Anti-anxiety meds after TVH

Hi Ladies! I'm scheduled for a TVH on July 20th and have a question regarding HRT and Lexapro.

I've been taking Lexapro for the past 6 months for hormone imbalance (severe mood swings) and am wondering if regulating my hormones after surgery with HRT might enable me to stop taking the Lexapro. Has anyone else out there had a similar siutation?

I spoke to my MD about it today and she said we could try going off the Lexapro about 1 week post op once my hormones have a chance to get over the shock of the surgery, but I don't want to turn into the Wicked Witch of the West again...

Any thoughts?

Hi

In my experience, it takes quite a bit longer than one week post-op to get our hormones leveled out. It takes time for our bodies to recover, and for estrogen stores that are naturally present in our bodies to be depleted....thus, for many of us it can take at least a few months to achieve hormonal balance. In addition, our hormonal needs can change over time, even after we've found the right mix---sometimes we still need to tweak or adjust down the road.

I take Paxil along with my HRT, and was on Paxil prior to my surgery. I have, over the last several months, gradually reduced my Paxil dosage significantly, with no bad side effects. Paxil is very difficult for me to wean off of.....for now, I'm doing well with being on the smallest possible dose.

I would suggest that you keep a journal during your early post-op weeks, and see how you do.

Sending 's

I WAS WONDERING IF YOU STILL HAVE ANXIETY/PANIC AND WHAT HRT HAS BEEN GOOD FOR YOU?

THANKS!

I'm in agreement, it definalty takes longer than 1 week to get your hormones back. I would not even mess with the Lexapro until 3 months out. Why pile more on your plate while you are healing? Get the hyster done, heal physically from that then deal with the Lexapro. Just my I've been on Lexapro for quite some time now and I know when I have accidently gone off of it for being out of my scrip. It is rough. It is definatly something you want to taper off with. Your going to have enough hormonal, emotional stuff going on for awhile after surgery I would not add more to the pot.

Blessings to you,

Wildflowers

I just wanted to add that I am 9 months out and still feel off on hormones so everyone is different. My doctor has tried me on several different anti-depressants to try and help me while I find the hormone balance that works, but I get sick after each one I have tried. For some reason my system does not like them. He gives me the lowest dose of ativan which is an anti-anxiety drug I take only when I need it. I also cut it in half so the dose is very small but works for me. I have a really sensitive system so this is something that works for me. I am still on the hunt for the right dose of hormones. I wish you the best of luck and hope you find your right balance sooner than later. My best advice, one thing at a time. Try to find the right hormones before going off of the Lexapro.
Take care
Julie