take yours in the morning? Just a thought...

#26 Mar 1 - 10AM (Reply to #4)

Needshelp

I do take it in the morning -

I do take it in the morning - doesn't seem to make a difference!

Path Forward Buy Now Reviews
All About Her Buy Now Reviews
All About Him Buy Now Reviews