[rainboots87]

I recently decided to try meds again for my depression and anxiety, because I've been such a mess lately. From about May 2011-May 2012ish, I tried four different meds (3 SSRI's and 1 SNRI) one at a time, and while they definitely helped, the side effects were too much- especially the insomnia I got from all of them.

The one I remember helping the most was Lexapro, so I mentioned that to my new pdoc (I live in a different place now) and she said I could start with a low dose of that and work my way up. Apparently since the last time I tried meds, a generic for Lexapro was released and that's what I'm on now. I didn't realize/remember that it was different that what I took before. Regardless, I've been on 5mg for about a week and a half and already noticed a difference by one week in that it is much harder for me to cry. I'm usually very "tearful" as the professionals call it, but basically I tend to cry at the drop of a hat.

I don't think I've noticed any negative side effects yet, but I'm wondering how to tell if this dose is enough or if I should go up? The pdoc said after a couple weeks, I could go up to the full tablet of 10mg if I wasn't getting enough relief and I have an appt to see her between 2.5-3 weeks from the last appt. I think the last time I was on the name brand, I was on 20mg, but then again I was having sleep issues with that dose. I don't think I'm 100% okay, but I've also only been on this med for a short time. Any thoughts?

[gaia67]

I would give it four weeks and see how you feel. Are you getting any cardiovascular exercise?

[rainboots87]

I used to run for years, but where I live now it's so cold outside (and I hate the treadmill). Also, I've been having shin issues since I got shin splints a year and a half ago, so I'm reluctant to push too hard. Mainly I do yoga now a couple times a week. It helps so much with my anxiety.

[gaia67]

I need to try yoga. I keep meaning to...

Did you notice a difference in your level of depression when you were running?

[rainboots87]

Originally Posted by gaia67

I need to try yoga. I keep meaning to...

Did you notice a difference in your level of depression when you were running?

It's hard to say. I was running before I ever dealt with depression, then I ran too much when I had the eating disorder. It's something I used to love, but I always go through phases of wanting to do it more or less often. Lately, it's been less because of the cold (I'm from a much warmer climate) and because of my shin, but I haven't missed it too much. I'm loving the yoga though!