Posts by Paul Newman5

urbanpilot said:My experience with Zoloft, hm. It doesn't actually start kicking in until you've been on it for maybe 2 or 3 weeks. At the same time, I was taking Xanax at 5 mg, four times a day (as needed). Back then, my "attacks" used to hit two or three times a day—I’d be gasping for air, shaking uncontrollably, unable to speak or even move... I'd take the Xanax, and about 20 minutes later, things would settle down. Whether that was the Zoloft or just my mental state at the time, who knows? I was basically in a vegetative state most of the time. After two weeks, I dropped 3 pounds and finally forced myself out of the house for a walk—fighting my way back, my own way. Now I'm 10 pounds lighter (one of the few "pros" for me), and I feel significantly better. Aside from the terrible sex life, but we'll manage through that.
I talk to my husband about everything eating at me, as well as friends and family. It helps a lot; keeping everything bottled up is what landed me in this mess in the first place.
I think my husband is exhausted by all of this. He never knows when I'm going to crash, and I'm left alone with the kids, especially when the oldest is in middle school. One time I felt so sick that the kids actually called him to say I was fading; he rushed home from work instantly just to give me a pill because I literally couldn't make it the 2.5 miles to the medicine cabinet to grab a glass of water.

Anxiety and fears are my biggest struggle. I'm anxious, though I still get my stuff done. Not sure after being on Lexapro, though. Why don't you try psychotherapy? We'll see if Lexapro brings any improvement. I see a psychologist, but only briefly. I don't know what to say or think. Xanax works best for me, regardless of the brand.🤷

Jason Vaughn482 said:It wasn't manic, per se, but let me tell you, it’s a deeply unsettling sensation... and as for that dosage, 3 x 25 mg? If you start at 25 mg for a couple of days and then jump straight to 50, you're going to find that's far too much to swallow all at once at the beginning.

Even if she suggested that, the doctor actually wrote 3x25 on my prescription, despite explaining it the way you just did. I'm stuck without anything until Monday. We'll see. I have my own ways of dealing with nerves, even if they aren't from this medication. Honestly, the more I think about it, the more I feel like sticking with psychotherapy—actually doing the work, clearing out the mental clutter, and getting on hormone therapy. If I can manage the menopause symptoms properly, maybe I won't even need the AD.

urbanpilot said:I finally got taken off diazepam and I'm just staying on Sonalia 50 mg now.

Instead of the diazepam, my doctor prescribed Valium, which isn't even stocked at our local pharmacies and costs a fortune out of pocket. Apparently, they switched me because Valium is supposedly herbal-based and won't cause dependency—that was the whole reason for cutting the diazepam. In the end, I just ordered some herbal nerve and calming tincture from a woman who makes her own botanical supplements, and honestly, it actually works.

I take it before bed and during the day whenever things get heavy.
The real issue is how the antidepressant is nuking my libido. Since I started this (about 4 months ago), my sex drive has been sitting at absolute zero.🙂
We try. We really do. We make an effort and it’s fine, I guess, but I can't reach orgasm. It’s incredibly frustrating, and obviously, it’s frustrating for my husband too. We’re both just irritable. There’s no more tenderness left. We climb into bed like two eighty-year-olds, exchange a quick kiss, and turn our backs to each other. It’s killing my mental state even more.
I’ve only just hit my thirties, yet I feel exhausted, pathetic, undesirable, and totally listless...
How do I fix this? I don't want to wreck my marriage. Things were genuinely great before this. Sure, we have ups and downs, little issues, and stress like any couple, but there was always compromise and respect. Now, I feel like the ground is slipping out from under us. Take today: we haven't exchanged more than two sentences all day. I made lunch, he and the kids ate, then I just sat in the living room staring into space. Later I napped while he sat at his computer and the kids played. When I woke up, I did the dishes, fed the kids, and went back to sit in front of the TV while he kept gaming. Once I got the kids to bed, he fell asleep in the living room and here I am, posting this. Now I’m going to shower, wake him up so he can head to bed, and that's it. A kiss, then turning our backs.🙂

Since they tell me Lexapro is basically the same as Zoloft, what has your experience been like starting it? I took Cipralex for two days and almost had a manic episode today, even though I've never been manic. Called my psychiatrist and she switched me to Lexapro, but people on the forums say it's just the same thing as Zoloft.

