Anti-anxiety drugs & lack of motivation.

SplshMtn99

<font color=blue>She talks to me in pretty <font c
Joined
Jun 11, 2000
Messages
10,148
After living with panic attacks for over 20 yrs, I finally decided to seek help about 4 yrs ago. I take 20mg of Lexapro every day and can honestly say it has saved my life. I would never want to go back to how I used to be.

One thing that has become a problem though is somewhat of a lack of motivation, but only in certain areas of my life. Previously, I'm sure my desire to continously clean & organize things was an outlet for my nerves. But now, I have NO desire to clean or stick to a routine. Its like NIGHT & DAY...in a bad way. I was a bit of a procrastinator before & I think that has gotten worse. Also, I would start things & not finish projects, which has also gotten worse.

Don't get me wrong on the lack of motivation part though. Its just a lack of motivation for "responsible" type activities. :lmao: I have no problem getting motivated for hobbies that I enjoy. I've done a 180 when it comes to socializing & making new friends in real life. :thumbsup2 Even belong to some groups now.

I just need a maid & a handyman and life would be perfect. :goodvibes

I've tried flylady & a few other routines. Just don't work for me. Any suggestions?
 
I have no suggestions but I did just learn that anxiety can actually be a part of compulsive behavior. So if taking the meds are relieving the anxiety than it could also be relieving that part too.
I've tried everything to try to stay on top of things but no luck. I did the best with flylady and keep telling myself to get back to it, but again, no motivation.
Glad the meds are helping!
 
After living with panic attacks for over 20 yrs, I finally decided to seek help about 4 yrs ago. I take 20mg of Lexapro every day and can honestly say it as saved my life. I would never want to go back to how I used to be.

One thing that has become a problem though is somewhat of a lack of motivation, but only in certain areas of my life. Previously, I'm sure my desire to continously clean & organize things was an outlet for my nerves. But now, I have NO desire to clean or stick to a routine. Its like NIGHT & DAY...in a bad way. I was a bit of a procrastinator before & I think that has gotten worse. Also, I would start things & not finish projects, which has also gotten worse.

Don't get me wrong on the lack of motivation part though. Its just a lack of motivation for "responsible" type activities. :lmao: I have no problem getting motivated for hobbies that I enjoy. I've done a 360 when it comes to socializing & making new friends in real life. :thumbsup2 Even belong to some groups now.

I just need a maid & a handyman and life would be perfect. :goodvibes

I've tried flylady & a few other routines. Just don't work for me. Any suggestions?

Ahhhhh so now you're like everybody else!!! LOL! Just teasin'.

If you find something that works, let me know. I HATE the flylady.......crazy cleaning Nazi is more like it.....or Stepford wife! LOL! :rotfl:
 
Try my site:

http://www.seratis.net/ --> Treatments --> Anxiolytics/Tranquilisers

Hope that helps!

There are other, non-specific drugs such as Trifluoperazine at low doses of, say, 2mg when needed.



Rich::
 

Ahhhhh so now you're like everybody else!!! LOL! Just teasin'.

If you find something that works, let me know. I HATE the flylady.......crazy cleaning Nazi is more like it.....or Stepford wife! LOL! :rotfl:

yes, i'm NORMAL now. lol

I say we slip the Flylady a little lexapro. I was so her before. Not right. I was the person that everyone wanted organizing tips from. OMG. Not now. lol
 
I know there are way less people here than there used to be. Still hoping for any helpful replies so bumping up from page 3.
 
I am glad to hear things are going well from the anxiety part. I lack motivation as well however it's across the board from 'work' stuff I have to do like laundry and cleaning to hobbies i actually enjoy.

The best things that work for me is to get up in the AM get ready for the day and start ... and not stop. When I take a break for something it all goes down hill.

How did you know you have anxiety? I have been on Wellbutrin XL for the last 10 months, 300mgs for depression but the last two-three weeks have gone off of it and I am a mess. I am wondering if it's depression or something else.
 
I take 20 mg of Lexapro, too, every day....it has saved my life as well! However, I do struggle with the drowsiness caused by the pills, which in turn leads to lack of motivation. I am just so darn tired, but the alternative without the pills is worse. I tried taking the pills at night instead of in the morning, but that didn't help the sleepiness.
 
Lexapro does not make me sleepy, it has the opposite affect for me. But, it has also saved my life. However I am with the OP now I have a to really push myself to get work done, at work. I still clean my house, but at work I am having problems staying motivated. Other then that, I am much happier.
 
I hadn't really thought about it but yeah, it probably does affect my organization/housecleaning motivation. Not there was ever an overabundance of either, but likely less now. The cleaning was your way of coping with stress, it sounds like? So it makes sense. The medication helps your brain work correctly, so you don't have the anxieties-you aren't compelled to try to fix things that are not needing fixing. Your brain is calmer. Your house is probably just fine, just not the hyper clean state it was once in.( ?? )
 
Just went to Dr. for this very thing!!! Here's what I found out and it has helped IMMENSELY!!! Lexapro is more of a sedative, so while it helps with the anxiety, I was wanting to sleep all the time even though I took it at bedtime. It didn't help that I live in Washington and it rains constantly! So, he said they never prescribe Lexapro around here (I brought the prescription from the south) because of that. He switched me to Prozac, which is more of a stimulant and I take it in the morning. The difference has been like night and day. It helps with what it needs to do, but I can function and my motivation is back. Just thought I would throw that out there. You may just need to change meds.
 
