Posted by grace on November 3, 2002, at 8:11:29
In reply to Re: I relate to Katerina, posted by Katarina on November 2, 2002, at 22:12:52
> > what are we supposed to feel---how do we know it's working? I have been on Lexapro for 5 1/2 weeks and have added Buspar this week to see if no1 it will enhance it and no 2 help w/sexual side effects. Maybe, I'm feeling as good as I can feel. That's scary. There are some days I feel pretty good, calm too, but I still have social anxiety and I'd like for that to go away. Sound like I want a designer drug to cure all ills. My Dr wanted to try Paxil because he said it would be better w/social anxiety but I wouldn't because I heard it is likely to cause weight gain.
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> Hi Bridgette,
> Thanks for the reply and the commiseration. It helps me immensely to know that others are out there enduring the same difficulties that I am. Designer drug sounds about right! I wouldn't give up though. You might try the Paxil and find its efficacy good and weight gain may never factor in for you . But, alas the hoops through which we must jump obscure the goal. I've never tried Paxil, my friend did , she gained a bit of weight, but it was negligible. She also got sleepy. I have not been diagnosed with social anxiety, but since it is ME going through it, I would say I do have social anxiety. So, my route is... Depression...GAD (Panic attacks)...social anxiety almost hermitism. Now on Lexapro the sexual side effects have reared their ugly heads! It makes me want to sing that Ramones song "I want to be Sedated".
> But my doc is a family physician. The last time I tried the counseling route I got a social worker who wasn't ready nor was she capable to psychoanalyze me. Most of the people with whom I spoke would always say trite niceties. The first thing they ask is if you want to commit suicide. You say, "No, but life is pretty bleak right now". We get trite responses such as "It's not your fault!" Well, I know that! So who do you see, the Family Physician or a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
> Those who participate on this site...You all seem a very intelligent, articulate bunch and I truly appreciate having found you and for any feedback.
> Having some really tough times on Lexapro- losing my temper (thought I was going to blow a rod!) Headaches, sad and blue all day long, crying and now sexual side effects - not cool!
> Thanks again Bridgette for your posting.
> Cheers!
> Kat
It seems like (from what I've been reading) is that a lot of you are seeing your family doc (internist or whatever) for these problems. Personally, I've found it very helpful to see people that specialize in this stuff. I see a clinical psychologist (she's a ph.d., but doesn't prescribe) for therapy. She has a few specialties, but anxiety and panic disorder is one of them - so that helps immensely. I also was referred to a psychiatrist (once I decided that I wanted to try meds) for the drug portion. My visits with her are only 25 minutes to see how the drugs are doing, how I'm feeling, etc. We'll talk about options...it's kind of like a quick talk therapy visit, but focused a little more on the drug stuff. When I visit my psychologist, it's an hour long visit and obviously I see her more often than the psychiatrist. I find that the mix is VERY helpful. Fortunately, my insurance covers part of these visits and I am able to afford the remainder, which I know is not always the case, but I highly recommend the combination and the level of care that I receive from seeing people who specialize in this stuff is well worth the money.
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poster:grace
thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021101/msgs/126252.html