[MJo]

A good thing happened as a result of my diagnosis -- I started regularly taking antidepressants, after avoiding them for years and trying years of talk therapy. My anxiety went sky high when I was diagnosed and I got on Lexapro. It took about a month to work, but it also integrated into my body. I am not aware of taking the Lexapro. I was aware of the paxil and zoloft. Perhaps that's why I didn't continue on them. I will take lexapro as long as it works. I also have a Xanax prescription and take a small dose when I feel especially anxious. It's not often, thankfully.

I gained 45 pounds during treatment. Possibly the Lexapro contributed. I have lost about 35 pounds on a low-fat diet. When i was in treatment, I lived on ice cream and cheese. I was hungy all the time. Once I lost the weight, I found 10 mg of Lexapro made me sleepy in the morning. I talked to my doctor and we gradually cut back to 5 mg, and I feel pretty good. I have seasonal affective disorder and this time of year I also use the LIghten Up Too light at my desk.

Antidepressants give me a better quality of life. Be good to yourself. Do whatever it takes to recover.