[jsenyd]

I'll be a grad student next fall, and I plan to start on Lexapro pretty soon. I have a lot of issues with anxiety that will be intensified during grad school. I will be living far away from my parents, so I won't have a support system. I'm really not good at making personal connections, so I can't really depend on having support from outside my parents. I've never had a girlfriend, so the side effects of sexual impotence and diminished sexual drive don't bother me. What should I be worried about? Is this a good idea?

[chickpeayogi]

I think you should. I ignored my mental health during grad school and thanks to depression/anxiety/eating disorder failed out, and have since been in treatment /working off and on. Hopefully returning this summer. But if you're concerned I would try it, it has never 'dulled' me (hr way some other meds have!) and I've bounced between 10 and 15mg.

[Skeezyks]

Hello jsenyd: Well... I don't know as there is much I can really offer with regard to this. From my perspective, the main thing is to be sure you have a medical provider where you will be going to school who can monitor your progress & help you make decisions with regard to any modifications / changes that are necessary along the way.

I don't know if this is your first experience with psych med's or not. But it can take some time to find the right med, or "cocktail" of med's, & to get them in the right dosages. And since you'll be just starting grad school (I still recall what that was like) things are probably going to be in a bit of an upheaval for you for a while. You may find that adjustments will need to be made along the way. And also it may be worthwhile to check out the student counseling center, assuming the school you'll be going to has one.

I see this is your first post here on PC. So... to PsychCentral… from the Skeezyks! May the time you spend here be of benefit.

PsychCentral is a great place to get information as well as support for mental health issues. The more you post, & reply to other members’ posts, the more a part of the community you will become. Plus there are social groups you can join & chat rooms where you’ll be able to connect with other PC members in real time (once your first 5 posts have been reviewed & approved.) Lots of great stuff! So please keep posting!