Question for the Resident Nurse

I saw my PCP this morning to get a cream for a rash(love that excess skin) and while I was there I talked to him about depression. He gave me some samples of lexapro to try for a month. So before I take them I want to be sure they are safe for WLS patients and I cannot find th answer on any website. Any info would be appreciated. Also, he gave me diflucan for the skin infection, know anything about that? Thanks a bunch, Amy

Hi Amy...I'm not the resident nurse, but I have had experience with Lexapro. For me...it was HORRIBLE. It had just the opposite effect on me and I had severe thoughts of suicide. The same with Celexa. I have known at least 5 other people (friends) who had the same reaction on it. HOWEVER, I know of 2 people who've had just the opposite happen. It worked GREAT for them! I guess my point is, please do watch for this negative to happen. A forwarning if you will. Diflucan, I believe is used to treat yeast infections. Essentially that's what our "weight loss rashes" are. Which reminds me...I need to call my doc as well. *sigh* Yes, LOVE that excess skin...NOT! Anyway, I'm sure it's ok to take. A LOT of women on the pregnancy board have had to take it at one time or another. I hope you're feeling better soon in both areas.

Thank you for the input. I'll be sure to put DH on alert for side effects.

Amy I've been on Lexapro 10 mg for four years now and if I take it like I'm supposed it works great. If I happen to miss even one day I can get the suicidual thoughts. Try it and if doesn't work there are plenty of other meds out there for you to try. Good Luck Joanne

Thank you for the insight. I hope this helps

OT: Welcome Home! Don't forget to post your loss in the Adding Up total that is located lower on the board. Ro PS: Good Advice about the meds!

Also, Amy, make sure that you keep your follow up appointment in 30 days with the doctor to discuss your medication, because most depression meds start out at 10mg a day, and then may require being increased, if you're not having the negative side effects, or may be fine at the 10mg. Lexapro is what my hubby started out on, did good for him, but then he had to switch for insurance formulary over to Zoloft, which also is still working well. Sometimes it takes several medications to find the one that is just right for your type of depression. And yes, Diflucan is for yeast infections, and my understanding it can even help skin yeast infections since it works from the inside out. Also, a slightly "OW!" but very soothing (in a couple of seconds) home remedy for skin irritating yeast infections (provided the skin hasn't started to degrade in to open sores) is Listerine on a cotton ball. Don't laugh, it's true. Burns like hell on fire for about 8 seconds, then it starts to soothe, because of the astrigent in it. I used to use it during the summer, back when I was heavier busted, and got "heat" rash under the breasts, before the breast reduction. The alcohol content also helps kill off the yeast.

I agree with the other ladies here about the need to find the right fit. Paxil can pack-on weight. Don't know about the other meds. I've been up and down the mgs on Prozac for a number of years, without the weight gain. I use a combo of that an Klonopin (sp?) when needed to get relief. It's been a real help. Hope you find the correct one soon. Ro

All I can say is OUCH, but the itching is bad enough to try the listerine

Oh you got the oral form of diflucan.. yes like heather said, it works from the inside out. Might want to pick up some over the counter generic antifungal cream (near the athletes foot section) to apply three times a day after cleaning the area.. that would help too.