Little scared to medication!

[zion9495]

I just started taking Lexapro last week and it is already helping a little bit. But it seems like I am more stressed in the morning and start feeling better in the afternoon. Is this how it starts working in some people? I have some Xanax too and sometimes take a half when I feel like I need. I'm hoping there are some people who DON'T have a really bad experience getting off of it. Is there anyone who did not have a lot of problems? I had a bad experience with Zoloft so I was scared to start another drug. Any advice?
Please help!

[Wildswimmer]

All those drugs are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) which work by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Some folk (myself included) have naturally low serotonin levels which results in a propensity to depression. I have to take fluoxetin (Prozac) to ward off what would otherwise be a severe dose of SAD (Winter Blues).

Looking at the trade names of the drugs you give I'm assuming you live in the States. Here in the UK I don't have to pay for my prescription so am quite happy to continue with Prozac. However should you have to pay for your drugs, or would rather not take prescribed medicines, there is an alternative: St. John's Wort - a natural SSRI. A word of warning: don't take SJW with prescribed SSRIs.

SSRIs do not treat stress or anxiety, indeed they can actually heighten them. There is a natural sedative which I find works very well: chamomile tea. You should be able to buy this in supermarkets, health food shops or herbalists. I find the taste revolting so add plenty of honey, but some may like it. A large mugful before going to bed will usually ensure a good night's sleep. And won't leave you dopey for next day's training!

Wildswimmer Pete

[ruthcp]

Welcome to the swimming forums Zion!
Lots of drug names mentioned already...
I hope you have no further problems, but perhaps a different forum might be the place to look as well, or even advice from your doctor?
Good luck!

[cole_us7]

You should look for natural treatment of asthma. I read a book called asthma free naturally as written by Patrick McKeown. That this book is available online and details the Buteyko breathing method for asthma. He teaches Buteyko Breathing Clinic and many other methods. Have a look at www.asthmacare.ie You would surely be benefited.

[Wildswimmer]

Originally Posted by cole_us7

You should look for natural treatment of asthma. I read a book called asthma free naturally as written by Patrick McKeown. That this book is available online and details the Buteyko breathing method for asthma. He teaches Buteyko Breathing Clinic and many other methods. Have a look at www.asthmacare.ie You would surely be benefited.

Welcome to the forums Cole_us7.

Oops - bit of a crossed line there. The drugs under discussion are antidepressants. Nothing to do with asthma.

Wildswimmer Pete