Hi. Question about Cipralex medication.

Comicsfan

New Member

Joined : Nov 2013

Posts : 1

Posted 11/25/2013 8:07 AM (GMT 0)

Hi there.

I'm not a guy that likes to talk about his issues but I guess I've decided I've got nothing to lose. Sorry if this ends up reading weird in any way, I'm kinda nervous.

I'm 35 and I've been depressed in some form or another since I was a teenager. I've finally started seeing a psychologist and after a few sessions he thought I could benefit from taking medication, since I've never really given it a chance.

Thing is for whatever reason I'm scared of taking medication that can change my brain. Even though I know my brain needs changing. Weird and stupid, I know. I know that medication for any other disease can be essential to healing, and I have a chronic illness that I deal with through medication with no complaint or pause, but the idea of taking meds for this depression really scares me.

Anyway he prescribed Cipralex and suggested I start off with half a 10mg pill at first. I dunno... I was wondering if anyone here knew what I had to watch out for or look "forward" too if I started taking this medication... you know in terms of side-effects. I've heard depression meds can lead to some pretty funky side-effects, including suicide!

I've thought of suicide, a lot actually, but never had the guts to follow through. It's probably the only reason I'm still alive, cuz I'm scared of death. How ironic would it be if a medication I took to improve my life made me end it.

Anyway, that's all. Any help would really be appreciated. Thanks!

-F

getting by

Forum Moderator

Joined : Sep 2007

Posts : 45296

Posted 11/25/2013 11:07 AM (GMT 0)

Hey Comicsfan,

I am glad you got the nerve to share with us.

Basically I would say look up the medication and see what the side effects are so you know what to look out for. Know that the side effects go away in a couple of weeks though. And everybody is different. You may not even have any. And if you do, and they don't go away after a couple of weeks, you can always try something else. There are many medications out there to try.

Try not to be afraid. And know we can't discuss suicide here on the forum It can trigger some of the members.

Take it one day at a time. Try the medication and see if it is the right fit for you. It is not uncommon to try a few before you find what is right for you. And remember it takes six to eight weeks for the medication to reach full potential.

Best wishes, keep posting.

Hugs, Karen...

charlie53

Regular Member

Joined : May 2013

Posts : 197

Posted 11/25/2013 3:46 PM (GMT 0)

Hi comicsfan and welcome to the forum.

Well, to begin, starting on Cipralex or any other ad is not like going to a party...You can expect nausea, maybe insomnia, and exacerbed anxiety or depression as side effect in the beginning, then it fades. Mind you, my best friend had only nausea, we're all different. Works wonders for him.

Starting on 5mg is what I did, and when the side effects were calmed down, went up to 7.5, I know but I am not very couragious when it comes to ad. Then up to 10mg.

I also took the first week off when I began. And just like you comicsfan, I was scared out of my witt's, it took 6 months to decide. The suffering got the best of me and I started it.

If side effects are too stong, ask your doctor for a medication to help you through.

Best of courage, let us know how it goes,

Charlie

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