[kevinskis]

After taking Lexapro for more than a decade for generalized anxiety disorder and depression, I am looking for an alternative that doesn't have the GI side effects that Lexapro gives me. I was wondering if anyone who has had success with Lexapro has had success with any other antidepressants? Furthermore, I have only ever tried SSRIs and have never tried an SNRI. Is there anyone who has had success on Lexapro, also have success on an SNRI? Thanks in advance!

[Yaowen]

I wish I knew how to help but sadly I am not a doctor or medical professional. A psychiatrist or even a family doctor might be able to help you find an alternative to Lexapro.

I was on Lexapro and then switched to Celexa. They are chemically related. I think I read somewhere that each is the mirror image of the other at the molecular level. Maybe I am wrong. I am often wrong about things.

Celexa seems to help me better than Lexapro but I know that everyone can react differently to different meds. In the past I was on the tricyclic antidepressant Imipramine Hydrochloride and that med plus low-dose Lithium as an augmenter. I have also been on Zoloft. I don't have experience with SNRIs. Sorry. Nor have I ever been on MAOIs. Hopefully others here with more knowledge and experience here on the Forums will prove more helpful to you. I wish you only the best.

[Pinny]

Have you discussed with your pdoc about alternatives, @kevinskis ?

Maybe you could take something for the GI side effects instead of coming off of something that is working for you?

I think its best to discuss with your pdoc to see if you can come up with a plan together that will suit you!

I hope the discussion goes well!

[kevinskis]

Yes I have talked to my doctor and he asked if I had any idea on what I wanted to try next. I have tried Celexa and it had the same GI effects. I have tried everything that should be able to help the GI symptoms but they have not been effective. Right now I am cross tapering off of Escitalopram and onto Sertraline. So I am hoping for the best!

[sarahsweets]

I am a fan of SNRIS especially for bipolar people. It’s all anecdotal but all of my friends and acquaintances that have bipolar have done great with cymbalta and a mood stabilizer like lamictal.

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[Pinny]

Originally Posted by kevinskis

Yes I have talked to my doctor and he asked if I had any idea on what I wanted to try next. I have tried Celexa and it had the same GI effects. I have tried everything that should be able to help the GI symptoms but they have not been effective. Right now I am cross tapering off of Escitalopram and onto Sertraline. So I am hoping for the best!

Thank you for your reply!
I’m so sorry you’re still struggling with GI side effects despite trying different things.

Sertraline can be really good, I hope it works for you! It can have some s*xual side effects (as they all can) but just keep a check on things!
I’m on vortioxetine which is pretty good for less side effects (except I felt a little nauseous when taking it initially and when increasing the dose). However, my anxiety is still pretty bad (it’s way worse when I’m off meds though!)

I suppose it’s just trial and error which can be frustrating but at least if one doesn’t work there are plenty others you can try!

[185329]

I am on Lexapro, but I used to be on Paxil and I think the Paxil worked better for me.

[Sometimes psychotic]

Anything that effects serotonin can have GI side effects…there is more serotonin in the gut than the brain.

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