[User1994]

Hi all,
I just joined because of my recent experience with antidepressants. I was hoping to get some advice here. Let me give some background.

A few months ago, I went to my GP because I was experiencing all sorts of symptoms that made it difficult for me to do homework (I'm a college student). These symptoms included persistent fatigue throughout the day, inability to concentrate, etc. I told my GP that the symptoms sometimes went away at night. Truthfully, I had no idea what the cause of my symptoms was. After questioning me further, my GP told me that he thought I was suffering from mild depression. I was surprised by this, but looking back now, I can't believe I didn't see it sooner.

Receiving this diagnosis allowed me to perform a lot more introspection on my life than I had been doing before. I had convinced myself that what I was feeling was normal and was caused by x, y, z. Upon further introspection, I realized that I have little to no ability to enjoy activities (anhedonia), and I have little to motivation to do much of anything. I feel as if I've just been drifting through life with no real aim because nothing I do brings me true happiness. There are times when I would say I feel happy in the short-term, but if I ever take a moment to step back and think about my life, I'm overcome with sadness.

Fast forward to a week ago. I was prescribed Lexapro (10 mg) for depression after finally seeing a psychiatrist. Immediately after taking Lexapro, I felt different. I experienced light-headedness, increased heart rate, and other miscellaneous side effects, all of which were perfectly manageable. The next day, when I woke up, I felt so energetic and refreshed. I initially attributed this to Lunesta (which I was also prescribed for the severe insomnia I have), but I believe that it was an acute effect of Lexapro now. I felt significantly better, although I knew this was unusual as SSRIs normally take weeks to give beneficial effects.

After a few more days passed, my mood took an awful turn for the worst. My depression got worse and worse by the day, to the point that I was unable to attend class or even leave bed because of how awful I felt. I was also overcome with crippling anxiety that caused my to clench my jaw for so long that there is still residual pain. I called my doctor about these feelings. Initially, he decreased my dosage to 5 mg and told me to call him if my feelings got worse. The next two days came, and my depression only got worse. I contacted him and he told me to stop taking the Lexapro, and that we would discuss switching me to a different medication at my next appointment.

Since stopping Lexapro, my mood has more or less returned to how it was prior to starting. I was wondering if anyone could offer any kind of insight or support into what's going on with me - similar experiences, opinions, anything. I'm just looking for some answers and advice. Thank you to anyone who takes the time to respond.

[nottrustin]

I would think that initially you body reacted favorably to the new medication but once it built up in your system it reacted negatively

[sewerrats]

how old are you , this could be just normal burn out and need to rest up a while , your doc was a bit quick on the med advice was he busy.