It changed my life

1. Guest 4 August 2010 at 02:56AM
   • 2 replies
   • Rate this discussion. This discussion has been recommended 0 times.

   My story:

   I was depressed for 3 years after I broke my foot, had surgeries, bu nothing ever fixed it. I was a black belt in taekwondo, was going to compete in that and hopefully gymnastics, and continue to a gymnastics school so I could prepare for Olympics.

   My experience with therapy:

   I got to vent my frustration a bit, and hear someone elses opionions. But I was anxious before, during and after them. The sessions seemed to be expensive daily fixes. And I was progressively getting worse.

   How I was before Escitalopram:

   Negative about everything, had suicidal thoughts, fantasies and schemes all day, I couldn't get away from them. I was paranoid about people spying on me, lost all my friends because of it (apart from 1 and my girlfriend who helpped me through it all). Angry/irritable at everyone. Secluded, didnt like people.

   6 weeks on 10mg Escitalopram:

   =] I feel great. Between my 3rd week and my 6th, I've had 2 suicidal thoughts. It seems to take away my negativity =] I can lead a normal life like before. Im still a bit shy around people, so my psych advised me to try 20mg daily for a few weeks to see if it changes. Ima try that, and if it clears up my remaining irritability around people, then great =]

   The only 'problem' about my attitude now is not wanting to do things with family. Or go out much with anyone, except 2 or 3 people I trust, my cousin, brother and girlfriend.

   My thoughts on Escitalopram:

   I think its great! It really has helped me. I've heard different drugs work different for different people, well, all I'm saying is this one worked for me, and I hope you find one too hold in there !!

   • Reply to this discussion
   • Follow this discussion
   • Report
2. Guest 4 August 2010 at 09:24AM

   I emerged 3 weeks ago from a period of severe depression which started around 9 months ago, and which was at its worst during April May and June. Insomnia and severe weight loss due a medical condition brought me to a very low ebb where I was having suicidal thoughts most days, and every morning I would be inconsolable and weeping. Fortunately I have good friends and family, and a wonderful hospital doctor who really listened to me and gave me a lot of time.

   The first antidepressant my GP put me on - Mirtazepine - was disastrous. I cannot comment for others' experiences but it didn't work for me at all, in fact its effects seemed harmful. It is possible that it clashed with my antiretrovirals.

   However, the second antidepressant, Cipralex (Escitalopram) took around 5/6 weeks to work. The side-effects of 10mg daily were a challenge and I experienced panic attacks every so often. But once it started to work, I felt better than I had felt for many months. I have started to sleep better and have replaced the weight I lost and could ill-afford to lose. I regret not having started with this drug as time was lost waiting for the first drug to work and a new waiting period for the Escitalopram then to work.

   I think this is a good drug to alleviate the distressing symptoms of depression. It has made me well enough to be able to get back to work and make plans for the rest of the summer and autumn which I am looking forward to with enthusiasm. I am also able to identify the things in my life that aren't helping me and I am starting to effect changes.

   For the avoidance of doubt my experience so far with Escitalopram has been positive. A few years ago I was on Citalopram with far worse side effects and less beneficial effect. They sound similar but Escitalopram from accounts I have read is a much purer form of its similar sounding citalopram.

   Best of luck to all.

   • Report
3. Guest 16 August 2010 at 04:12AM

   Update: My psych has asked me to up my dose to double, 20mg per day, so im taking one pill in the morning, one at dinner.

   Moods are good now, so hopefully they'll be perfectly in order after this! If not, I'll be hyper lol, I'll keep this thread updated!

   • Report