I made a decision without my doc... | Arthritis Information

i'm going to wean off the Lexapro. After that article, and how downhill I've been feeling with it......for a month it's no longer worth it. I still have anxiety, it's not as bad, but it's there.

I'm sure it's going to come back, and so are the aches and pains. But I'm convinced there is something more natural I can be doing to fight this. I don't deny or doubt for one second that I need help. I KNOW I need help. I'm just not happy with AD's at the moment.

What naturally works in that manner?? Any ideas?

Yes, regular exercise. I'm not being flippant---it makes a HUGE difference.

You mean I have to get up and move my fat @$$???

I'm kidding! It's already been reccomended by my RD. I know I need to do it. It's starting that's the hardest part!

Just start slow...the mistake a lot of people make is doing too much too soon (an especially big mistake for RAers). Find things you enjoy such as bike riding or table tennis, or whatever. I think you will be surprised at how much it can improve depression and/or anxiety.

I'm thinking a walk around the block is a good slow start for me. I've got my new MP3 player, so I can listen to that.

Like I said though.....first I have to DO it..... [QUOTE=Gimpy-a-gogo]Just start slow...the mistake a lot of people make is doing too much too soon (an especially big mistake for RAers). Find things you enjoy such as bike riding or table tennis, or whatever. I think you will be surprised at how much it can improve depression and/or anxiety. [/QUOTE]

Yep, exercise is the BEST medicine. Good for mind and body!!!!

Does it give you wings?

Oh wait, that's Red Bull....hehehe

You should run a search to see what the possible ramifications are of just stopping. Anything that effects chemicals in the brain can have a serious rebound effect. I think that's what happened to me with my stroke/adverse reaction/whatever??? so long ago. Years after, I read something about SSRI's and a portion of people who can't just quit...they have to wean or they just lose their marbles. I'm STILL looking for those marbles.

Anyway, what if you get worse like I did with the PPI's? That could get ugly. I do know there are herbals that are supposed to help alot (St. John's Wart???) and there are people that post here that have mentioned other things, so hopefully they'll jump in soon.

But I'm pretty sure you have to go down on the AD and up on the herb at the same time until you reach a theraputic dose.

Pip

I've been on Lexapro before, and weaned off. So lucky for me, this isn't new. I know how to do it. Otherwise I'd be asking my doctor!!

I thought there was a bunch of new stuff out about how bad St John's Wart is?? Was I dreaming???
Valerian root is what they mimicked to make valium. Eating turkey makes you sleep. Writing down anxieties and then looking at them and asking what is the fear underneath each one is therapeutic and moves it out of your head - then burn them with eye of newt, hold it, that's RA for Goth. Deep breathing, counting blessings, and throwing out everything in your house you have a bad memory attached to are all ways to reduce anxiety, IMHO. I call it the uncluttering to relieve anxiety therapy. I had a friend take a sledge hammer to a stereo system she had spilled wine all over when drunk one night and ruined it. She felt great afterwards. Have fun :) C

Katie, if you want to try the exercise suggestion, maybe check with your local Arthritis Association and see if there is a warm water exercise class near you. Several of my doctors have told me that warm water exercise is the only thing I can do, because of the joint damage I have from OA, mostly.

I'm registering to start an Arthritis Sponsored warm water class as soon as I finish the P.T. I'm going to now. It's at an indoor pool in a rehab hospital near my doctor's office and they only charge .00 per class! My last aqua PT cost me .00 co-pay! This new one is cheaper doing it on my own, than going thru insurance!

But another suggestion would be to tell your doc that you really didn't like Lexpro and see if there is a different med you could try. I'm not saying don't exercise, but I know what this disease can do to us and I hate the thought of you suffering with depression needlessly.

I hope you feel better real soon!

Big, gentle hugs, Nini

St John's Wort is a good natural antidepressant. Although DON"T take it while you are on any antidepressants. Wait til you finish taking them. [QUOTE=pammy416]St John's Wort is a good natural antidepressant. Although DON"T take it while you are on any antidepressants. Wait til you finish taking them.[/QUOTE]\

And stay out of the sun. It can cause a nasty rash if you get too much sun while taking it.
Hmmm okay. Well I think to start, I'll cut out the Lexapro, and pick up walking. I'll work my way from there.

Thanks for all the tips!! :)

Katie, I have a 30/40 minute walk route which I try and do at least 3 times a week. I always feel better just knowing I've been out in the fresh air. Exercise a little often is great for you. I also plug myself into my ipod and sing my way round frightening the ducks/fox and birds as I go

Re the St John's Wort, you need to check with the pharmacist before you buy it because there's a reasonably large list of drugs it interacts with.

You might ask your Dr. about Celexa...it has worked wonders for me.

jode

Prozac is another good one and the 20mg dose is on the WallyWorld program. It also helps with the cramps from when Aunt Flo visits. Cymbalta is another one that I am starting to like. It also helps with pain by working with the pain receptors. It has done wonders for Danny for getting his pain receptors working right again after only a few doses of it.