[rhubarbpie]

I've been experiencing fairly severe depression since March and cry uncontrollably several hours a day. I've always fought the concept but broke down and obtained Lexapro from an MD Thursday.

I was amazed that my crying seemed to stop about 5 hours after taking the first pill. Is that possible?

My mood hasn't improved, but I've totally stopped crying. I've read SSRI's take about 4 weeks to kick in, but 5 hours?

[Rhapsody]

YES................ it is possible, for remember that the Lexapro is now replacing your once low Serotonin levels.... that which makes one feel sad or depressed when low.
I have been on Celexa, which is the sister to Lexapro, for about 6 months now and I am on cloud #9 - I am glad to have my life back and my mind / emotions... and BTW - I started feeling a noticeable difference in the first week of use.


LoVe,
Rhapsody -

[rhubarbpie]

Thank you for replying. I'm still amazed 5 hours is all it took to kick in but there are other reasons to indicate such. After 3 hours or so I got a very dry mouth and head and neck pain on my left side. Both have subsided. I feel no side effect other than insomnia. However, I think that may well be due to the heat. I usually have a difficult time sleeping this time of year.

I don't think this is a placebo effect of speaking with the MD. I cried uncontrollably when explaining the problem. In fact, I had to write it down. I asked to exit from a side door and sat in the shadows for about 1/2 hour crying.

As I mentioned, my mood hasn't really improved but at least I can speak and think without crying. That's a big, big thing.

There is a biological history of depression. My mother suffered for years and eventually hanged herself. I wish there were a test to determine the seratonin level in the brain. The argument would have much more credence if I could see a test showing my level at say 2x when it should be 7x.

[Rhapsody]

Hang in there.... in about 2-3 weeks you will start to notice a BIG difference in the way you feel - your over all emotional well being will improve.
And while the side effects are usually mild - they will lessen after your body gets to use to the dose - mine left in about a month.... the insomnia was bad for me for about 2 months, but then it to left as well..... now when I have trouble sleeping it is more due to stress with in my real life.


LoVe,
Rhapsody - ((( hugs )))

P.S.
I went from feeling like DEATH was better than living in my inner pain.... to wanting / needing LIFE back again - the MEDICINE is GREAT!!

[Jerrypharmstudent]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
rhubarbpie said:
I've been experiencing fairly severe depression since March and cry uncontrollably several hours a day. I've always fought the concept but broke down and obtained Lexapro from an MD Thursday.

I was amazed that my crying seemed to stop about 5 hours after taking the first pill. Is that possible?

My mood hasn't improved, but I've totally stopped crying. I've read SSRI's take about 4 weeks to kick in, but 5 hours?

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

Hello!

Just to add to what's already been posted - yes - you can notice some changes - even within hours of taking an SSRI. Even though it can take many weeks to feel the full benefit of an antidepressant - these meds begin to block serotonin reuptake within hours of ingestion. In my research I have found there to be a common "routine" when beginning an SSRI: 1) Feeling good or better within the first couple days 2) Followed by a slight dip - or decrease in mood 3) With a gradual increase in mood and overall antidepressant action.

Hope this help!
Jerry

[rhubarbpie]

Thank you, your information does help.

I'm still surprised I haven't cried since 5 hours after taking Lexapro. In fact, I've not come close. I can now think or speak of things that would immediately set me off. I absolutely hated the crying.

I'm pleased my insomnia has also decreased as I usually have no trouble sleeping.

I'm starting to feel somewhat foolish at not having tried this before. Several had suggested I do so. It's just that I've always had a strong aversion to drugs. But it's hard to argue with the results so far.

[(JD)]

Good to hear it's working for you. My meds always work quickly for me, if they work...and if I react it can be less than 15 minutes!

Please do stay on it though, and don't be discouraged if it needs to be increased later. TC!

[rhubarbpie]

You mentioned a "slight dip" is common with Lexapro. Is it known why it happens?

In your experience, is Lexapro an effective SSRI? Newer/fewer side effects/more effective?

It seems all side effect have worn off and I had a very good night of sleep last night.

[scorpio]

I found that it worked wonders for me in the first couple of days after taking it. i am currently off the meds and feel ok have only had one side effect wich is not sleeping as long but thats ok. Stick to it they are good meds.

Scorpio