Jason Vaughn482 said:Well, Celexa is essentially the same class as Zoloft, which is sertraline. I’ve personally taken Zoloft, though only for a brief stint; I ended up stopping after about twenty days and now I'm starting the whole process over again. It carries its own set of side effects, too—things like nausea and heightened anxiety—but according to the literature, those should subside within three weeks. How is she planning to make the switch? Doesn't she need an actual appointment with her doctor to officially change the prescription?

No. Her notes say if Cipralex doesn't work, switch to Luxeta, so the GP can swap it instantly. Nervousness? Was it manic or just regular anxiety? She had her right on the edge of mania with the Cipralex. Prescribed 3x25 mg.

Been on Lexapro for two days. It’s awful. Pins and needles all over my body, and I feel manic—super jittery—even though that's never been an issue before. Called my psychiatrist and they just told me to switch to Lexapro. Anyone actually have experience with it? Or anyone taking it right now?

redtiger35 said:I haven't seen your older posts, so I'm not sure: how long have you been in treatment overall? Did the loss of libido start right when you began this specific medication four months ago? And how massive is the shift in your sex life? You've basically got two major things clashing here: 1) depression is life-threatening and sticking to your therapy is absolutely fundamental, but 2) sex is huge in a marriage, and you guys are young; I don't want to scare you, but I've seen scenarios like this go south (talking three sentences a day, him gaming, the quick kiss and turned backs...). He knows you're struggling and he supports your treatment (I assume?), but he probably feels the lack of intimacy more than he actually says. In my opinion, while the depression is technically "more important," you can manage that more effectively through mechanics (adjusting your meds), whereas the relationship side is harder to control and can blow up in your face before you even realize it. Talk to your psychiatrist about how this AD is hitting your libido and ask for a change; focus on treating the depression while specifically addressing that side effect. Whatever you do, don't just let things stay like this!

Personally, I don't think sex is make-or-break for a marriage. My husband went through a rough patch two years ago and we couldn't do anything for months. It never crossed my mind to leave him or blame him; who he is as a person and what makes our marriage work is worth seven times more than sex—which isn't unimportant, obviously. You have to talk openly with your husband; maybe he’s just exhausted from dealing with your illness too. Not everyone can handle that kind of strain in a family. I'm older than you, but I spoke openly with my husband even though my symptoms started three months ago. I've been seeing a Psychological professional for a month and just started Lexapro two days ago. So, I'm new to this, maybe not the best person to give advice. To be honest, I felt so terrible these last three months, trying everything until I realized it was anxiety and depression. Now I'll do whatever it takes to heal or at least stay controlled enough that I don't stress over things like sex. If my husband can't handle it, there's nothing I can change. We still talk, walk, watch movies, and joined an arts club together... we fight for our connection. Open communication is key, and then talking to the doctor about changing the AD.

Jason Vaughn482 said:When it comes to AD, you will certainly be able to work; furthermore, there is absolutely no requirement to disclose your medication or even hint that you are dealing with these kinds of struggles. Please, do not allow yourself to become so weighed down by the sheer weight of this concern.

That's actually helpful to hear. I took my first dose of Lexapro today. Spent the afternoon feeling super jittery, hands tingling, just pure anxiety and restlessness. Called my doctor, and she told me to take half doses for the next three days until things settle down. She said she’s actually happy with how I'm reacting because it means the meds are working and I'll feel better sooner. Have you used Lexapro before? Thanks for responding. I guess I am a bit high-strung—if I weren't, I probably wouldn't be dealing with all this overthinking. Perfectionism, juggling three jobs, needing everything done perfectly right this second... then menopause hit on top of it all. So, here I am.🙂

urbanpilot said:I finally got taken off diazepam and I'm just staying on Sonalia 50 mg now.

Instead of the diazepam, my doctor prescribed Valium, which isn't even stocked at our local pharmacies and costs a fortune out of pocket. Apparently, they switched me because Valium is supposedly herbal-based and won't cause dependency—that was the whole reason for cutting the diazepam. In the end, I just ordered some herbal nerve and calming tincture from a woman who makes her own botanical supplements, and honestly, it actually works.

