Here to answer any questions

HI everybody.

I just joined this forum yesterday. I have been dealing with generalized anxiety, panic disorder and even some social anxiety for 10 years now (I'm currently 24 yo). I have been using Xanax over the years to control it, but just started taking Lexapro today.

I wanted to reach out to everyone and let them know that if you have any medical or medicine related questions that I would like to answer them for you. I am currently in my last year of pharmacy school, which consists of 40 hours a week of clinical rotations. I also live with my girlfriend who is a very smart clinical pharmacist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. If you have any questions about drug interactions, side effects, the clinical studies on the medications, etc, please feel free to ask and the two of us will answer your questions.

I just started reading some of your threads on here and that's why I wanted to do this. Growing up I was obsessively worried about my health like some of you on here. This definitely contributed to my anxiety, as well as my family history of anxiety. Going through all my medical schooling has really helped me not obsess over my health as much as I used to. However, because I have been dealing with this for most of my life, I want to do everything I can to help others suffering as well. So please share some thoughts and questions you may have for us regarding anxiety or any other disease state.

Post Edited (studentpharmacist) : 6/18/2014 8:26:36 PM (GMT-6)

I hope I'm not re posting this but here goes... Firstly welcome and I bet you will make a lot of friends here! I do have a question for you if you Don't mind? I have been struggling with anxiety panic and depression (little ocd thoughts) since my celexa pooped out on me last year. I tried increasing the celexa to no avail. Then tried Zoloft aad felt worse, then effexor. After a free months and titration up to 187.5, I finally had more good days than bad. I was always concerned about the withdrawals of effexor while I was on it and I was desperate to find a med like celexa so I weaned to lexapro ( cipralex in canada) I did have some withdrawls but they were bearable. My anxiety increased by the time I was down to 75 mg of effexor so I started the lex that day. I've been on lexapro for 11 weeks now and my anxiety and mood have declined since the end of may. I increased to 20mg a couple weeks ago with no benefits. I did have a week where I felt good but that's it. I'm considering going back to effexor because I'm worried that ssri ' s don't work for me anymore. I'm a wee bit reluctant to start effex again because of so many horror stories but I did get some relief. What are your thoughts on this? Could one become resistant to meds? That's my biggest fear considering the lack of response from 2 ad's now. Any advise would be greatly appreciated! !

I was wondering about this thread, Merrida (I've been a message board admin myself for 8 years). It's dangerous to offer medical advice, and from a student.

jmho.

...yes, I will offer more than a gentle reminder actually...

8. If you are a medical professional, do not use the forums to distribute professional medical advice and/or promote your services.

S.P., I also responded similarly in your other thread...sorry to repeat myself, but I just want to make sure that you know the importance of this rule due to liability.

We check any professioal status here at the door, and offer only peer support.

Thank you!
S.C.