Is Lexapro the Cure for Depression?

Depression is an illness that one in five people will suffer in their lifetime but is a disease that is frequently ignored or untreated; the condition often prevents people from taking the appropriate steps to help themselves. It's a medical disorder that affects your thoughts, feelings, physical health, and day to day behavior and one that will continue to do so unabated if left to do so.

The first step to getting better is recognizing the symptoms as more than just "the blues". People often ignore the symptoms thinking it's just the cause of a current stressful situation they are in or problems at work or in their marriage etc. Symptoms will include, but are not limited to, sadness, long periods of inactivity, trouble concentrating, mood swings, irritability, feelings of worthlessness, and , probably worst of all, suicidal or homicidal thoughts. A large number of suicides, particularly in teenagers, can be attributed to depression. Another disorder that often goes hand in hand with depression is General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which basically results in you feeling nervous or agitated at the thought of doing the simplest task. It was depression/GAD that I was diagnosed with a little over 5 months ago. I was one of those people who didn't recognize the symptoms as being anything other than just being in a bit of funk, but it not only affected me, but also my friends and family who were much more cognizant of my behavior change than I was.

It was with a fair amount of promting that I finally visited my doctor and was diagnosed. She recommended that I go on an anti-depressant called Lexapro for at least one year. The medication comes in thre doses (10mg, 20mg, and 30mg), and I was prescribed the lowest dosage. It's important to note that Lexapro comes complete with a laundry list of possible side effects, some minor, some of the major variety. They include...
headache, increased nervousness, or anxiety
nausea, diarreah, dry mouth, or changes in appetite and weight
sleepiness or insomnia
decreased sex drive, impotence, and difficulty reaching orgasm

I consider myself very fortunate in that I only really encountered one of those and that was the sleeplessness but found that was easily combatted with an over the counter sleep aid that you can pick up at any drug store (check with the pharmacist first that taking those will not cause any kind of reaction with any other meds you may be on). This was really a very small price to pay for the incredible effect that the Lexapro had on me. As quickly as the second day taking it, myself and others around me noticed an amazing difference. All the little anxieties and insecurities I had felt previously, lifted overnight and I developed a clarity of thought and positivity that was absolutely astounding. There have been the odd day or two during this 5 month period where it feels as though the meds just didn't kick in that day and those old feelings come creeping back tenfold, but it generally clears up during the day or is gone completely the next. I can't claim that evryone is going to have the same success I've had and another drug, or even therapy, or a combination of both may be the answer for you. There are a number of anti-depressants on the market (Zoloft, Cymbalta, and Paxil to name just a few) and it may end up being a case of trial and error to find the one that suits your own particular needs.

The good news is that depression is successfully treated in over 80% of the people who are diagnosed with it. The important thing is to get over your concerns and fears and take that all-important first step and go see your doctor. It may well be the best decision you'll ever make.