[ReddSN]

I took my first Lexapro early yesterday evening. Within about 2 hours I was noticing some side effects but also noticed that for the first evening in a very long time I was not overly anxious. I was calm, enjoyed some TV, no intrusive thoughts. I chalked it up to being a result of the relief that I was finally doing something. But now this morning...I woke up cheerful. Maybe overly so considering where I was at yesterday but way way closer to what I am like when I am really good and stable. Im smiling, super talkative, getting tons done around the house. Now don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying this feeling so much (and that may play a part in it, the enjoyment of the difference) but I mean even look at that. I'm enjoying it. I haven't enjoyed anything in months.

This can't be right, can it? Feeling like this after one dose of SSRI?

[winter4me]

I don't know. But, even if it has to do with your relief, it is really happening. I remember when I first took prozac years ago, I was not only feeling, but acting Very much better (commented on by others) within a week which was weird, I did not expect this.
Over time, that initial wow fades, but sometimes something just Works.
I"m glad for you!

[herethennow]

Glad you felt that way... usually it's not the med, but the placebo effect. It may wear off after sometime.

[onionknight]

The first time I took Zoloft, I felt vaguely normal for some time. It might be the initial shock of the drug to your body or something like that. Most likely it will stabilize after a few more doses, but honestly, if you feel better, don't over-analyze it.

[sewerrats]

when I moved from sertraline to LEXARO over night, I felt better over night no fog and clear colours . But I think yours is mostly relief, but hey don't knock it .good luck.

[Eliza Jane]

Unfortunately, it could be a sign of bipolar. Be sure to mention it to your MD.

EJ

[onionknight]

^Anti-depressants trigger mania in some people. This doesn't mean that person has bipolar.

[Eliza Jane]

Originally Posted by onionknight

^Anti-depressants trigger mania in some people. This doesn't mean that person has bipolar.

But it could.

Good catch. I was answering quickly. Probably should have used the word mania instead. For SOME people it can be a sign of BP and for some it is "just" mania. Either way, my advice stands to mention it to your doc.

EJ

[ReddSN]

Thanks Eliza Jane. I see my doc again in 4 weeks, if this persists, I'll definitely call sooner. As for today, I gladly took the mania. It was so nice to feel good for a change.

[ReddSN]

So I continued to feel good all day yesterday. Things just weren't bothering me. I was able to focus on my family. I didn't fight feeling happy.

And then I thought. This must just be placebo effect. That means I am doing it myself! I can do this on my own with no meds, and avoid the side effects!! So I didn't take my meds yesterday.

Big mistake. I woke up this morning with anxiety. Something I avoided since I started the meds. I'm all worked up, I can't chill, just basically back to being awful.

I really do think it was working immediately. either that, or I am so crazy that my placebo effect is turning on and off in my sleep since it was a bit of a panic attack that woke me.

[Laina M.]

Redd, it could be either! The placebo affect is real, ie, it does actually work and it can be quite effective. So yes, it could be the placebo affect even though you woke up anxious, because you know you didn't take your meds yesterday.

Either way, it's a good thing! (and what you describe really doesn't sound like mania! if you're starting to behave oddly, have too much energy, and behave impulsively then you should make sure to tell your dr)

[ReddSN]

Ugh. That's not what I want to hear. I just want it to be working,so I can count on being better. If its all in my head it might stop any second. Or, if its all in my head then why bother with the meds? Why deal with the side effects? I begged my doc for something to just make it stop while I wait for therapy. He didn't think I really needed anything. Maybe I shouldn't even be taking these.

[Laina M.]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. Even if it is the placebo effect, it's real. The placebo affect actually has a significant and notable positive clinical effect on people, and that's a good thing! It still means the meds are working, in a way, because they are helping you. It's not "just in your head", because it's an actual physiological reaction. If they're helping you, you should stick with them. Really, on an individual basis, it's very difficult to tell if it's placebo or not, but either way it's working! That's not a bad thing

[sewerrats]

Don't stop your meds because your doing well, I have heard it all now. your doing well so you think its in your head????? IT IS depression is messing with your head . Im in remission now but I still take meds, Why to stop the crash and burn. Get real and leave your meds alone, do what the doctor says don't play doctor to yourself. EVERY day is not perfect even on ADs you still have bad days, you on the other hand started feeling good, couldent believe it so you thought I will stop the med ,wtf

[winter4me]

EVERYTHING is "all in your head" if you think about it. The brain is what makes us us, and regulates the whole-----it is OK if something helps (it OK for a diabetic to use insulin,, in fact if they don't...)

[sewerrats]

Originally Posted by winter4me

EVERYTHING is "all in your head" if you think about it. The brain is what makes us us, and regulates the whole-----it is OK if something helps (it OK for a diabetic to use insulin,, in fact if they don't...)

Everything comes from your brain , well your heart to pumping blood round, PAIN , HAPPINESS, SADNESS, ect ect . When your brain goes walkabout you get the hole spectrum . When you take wrecky drugs your brain get high and you feel great, so when depression nukes you then you take AD,s to nuke depression but it don't happen over night, it may go, but if you stop a med soon has it works it will be back to bite your bum big time , there you are clear has mud.

[OuttaControl2]

Rule number one- Do Not Stop Taking Your Meds! I'm sorry you are feeling crappy though, and my lithium had the same affect on me I started to feel wonderful and stable and clear headed almost immesiately and I feel like garbage if I miss a dose so stick with the meds that work for you and good luck to ya!

[Purple1952]

For me, the first time I was put on Prozac I felt the same way you did, strange...

[venusss]

Originally Posted by ReddSN

Ugh. That's not what I want to hear. I just want it to be working,so I can count on being better. If its all in my head it might stop any second. Or, if its all in my head then why bother with the meds? Why deal with the side effects? I begged my doc for something to just make it stop while I wait for therapy. He didn't think I really needed anything. Maybe I shouldn't even be taking these.

Placebo effect means it IS WORKING. And does it matter if it's your own mind or a pill that makes you feel better? There's no way of knowing.

And if you stop taking your meds cold turkey, you will get real withdrawal.

[NJBlues]

I would advise to stick with it. There will be ups and downs at first as your body adjusts, but I'm sure it will be all right. I hear that Lexapro is one of the safest and fastest acting ad's.

Starting an SSRI worked immediately for me.

After taking the first pill, I felt like the "idler" on my mind meter was "kicked down" a notch or two, and I slept through the night for the first time in years. Life has been so much better since beginning on an antidepressant.

[Miswimmy1]

No I've taken meds and felt better the same day. It's amazing how that works. Glad you had success!