I take it before bed and during the day whenever things get heavy.
The real issue is how the antidepressant is nuking my libido. Since I started this (about 4 months ago), my sex drive has been sitting at absolute zero.🙂
We try. We really do. We make an effort and it’s fine, I guess, but I can't reach orgasm. It’s incredibly frustrating, and obviously, it’s frustrating for my husband too. We’re both just irritable. There’s no more tenderness left. We climb into bed like two eighty-year-olds, exchange a quick kiss, and turn our backs to each other. It’s killing my mental state even more.
I’ve only just hit my thirties, yet I feel exhausted, pathetic, undesirable, and totally listless...
How do I fix this? I don't want to wreck my marriage. Things were genuinely great before this. Sure, we have ups and downs, little issues, and stress like any couple, but there was always compromise and respect. Now, I feel like the ground is slipping out from under us. Take today: we haven't exchanged more than two sentences all day. I made lunch, he and the kids ate, then I just sat in the living room staring into space. Later I napped while he sat at his computer and the kids played. When I woke up, I did the dishes, fed the kids, and went back to sit in front of the TV while he kept gaming. Once I got the kids to bed, he fell asleep in the living room and here I am, posting this. Now I’m going to shower, wake him up so he can head to bed, and that's it. A kiss, then turning our backs.🙂

There's a woman on the menopause forum I've been chatting with; my depression and anxiety kicked in right alongside menopause. She was on Sonalia for five years and she's absolutely bursting with energy—she's basically the optimist of that whole thread. Check that forum out and ask her everything. Sex is important, sure, but I think getting healthy is more vital. I started Lexapro today, just hoping it pulls me out of this cycle. I also hope my husband loves and respects me enough to stick through this. I'm not trying to lecture you, just sharing my thoughts and pointing you toward someone who managed long-term Sonalia use.😉

restlesstrucker15 said:You aren't being tedious at all. However, I am sending you a private message so we don't overwhelm the others here. I'd like to invite anyone else who has experience with the side effects of Lexapro to chime in, as I personally haven't experienced any.

Also, are you working right now? I am, and I really don't want to lose my job because of antidepressants. Not that anyone needs to know what I'm taking, anyway. Can I actually expect to stay functional on this stuff?

restlesstrucker15 said:Lexapro doesn't trigger aggression, so please don't worry about that—especially if you aren't naturally an aggressive person to begin with. It is possible that the symptoms you are currently struggling with might intensify slightly during the initial phase, but there is no need to panic. If things get difficult, you can take some Xanax or whatever else your doctor suggests; that is actually the standard recommendation. Lexapro is quite effective for depression, panic attacks, and general anxiety alike. I can't recall the exact moment I started feeling the effects, but it was somewhere between the two and three-week mark. For you, it might happen as early as two weeks. Try to look at it this way: you might endure a little discomfort while waiting for it to kick in, but at least you know what to expect. With Lexapro, I doubt you'll face much beyond some nausea, and once that passes, you will start feeling much better. 🙂

Is it nausea, vomiting, stomach pain? I have a bit of gastritis, but I guess I'll manage. I wasn't aggressive, just really on edge after what happened three months ago—just a high-strung type. You know the deal, a total workaholic and perfectionist. Everything had to be done right then and there, but I don't think that counts as aggression. My doctor prescribed Xanax 0.5mg extended-release and told me I could take Lexapro alongside it, which I am doing now. Sorry for all the questions, but you know how it is when you start dealing with this, you want to know everything. My doctor said it might start working for me in about 10 days. The Psychology professional I see mentioned I might resolve this on my own with therapy in a couple of months, but that felt too long. Of course, I'm still seeing my therapist; my psychiatrist says I need to. Once the Lexapro actually starts working, did you stop using the Xanax, the Lexapro, and all that other crap I've been using for the last 20 days? Thanks, truly... I just need to know. Sorry if I'm being annoying.

Jeffrey Sanchez7 said:Does anyone have any scientific papers or studies regarding how St. John's Wort affects your mental state? It’s been used as a natural antidepressant since forever, but I'm wondering if there's actual clinical proof behind it.

Thinking about starting Lexapro. Anyone here dealt with it?