Lexapro | Arthritis Information

 

I know that a lot of people here take antidepressants because of RA and the terrible effect it has on us all mentally.   Recently, I came close to taking my own life and have since decided that this up down up down rollercoaster has got to end and began going to a psychiatrist and counselor.  I was given Lexapro yesterday and wondered if anyone here is taking or has taken it and what I might expect from treatment?  I haven't gotten the nerve yet to take one but will be starting them tomorrow.

Hi Bob,

I've been on Lexapro for about 7 years.  I've always had a melancholy personality and had previously tried Zoloft with negative results. At the time I switched to Lexapro I hadn't been diagnosed with RA yet, but did have the history of depression as well as type I diabetes (since I was 10) and a couple of other major health issues.  It's been a lifesaver!  I know everyone's body is different, but Lexapro (along with a lot of prayer, Bible study, and good counseling) has helped me be myself again. With the Zoloft, I no longer had the suicidal thoughts, but I wasn't able to feel happy either--I was just a zombie.  The Lexapro has been entirely different.  I'm not struggling with the major depression like I was, and I'm still able to feel the gamut of positive emotion.

Don't be afraid to take it.  Chronic illness not only wears on one's emotions, but it can also alter your brain chemistry making the depression a truly medical problem.  I also highly encourage you to pursue counseling in addition to the medication.  The medication will even you out and enable you to learn some new coping techniques.

I hope that helps.  I've been where you are and will be praying for you.

K
I have been taking Lexapro for several years as well. I have not had any side effects from it either. It is one of the few, in fact, that hasn't given me side effects. I used to have to take Xanax a good bit but now that is only on a rare occasion when I can't sleep because of aching joints. Please give it a try! Depression goes hand in hand with the rest of this crap that we have to deal with. Good luck and keep us posted! Bob - I was diagnosed last year, also got a bone infection that caused major pain, a major intestinal infection from antibiotics for the bone infection, my best friend decided it was the time to abandon me, and I had RA. Not a good summer to say the least. Among other things, I started taking an anti-depressant and have not regretted it one bit. It saved me from months of serious depression. I'm now backing off on the dosage but would not hesitate to stay on and increase again if I felt I needed it. This RA has so many components and causes major life changes, it's not surprising that we get depressed along with it. Please take the Lexapro and turn to this forum and professional counseling to help you through the bad times. We are all here to give you support and understanding. Life is precious even if we have RA or other AI diseases! Take care.
Hi Bob, Bob

My daughter used this but is now off of it. Everyone is different but I think talk therapy and behavior modification is key for her. I wish you all the best- depression and anxiety are awful things to deal with. :(
Oh crap!  I worked this med into my morning drugs and totally forgot until I was looking at this thread.  No anything from it apparently.  I feel the same and usually these meds give me a terribly upset stomach.  Maybe this is a good sign?  thanks for the support everyone.  I have to write down some of the things I want to deal with in therapy now.  My anger issues are the biggest thing.  See I have issues with being really nasty and irritable most of the time now.  I told the therapist it was the mindset of I feel like crap so nobody is going to feel good when I'm around.  It kind of makes people avoid you after a while and I don't want that so I need to change now.
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