Lexapro for ptsd

[TTC18]

So my psychiatrist prescribed me lexapro and said that within 2 to 4 weeks, I should start seeing relief from my symptoms, and then I could just keep taking it and I'd be fine.
Is it really that easy? I was only just diagnosed with PTSD and all I could think on the way home was - if it's this easy to get rid of PTSD why are so many people still suffering from it? She said therapy was optional, I thought doing therapy too would be a good idea so I'm scheduled for that - but it seemed very "OK, you're diagnosed, I've got meds prescribed, problem solved" and I'm just wondering.... is it really this simple? Will I really be cured in 2-4 weeks?

 

[EveHarrington]

*laughs*

This doc is full of shit.

Pardon my French.

Even in the best of circumstances this isn’t what happens.

No med EVER provides full symptom relief.

Therapy is always optional, but do you want to heal? If so get your ass to therapy lol.

Oh, and dump the doc. Like yesterday.

Oh, and meds don’t cure. There is no cure for ptsd.

 

[TTC18]

Well what the **** then?!?! Why would they tell me that!?!? Maybe trying to use the placebo effect? If I think I'll be healed by taking the meds, I will heal myself? But what about the disappointment I'd be sure to feel if I took the meds that were supposed to heal me and I didn't feel better? Ugh. Doctors.
Thank you for replying. I'm super annoyed now. And disappointed, lol. I was hoping for magic I guess.

 

[EveHarrington]

The chances of the first med working the best for you? Pretty slim. It oftentimes takes a bit of time to find the right med(s) for you.

Meds can be VERY effective for symptom relief, but usually there are symptoms that remain.

And meds aren’t a cure...it’s disappointing that a doc would say these things to you.

 

[TTC18]

Well, at least I know what to expect now. Good that I can come here and ask questions and get straight answers!!! I appreciate it.

 

[joeylittle]

I should start seeing relief from my symptoms

Well, this might not be bullshit.

Which symptoms, specifically? In other words, what are the specific things that your psych said the lexapro would address for you?

 

[TTC18]

She didn't give specific things - she said that the medication would take care of my symptoms.

 

[hithere]

Hi. I know it helps with anxiety. I just want to give you my opinion. This is obviously 'my opinion' so take it for what it is worth. I think Lexapro is highly addicting. You can look up "withdrawal" from lexapro and see the many forums on this subject. It is a painful withdrawal with brain zaps and flue like symptoms, so even if you have recovered from ptsd using new skills and core beliefs, and thus symptoms improving from working on ptsd, getting off lexapro would be so hard and for some folks impossible. For what it is worth. I know people who noticed a difference within that first week of lexapro. they just can't go one single day without it or the withdrawal symptoms start.

 

[TTC18]

Thanks for letting me know. I can handle the flu, but what are brain zaps?

 

[EveHarrington]

Brain zaps are horrible.

It’s electrical shocks in your brain created by the medication.

I have them in my body due to another med, but the ones in the body aren’t as bad as the ones in the head.

 

[TTC18]

I get stuff like that already -feelings like electrical shocks all over, and different places, and in my brain - particularly behind or beside my eyes. Especially during a panic attack. But I've had that forever, so it's not med related. Or maybe the brain zaps are worse than what I already have. :(

 

[Deanna]

The chances of the first med working the best for you? Pretty slim. It oftentimes takes a bit of time to find the right med(s) for you.

Meds can be VERY effective for symptom relief, but usually there are symptoms that remain.

And meds aren’t a cure...it’s disappointing that a doc would say these things to you.

Lexapro is in the middle, is what the deal is. My general physician did the same thing when they thought I was just depressed.