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AVW

Updated 10mo ago

Low Vitamin D, High Cholesterol, and Starting Lexapro

so went to my primary care Dr today to get results from my bloodwork. my vitamin d is super low and my cholesterol is super high. she also put me on lexapro to help with my depression and anxiety. does anyone else take it? I need ALL the pros and cons. I'm kind of freaking out!

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FlowMage

1y

I was on this medication for a while about a year ago and it helped my mood and anxiety a lot. I felt a lot more chill and able to manage my emotions better (I have ADHD which makes that more difficult for me). I’m very sensitive to medications so I was only on 5mg, I believe. It personally made me a little more tired and increased my appetite. It was a good trade-off for me at the time but I ultimately decided not to take it anymore because I wanted to try managing my anxiety without meds.
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FloridaGirl0831

1y

Hi there! It's totally understandable to be freaked out when you're told you need medication. But don't worry, Lexapro is very common and very safe. Is this your first time trying meds for anxiety/depression? Happy to chat if you have questions
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AVW

1y

yes, first time. Have you personally used lexapro? (If you don't mind me asking)
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FloridaGirl0831

1y

Yes I've taken both Lexapro and Zoloft at different times. There are several different drugs in this category(SSRI), so if Lexapro doesn't work for you, there are plenty of other options you can try. For me the biggest side effect I experienced when starting each of these medications was decreased sex drive. It took about 2-3 months in the beginning where my body was still getting used to the meds before my normal sexual function returned. So if this happens to you, just be patient with yourself.
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samtheant

1y

Yes, I'm currently taking Lexapro, which is very safe and arguably the SSRI with the best evidence for it and also tends to have few side effects, though of course everyone has a different experience. Personally it numbed out my emotions at too-high doses (20mg) but if you get any side effects you just adjust the dosage or change meds and it's no biggie. Nothing to be worried about! Congrats for seeking help and getting started on your antidepressant journey!! I'd also to add that research shows that antidepressants+therapy together is far and away more helpful than either of the two treatments alone. Like, doing them together has a multiplier effect that makes both of them work better!! So I'd definitely recommend starting therapy if you aren't already seeing a therapist! But if that seems difficult/expensive, studies have also shown that using a self-administered CBT workbook is nearly as effective as regular therapy for like 0.1% of the cost!! It's easy as going on Amazon and with a few clicks your workbook will be on its way :)

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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