[Ashriel]

Hello:

I was on Lexapro up until 3 months ago, before that I was on it for about 2 years. I went from 10mg to 20mg halfway through.
I weaned myself off it about 3 months ago, mainly because of the cost (with no health insurance and no money, it's pretty much not possible to buy it). It became really stressful for me to realize I didn't have enough money for it and worry about the anxiety and stress and panic coming back.
Since February I've been taking it irregularly, going off it for a week at a time if I didn't have the money, until I did have the money and was able to buy it.
So I stopped taking it completely in March, and I've been fantastic for 3 months, and then just yesterday I started to get the anxiety and panicky feelings again. This coincides with some stressful situations going on in my life and some big decisions I need to make. (I'll be posting in Personal Growth about that soon.. )
Anyway, I'm considering going back on the Lexapro, maybe 10mg. I just don't know if that would be the best decision.
My mom thinks that if its what I need to stay happy and clear-minded, I should be taking it, but the dependency I have on it and the cost keep me from being sure.
I would appreciate thoughts!

[YeloDasy]

I would recommend seeking a therapist and seeing if they can help you learn ways to cope without meds. Some people will always need the meds... others can manage with other techniques. I know the money is hard, but your emotional health and wellbeing is most important. If you had a medical problem, you would not be questioning the money, and so many people don't see their emotional health the same. But it is. Take the time and work on you... not just meds... work on you!

[YeloDasy]

Depending ion where you live, there should be sliding scale places who can help you

[Megan2345]

You should not take Lexapro irregularly! Take it or don't.

[0rphan]

Hi Ashrial,

It would be a shame if you had to go back to taking Lexapro, especially as you worked so hard to wean yourself off... welldone.

It seems to me that you don't need to take it all the time,as you say you have been fine until something stressful comes along.

The easiest thing to do would be to go back to Lexapro, but then there's the money issue.

Being that some of the time you say your OK,is it possible that you could take something herbal... usually they are not adictive and you can buy them fairly cheap over the counter.

When you start feeling stressed perhaps you could start taking a few of these.

Go to a herbal store and ask for advice or even a local pharmacy will help.

There are several kinds...

Kalms is one... Valerian root is another... very good for anxiety, if you can stand the smell, they were actually recommended to me by my doctor.
There are several others you might consider.

Be sure and ask for professional advice before taking herbal remedies as they may interfer with other medication you may be on.