Since things are being discussed which have the ability to alter, in some cases significantly alter, energy levels I think it's best to remind anyone affected that one's own doctor or NP or whoever's in charge needs to be consulted, or at least notified, before implementing any changes, even simple ones. It's also always a good idea to tell the most responsible family member around about what one is doing, even if it's as simple as adding vitamins. Depressed people who suddenly find themselves with physical energy are at a multiple level of risk for injuring themselves in a variety of ways... ranging from suicide to running up the credit card balances. So, moving on, choline and lecithin are precursors of acetlycholine, a neurotransmitter involved with several processes but simply put, an excitatory transmitter or one that stimulates and increases energy levels. Various studies have shown significant changes in human and animal behavior reflecting increased calm. Few things, IMHO, seem as paradoxical as the world of neurotransmitters. First we learn that acetylcholine is a (naturally present) stimulant and then we learn that increasing its availability promotes a calm and centered affect. I mention that only to emphasize, again, the need to keep your prescribing physician informed of any changes. It's a very complex subject riddled with anomalies and potential pitfalls. I'm going to mention one more thing concerning half-lives of various antidepressants. It's an important thing to ask your physician what the half-life of your particular medication is. Some, example Paxil, have a half-life measured in hours. Others, such as Prozac, have a half-life measured in weeks. For some people, many people, missing one dose of Paxil will make itself known almost immediately. Conversely, a person who's been on Prozac could stop taking it for weeks and believe they'd been "cured" without realizing it's still circulating and working six weeks after they took the last dose. Adding to the confusion, it could even be possible that the hypothetical person taking Prozac actually is "cured" (and I use the word very loosely) BUT upon finally beginning to experience the bizarre set of withdrawal symptoms--which can be very similar to depression itself--mood swings, irritability--weeks later mistakenly thinks they need to get back on it. This is not an area where anyone wants to find themselves alone; it's every bit as dangerous as being broken down in a bad neighborhood alone at three a.m. without a cell phone. Don't put yourself in that situation. Plan ahead. Be willing to experiment, conditionally, but make sure a professional is monitoring, or at least aware of, any changes. Sorry for being so long-winded. MichaelAT

Here's one: http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/Forum40/HTML/006764.html Look for mention of "brain zaps." This is a very common symptom of Lexapro withdrawal. I'll link the other site below. It's an interesting site. I see they have a grief component, but I haven't visited it. Somewhere in the archives is a l-o-n-g thread about Lexapro withdrawal symptoms. Maybe it'll come up if you do a search on the site. Good luck. Let me know if I can help you find anything. I did a lot of reading on Lexapro and other meds when I was doing that research. Susan Here is a link that might be useful: Dr. Bob's website

Get help. The type of help you need/want will depend on the type of person you are. If you absolutely do NOT want to take medication for depression, it is still a good idea to see your medical doctor for diagnostic reasons. Many people have already mentioned causes of depression that have nothing to do with your brain chemistry. If you are a religious person, seek something within your faith to help you, whatever that might be. As a Christian, prayer, Bible reading, and a quiet meditation time is what I like. That might not suit you. There should be an employee assistance program at your job, look into it. What are your hobbies? Do something that meshes with your interests. It doesnt have to cost money. I love to garden, so getting in the dirt helps me. Looking at seed catalogs (free online) is fun also. Walking in public parks is along the same lines. Go ahead and cry. I read a book one time by a woman who was grieving her son. She didnt want to get out of bed, and she cried all the time. She began to give herself a timeout to cry. She would set a clock or timer, and when her time was up, she made herself stop. She decreased the time bit by bit, and was able to change her behavior. Just a thought. One of the most important things is to keep communicating with someone(s) who cares. There are so many people here, from so many backgrounds that someone will surely be able to help you through this. Most of all, take care of yourself. anette

Hi there - I took Prempro for 2.5 years. I took other HRT before that - on and off for 6 years. The risk is significant for breast cancer using combination HRT. With those side effects and such a small reduction in symptoms - I would DEFINITELY wean yourself off (do it over as much time as possible). I would hit the gym. Gross - right? But let me tell you - it is easier than recovering from breast cancer - and it helps with hot flashes and you will sleep better. Just got back to working out at 55 and about 20 years off. There are some antidepressants that help with hot flashes and night sweats. Some of my friends also smoke pot at night or do marijuana oils to sleep. The CBD oils can also help. Finding out what works can be a full time job and exhausting. But if you do continue with combination HRT (estrogen and progesterone) be sure to know your risks. If you have a family history of BS - you're BMI is over 26 - you smoke (or have smoked) - or drink more than socially - the word is that you should not take combination hormones. I wish I never did. I use to smoke (quit 5 years ago) - was 15 lbs overweight - and drank a few times a week (5 drinks a week... maybe) and got breast cancer. No family history. There is a lot more information and studies finally being done to help woman face all these issues. Do you have a menopause specialist to go to ? The GYNs that also deliver babies are not who you need to go to (speaking from experience). I know the horrible side of sweats and hot flashes. Not being able to sleep made me finally give in to the HRT. But again - the risk increase is significant (25 - 75% depending on the study) of getting BC. Good luck to you! I wish every woman reading this well.