Robin Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 I need something for anxiety and the somewhat depression i feel. I am weaker since chemo and can't do the things I use to so i think its causing depression. I want to take something that will not zone me out more than I am. thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrea Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 My dad and I take it, love it. My dad was VERY against anti-depressants, but I made him get it when my mom got diagnosed and Lexapro made a world of difference. It has not zonked him out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niececola Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 I don't post very often, but your question caught my eye. I would encourage you to see a physiatrist, if possible, to get their opinion on what you should take. I recently starting taking medicine to deal with some emotional issues I am dealing with, prescribed by my GP. I know he had every good intention to help me, but each case is different. I had a very bad reaction to what he prescribed. Upon seeing a physiatrist, they were able to give me something that had very little side effects and more importantly, explained why it is not always the best thing to just take what your GP offers. They are not the experts in this field. Just some food for thought. All the best to you, Denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchurchi Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 my husand Alan has been on it since his diagnosis. His Dr. perscibed it right from the beginning and Alan has not had any bouts of depression. I believe his Dr. was very smart to start Alan on it from day 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marym Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 Hi, I was also started on lexapro at diagnosis and find it very effective. Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ztweb Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 Robin, I am not a cancer patient, but I do take Lexapro. It has been a Godsent at my house. I was diagnosed with PPD after the birth of my baby in October 2005. I had the meds, but was afraid to take them. Then, when Dad was diagnosed the following March, I started that night! ( I have always taken them at night...just like my prenatal vitamin) The first week I felt somewhat "odd" and by that I mean shakey, but not really dizzy or something. After that first week though, I wish I would have started them back in October! I have tried to go off of them one time, but noticed that I was more on edge without them. So...what the heck... Dad started taking something after chemo because he was in a state of depression, and then at night he couldn't sleep. He takes his at night as well. He tried to go off once and we noticed his crabbiness...so back on he went! Good luck! Jen My dad has an antidepress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calintay Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 I also take it and it helps to a certain degree with me. I think my anxiety is still there just under better control. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev'sSister Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 My sister started out on Lexapro and it really wasn't working well on her. Her Onc. called a psychiatrist who prescribed 2 other types of medicine. They are working great. I think it depends on you and HOW depressed you are. My sister was VERY depressed..it progressed on her with each chemo. She would cry uncontrollably at times. So maybe you should speak to your ONC to see what he says, if Lexapro doesn't do the trick. My doctor just put me on Lexapro today, and I am hopeful it will help me. Good Luck to you. It is very important to stay positive through all this, so be sure to get the best medicine for YOU. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 I take Lexapro. It is the best working drug that I have ever had to control anxiety that comes with diagnosis and helps keep your thinking a wee more straightened out. (not so much ruminating) It doesn't make you happy. It just staves off depression. physiatrist{fizz-I-a-TRIST} VS. psychiatrist {SI-KI-A-TRIST} Niececola mentioned physiatrist....that is a doctor that is in charge of physical medicine...rehabiltative medicine...neurology/muscles/bones etc...? A psychiatrist...that is a doctor who deals with mental or mind issues, right? Two different specialties, but a physiatrist has had more training than the average GP in dealing also with depression since that comes with major loss of functions. Just don't know exactly what Denise meant by physiatrist. I have used physiatrists to help with my recovery for physical therapy, occupational therapy, spine therapy for after my car accident and then after I was diagnosed with lc. They are a wonderful asset and not very well known in this country by the general pop. about this specialty. Anyway... Love Lexapro. That and a hit of ativan every now and then is a wonderful thing. Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wyogirl Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 At my house, Lexapro is a GOOD thing! Did wonders for my PPD, which also coincided with my dad's illness. What a Godsend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niececola Posted February 9, 2007 Share Posted February 9, 2007 Sorry, my brain was not working properly this morning at all! I definitely meant psychiatrist!! Got 2 hours of sleep last, I just knew that word did not look right. Denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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