Long question. in 2008 I went on birth control pills. Loestrin FE. was on them for 3 years and for the last 1 1/2 years, I had bad, bad headaches and break through bleeding, too. So, went back to doctor in sept 2011, they changed me to Lo-Loestrin, which I started in oct 2011. A month later, I'm having full blown panic attacks which I had never had, anxiety, depression , inability to concentrate. I had gone from under grad, right into grad school. Alot had changed, many of my friends had graduated and left, including my boyfriend. I no longer was involved in sorority, which had been a huge part of my life. Most of my campus activities ended when I graduated. I had new room mates, was in grad school on a GTA program and was teaching. So, we all chalked up my anxiety and crying to basic life changes. I had an abnormal pap smear, so went back a month later to do another one. I was talking to the PA, and started crying to her about what I was going through and next thing you know they are putting my on Lexapro for anxiety. Not knowing any better I took it. 10 mg. I graduated, tried to go off the Lexapro and within 2 months, I almost had a nervous breakdown. Went into a big depression, which had never happened to me. Cried for 6 hours each day… My mother didn’t know what was wrong with me, so took me to a psychiatrist and he put me back on the Lexapro. Took it until this past March and wanted to come off it. Weaned down from 10mg to 7.5, then to 5.0 and then to 2.5 over the next three months. Had a few brain shocks and some vertigo, but overall a much easier time than just doing a 2 week wean like I was told the first time. However, 2 months later, I’m back to feeling anxiety, stomach aches and crying all the time. I’m just an emotional wreck. Got engaged in June ( same boyfriend) and now planning a wedding. So, lots of stress. Lots of decisions to make in a short time.
Was reading an article and it mentioned Lexapro and estrogen and I got to thinking about the change in birth control pills. I am still on Lo Loestrin. I found a forum and OMG, sounds like people are having the same issues as I am. And, now I’m wondering if I even needed to go on Lexapro, which cost me a fortune and then my family has spent $5000 in doctors and psychiatrist and therapist bills, when probably all I needed was to change birth control pills . I am going to go to a gyn specialist and have some tests run and see about changing pills. What do you think?
thanks