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.

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MonaP 02/18/2009

I started taking Lexapro in September. It worked for a couple of months but it stopped working. Then after that I started to have manic epsoide and my depression was getting worse. I was taking 10 mg and then the doctor increase my dosage to 20 mg because I was having suidical thoughts and hurting my wrist. It is still not working at all. So my doctor wanted to put me on Abilify. I can't get that yet until I get on birth control pills. I want get on birth control pills until March 12. This sucks. I don't know how long I can deal with this condition.

deleted_user 02/19/2009

You still take the lexapro? Could he increase your clonipin? Sorry if I am thinking of someone else. I did not know you had to be on bc in order to take Abilify. How long have you been on the 20mg. dosage?
Will you be able to see your doctor before then if your symptoms get worse? I hope you are vigilant for signs of mania. If it helps you can check in at DS everyday until you get the abilify? Sorry I haven't helped much.

deleted_user 02/19/2009

Have you posted in BP? They know more about your situation. You sound like BP1, so I don't know why you are on an antidepressant, especially since it isn't working.

deleted_user 02/19/2009

For about 3 years I took 60 mg. of Lexapro and it was a godsend. 20 mg. may not be a large enough dose. I found Lexapro to be an excellent med, but it's different for everybody. Why can't you get Abilify until you get your birth control? I do not understand that.
Jess

deleted_user 02/19/2009

Bjork, I am bipolar type II and I take antidepressants. Even type I's usually need them. I know the opinion on this is changing in the medical community, but mood stabilizers are usually not enough, and this recent giving of antipsychotics to bipolars is nothing but a ploy by the pharmaceutical companies to make more money. I know my meds: I have an autistic, bipolar son who has been institutionalized 4 times--and he's only 15! So I have been studying meds for some 10 years now.
Jess

MonaP 02/19/2009

I decided to take .25 mg clonazepam in the morning too. I don't know why he wanted me to get the birth control so bad as if it is the only way to prevent pregnancy. I guess I will have to do some research myself.

deleted_user 02/19/2009

Mania can become psychotic. Why would it be a ploy to give an anti psychotic drug to a person suffering psychosis? I know AD's can be used with BiPolar, but Mona has already explained that Lexapro increased her mania, which is not good. Many BP1s can never tolerate AD's. Mona did not say if she was 1 or 2. That is my fault. I was surmising, which I should not have done.

deleted_user 02/19/2009

Also, antipsychotics for BP is not in the least bit new.

suzyq2173 02/25/2009

lexapro is not known throughout the professional community as a very effective antideprssant. it did absolutely nothing for me, the doc only gave it to me because he had some sample packs. it also does not do anything for mania, you need different meds for that. please stay safe, maybe you need to go to a hospital if your manic state gets out of hand.

deleted_user 03/06/2009

i am bipolar but i also have dysthemia so i am on ad's i was on lexapro and it worked for a little bit but then stopped so they started me on cymbalta and it has been wonderful

deleted_user 03/17/2009

I was also on Lexapro and it did nothing for me. Like scout said, I found Cymbalta worked much better. Over the course of my illness thus far I've taken Effexor XR, Lexapro and Cymbalta, but the positive effects of each have worn off in about a year (except the Lexapro which only worked for about 3 months).

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