Hey all. Im back again.

Anyone take 2.5 mg of lexapro as maintenance? I was on lexapro 3 years ago- 10mg and it made me loopy. It was a great time though. I felt tons better, but also very very tired during the day, no libido, and a little "too happy" if you know wht I mean. I frankly got scared of myself and what others would think of my new personality. On the flip side, I made more friends.

I went off Lexapro in favor of prozac, but it didnt seem to help me as much as the lexapro did. I eventually stopped altogether after I graduated school and started working. Now Id like to try lexapro again, because my symptoms are re-appearing. Im thinking about taking a very small amount to see how it goes. My problem with Lexapro when I first took it was that in addition to the above, I seemed not to give a crap about school or studying. Now that I have a job (Surgery resident) that demands the highest level of concentration and stamina possible, I wonder if this is going to be a bad idea. Its not like I can doze off in the middle of taking someone's gallbladder out. That could be dangerous! I simply have to maintain my edge at work otherwise bad things can happen.

The other option is to take Celexa since it is supposedly less powerful than Lexapro. What do you guys think?

IV

Hi IV,

There have been a number of meds that I have taken a lower dose than what is recommended. There are also meds out there that lethargy is not one of the side effects, ie. Wellbutrin and Remeron. Nor do they seem to interfere with memory. Unfortunately, I wasn't on Lexapro long enough to evaluate its long term use, because it sent me into Panic Attacks. But each of us is different when it comes to ADs, different neurotransmitters are not functioning properly. So, the bottom line will probably be that you will have to try something out and see how it goes for you. Remember, that the start up SEs often abate as well.

Peace and Love..... wayne

So, the bottom line will probably be that you will have to try something out and see how it goes for you. Remember, that the start up SEs often abate as well.

Peace and Love..... wayne[/b][/color]
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True. That is the pain of ADs. The last time I was on meds, my Pdoc and I spent months and months trying to juggle different ones, adjust dosages etc etc. Seemed like more trouble than it was worth. The only reason I was thinking about going back to Lex was that it worked last time- worked too well though (if there is such a thing). If only it didnt make you so darn sleepy, I think I could have managed the other side effects. That is by far my biggest turn off to that drug since my days start at 4am and end at 6pm. I might give it another shot - this time taking a very low dose. I totally agree with the idea of starting subtherapeutic and titrating up since no one can really predict how sensitive they are to a particular drug. Arrgh- so aggravating.

IV

I have spent some time trying to find the "sweet spot" for myself with Celexa/Lexapro. I agree with you that the full dose is very effective, but can bring those side effects like lethargy and apathy. I take generic Celexa, and I have found that just 10mg (roughly equal to 5mg Lexapro) does the trick with my depression and anxiety, without giving me side effects. I should mention I also take a full dose of Wellbutrin, which is more activating.

Lexapro is basically the active half of Celexa, so switching to the same mg of Celexa would essentially cut your Lexapro dose in half. Celexa would definitely be cheaper, especially generic. It's $4/month now at Target and Wallmart.