Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
I've been in counseling for 2 months. My counselor wanted me to see the psychiatrist. He prescribed Lexapro in spite of the fact that I told him I had no desire to take any med that might adversely affect my sex life. He also prescribed Campral which reduces the physical craving for alcohol.
I do not HAVE a physical addiction, I use booze to self medicate. My thinking is that I should just stop drinking all on my own before I start the Lexapro, otherwise how will I know what effects are from what cause?
I have looked at all 47 pages here in Depression Treatment and read every thread with Lexapro or sexual dysfunction in the title as well as several of the threads on natural cures and general questions.
SSRI's in general seem like a crap shoot. It scares me to death to start on them at all but definitely not at the same time as I stop drinking.
At this point I have about 48 hours sober. Already my sleep pattern seems to have improved, I got more sleep last night than I have in a long time.
I guess I'm just looking for some support in my view or advice on why I'm wrong.
I do not HAVE a physical addiction, I use booze to self medicate. My thinking is that I should just stop drinking all on my own before I start the Lexapro, otherwise how will I know what effects are from what cause?
I have looked at all 47 pages here in Depression Treatment and read every thread with Lexapro or sexual dysfunction in the title as well as several of the threads on natural cures and general questions.
SSRI's in general seem like a crap shoot. It scares me to death to start on them at all but definitely not at the same time as I stop drinking.
At this point I have about 48 hours sober. Already my sleep pattern seems to have improved, I got more sleep last night than I have in a long time.
I guess I'm just looking for some support in my view or advice on why I'm wrong.
I want to congratulate you on your sobriety. One day at a time. As for SSRIs, .. I have been on one or another for oh ... 6 years. Yep, they have a sexual side effect for many people. In my case, the effect is reduced sensitivity. No ED, or failure to perform, but it takes a bit longer is all. It could be different for others though.
For me, the trade off is well worth the peace of mind.
There is at least one common med for depression etc without that side effect; Wellbutrin but what works for some doesn't work for others.
Another thing, you can try one and if it is not satisfactory, going off it (from a side effect standpoint) will return you to where you were before you started it. No great risk/harm in trying something (with your doctors approval, of course).
The effects of alcohol are just not good with treatment of depression .. it impedes medication and aggravates depression. Self medicating with it actually results in aggravating the condition. I hope you can dispense with it. It is no advantage at all.
Here is something for DS newcomers ... UNofficial:
http://www.dailystrength.org/groups/new-to-ds
Lexapro is my SSRI of choice. It hits me like a brain vitamin... no drugged feeling, no weird side effects, just takes the edge off the depression and clears the fog out of my head. (I recently tried an alternative to save money, didn't work out so I'm going back on Lexapro asap.) I hope it works very well for you, too.
I think you are using good sense deciding to stop self medicating with alcohol. I've told myself that drinking is counter productive, with alcohol being a known depressant. If you can quit on your own, that's great! If not, the you got the Campral to help.
Keep in mind that it takes a couple weeks or so before SSRIs fully work. There may be a rough patch between ceasing to self medicate and the Lexapro kicking in, so it may be to your benefit to not wait too long.
Best of luck to you!
Psychiatrist- you should see him/her, could be big help, or at least other opinion.
Sobriety- my respect.
I am happy to hear you are taking steps in the right direction....
I took an SSRI (wellbutrin) and it did only good for me, but after a year and a half on them I was ready to do the work on my own.
Steady on with the sobriety, and we are here to support you.
peace!