Hello everyone. I was very active here when I first joined but have been a lurker for the most part for awhile. I would really love to jump back into things and get to know people and make some friends. I have just started taking meds for depression and anxiety a week ago. Things had gotten pretty bad and I could no longer deal with the way I felt by myself. I was put on Lexapro and though it has only been a week I have noticed a major change in the way I feel and with my attitude toward others. My dh and my kids have also noticed. I was never harsh to my children but I am positive that they can see I am a happier person the last few days. I have always been close with my kids and we are big into cuddling but the last 3 days my kids just can't stay off me. I loveit so much when I get an unexpected hug and kiss and I hope it stays this way forever.

Has anyone else been diagnosed with depression and if so if you were put on meds did they help. There are still times when I feel very anxious and get shaky and I was just wondering how long it usually takes for the meds to fully kick in. I go see my doctor for a check up in a week to see how things are going. Cross your fingers that things keep improving.

Yep! I have chronic recurrent depression. I usually go on meds for a few months and then as the depression lessens and I can cope on my own, I go off. Sometimes I can go for a year or two and not need them.

I recently started them again, for a few reasons. I am overtired and stressed out caring for a special needs child in addition to the rest of my family. I am also a borderline diabetic, and the meds I take (prozac) can also be used to treat obesity, and act as an appetite supressant. (I am obese at 230 lbs and only 5'3"). I figure I could manage my stress better, lose a few pounds and feel better overall.

I just started back two days ago. I am hoping in two weeks I will notice my stress levels are lower.

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I've struggled with depression on and off since I was sixteen and was on medication for about a year and a half. It really did help. I also know of others who have had similar struggles with depression and anxiety. You are definitely not alone and I am happy to hear that you finding some relief. Good luck!

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Stephanie
Mom to: Caleb (8/03), Ian (9/05), & Baby Boy #3 (EDD 11-9-2008)

I have a history of depression, the last time I was treated was when I went through my divorce. I was put on Lexapro and it worked well.

When I was still married I was put on Prozac for depression and weight loss but I wasn't able to stay on it - I was so numb emotionally I no longer cared about anything. My husband at the time was abusive - I didn't react, I felt nothing. My kids misbehaved or did not do well in school.. I cared but not enough to do something about it. They put me on a very low dose but it was still too much, after 2 months I stopped it.

Some meds take longer than others to attain a therapeutic level, I would check with your MD.

I got really bad post-partum and was put on Lexapro for a year or so. It was great for me. It was a very low dosage but I began feeling better within a week and felt the full effects after three months. Don't be surprised if after 6 months you experience a few peaks and valleys. They will likely not be very big though. It was a great medication for me at such a tough point in my life.

Make sure to take it faithfully. If you miss dosages you can experience sudden anxiety , sadness, and/or irritability. I used to take it at night before bed or some time in the late evening. That also helped to reduce the instances where I felt "drugged".

I have never been one to take meds of any kind, but Lexapro was a godsend.
It let me enjoy my little one and my dh and focus on the important things in life.
HTH

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Thanks for responding ladies. It is nice to know there are others out there like me. At first I was worried about taking it and thought if anyone found out they would think I was weird. But it has helped so much already that I do not care what anyone would think. I feel as long as it is helping me and making my family life a bit more happier it is worth it.

Well friend, personally, I have taken lexapro and paxil. both made me gain about 5lbs (not a big deal to me), and i had a harder time having an orgasm and wanting to have sex. but overall it was very worth it- the trade off for being happy and anxiety-free for a few lbs and some sex issues was well worth it. you can also look up the specific med by going to a search engine and typing in +name of med +pi...

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Me too. I just started Lexapro about two weeks ago. I've noticed a general improvement. My Dr. sd it will probably take a month to feel the full effects. I was particularly happy to take an antidepressant, but I figured if it makes me happier then my whole family will benefit as well as myself. My only side effect this far has been tiredness. I've been taking it in the morning and I'm going to switch to before bed.

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I was put on Lexapro after I had a hysterectomy and oopherectomy then my mother died unexpectedly. It was such a stressful time in my life and my anxiety level skyrocketed! The day I realized enough was enough was when I wouldn't go swimming with my children because I was scared I was going to die in the pool and they wouldn't know what to do. I took lexapro for a year and it was the best thing for me! I've been off now about 3 years but if the need ever arises again I know that I can get help!

I am so happy that I started taking this medication. I have felt so much better. I do get tired occasionally like Bsteen said that she does. I also take it in the morning when I get up. I had a few people to tell me to take it at bedtime but my bedtime is never the same. I work until 2:30 am 3 days a week and work during the day two days a week. I really do not want to carry it to work with me so I think that I am going to keep taking it in the morning. My doctor is great. He does not think my insurance will cover it because of the price so he is stocking me up on the sample packs so that I do not have to pay for it out of pocket. At my 2 week checkup the other day he gave me a two months supply. I am so lucky I am sure not all doctors would do that.
So far I have not had a decrease in my sex drie but have seemed to want it more sinceI am in a better mood. Dh better watch out!