Just went to Dr. for this very thing!!! Here's what I found out and it has helped IMMENSELY!!! Lexapro is more of a sedative, so while it helps with the anxiety, I was wanting to sleep all the time even though I took it at bedtime. It didn't help that I live in Washington and it rains constantly! So, he said they never prescribe Lexapro around here (I brought the prescription from the south) because of that. He switched me to Prozac, which is more of a stimulant and I take it in the morning. The difference has been like night and day. It helps with what it needs to do, but I can function and my motivation is back. Just thought I would throw that out there. You may just need to change meds.[/QUOTEI]

I used to take Prozac, but it just didn't help me; I took it for over a year. Lexapro, however, is amazing. I can see where a rainy climate would affect you, though. When I see pictures of the northeast, I cringe because I know I just couldn't emotionally handle the weather. I make a big effort at home to open the drapes and go outside in the sun. Food, sleep, lack of stress, sunlight...all of it helps!
 
From Seratis.net:

Anxiety

Medication wise, anxiety disorders can be treated with beta blockers, bromides, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, sedative antidepressants and, less frequently, sedative antipsychotics.

The term "anxiety" encompasses a wide range of different illnesses and symptoms which range from the trivial to the fundamentally debilitating. As a disorder, it often manifests itself physically and these symptoms in turn can confound the situation yet further. Patients with anxiety related disorders are almost always hypersensitive to the immediate environment, making diagnosis a little difficult - doctors need to strip the paranoia away from the reality and this is no easy task.

"A feeling of dread, fear, or apprehension, often with no clear justification. Anxiety is distinguished from true fear because the latter arises in response to a clear and actual danger, such as one affecting a person's physical safety. Anxiety, by contrast, arises in response to apparently innocuous situations or is the product of subjective, internal emotional conflicts the causes of which may not be apparent to the person himself." - Encyclopædia Britannica


Generalised Anxiety Disorder - A common and seemingly perpetual disorder, this condition affects twice as many women as men and exhibits symptoms that are not focused on any particular event or object. In moderate to severe cases mental symptoms translate into phycial symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia, headaches, dizziness and so on.
Treatment: Psychotherapy is the primary means of treatment for this particular condition, where cognitive behavioural therapy is the most popular at the time of writing. Additionally, psychiatric drugs may be prescribed, typically tranquillisers.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - A potentially horrific disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder compels patients to perform certain tasks repeatedly until satisfactorily done and can also compel patients to perform certain tasks to correct imperfections (such as carefully arranging the pieces on a chess board to ensure that they are dead centre of their respective squares). These symptoms can translate into physical obsessions, such as a condition known as Globus, whereby the patient is forced to hold their breath until they tap out of perform a certain task or combination.
Treatment: Medications can be a huge help in the treatment of this illness as they can ease feelings of distress stemming from compulsions and further to this can also help suppress said feelings of compulsion. Psychotherapy can also be useful.

Panic Disorder - As opposed to generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder inflicts short, focused bursts of anxiety on patients of not more than ten minutes in duration, typically known as panic attacks. These attacks can be vicious and can lead to the patient in question shutting down to the outside world, incapable of basic functions for the duration of said attack. Panic attacks can seemingly appear out of nowhere but may also be triggered as a result of stress, exercise or emotional shocks. Patients with panic disorder tend to especially fear situations where they are on the spot or are unable to easily retreat to a "safe" situation.
Treatment: Again, medication can be extremely useful in the treatment of this disorder. Tranquillisers are the most common therapy, although antidepressants and other individual medications (such as trifluoperazine) can also play an important part. Psychotherapy is also important; a combination of the two is most effective.

Phobias - Essentially irrational fears thought to be form within the first three months of ones life, phobias are known by the patient to be absurd or irrational, in contrast with most other anxiety disorders.
Treatment: Psychotherapy is the primary mode of treatment; drug therapy is not all that usual in this case, although it can help in certain situations.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - A condition resulting from severe psychological stress or shocks, such as might be experienced by a tragic accident befouling someone close to one. This traumatic experience is often relived through repetitive nightmares, insomnia, flashbacks and emotional oddities connected to the incident. Symptoms can include severe irritability, unstable mood, memory loss, severe anxiety and/or appetite changes. Usually traumatic ramifications subside in the months following the experience but seemingly chronic symptoms warrant a diagnosis. Interestingly, the illness has the capacity to lurk for years before fully manifesting itself, making treatment and diagnosis somewhat more difficult.
Treatment: Psychotherapy is the primary mode of treatment and counselling and drug therapy can also be useful; a combination can prove to be beneficial.

Social Anxiety Disorder - Essentially, this illness manifests itself as an acute experience of anxiety or panic attacks triggered by intense social situations, usually where one is being scrutinised to any extent. Example situations would include speech making, active pursuits with numerous colleagues and so on. It is often referred to as a social phobia, but differs from phobias in that there is a rational reason behind the fear, albeit one that is distorted.
Treatment: Psychotherapy is, in this case, very important as whilst there is reason behind the illness, it is distorted; cognitive psychotherapy is therefore commonly regarded as the prevalent therapy for this illness. Certain medications (such as SSRI antidepressants and benzodiazepenes) can also help alleviate the symptoms, giving the mind time to repair itself, as so to speak.



Rich::
 
I can relate to all you've said, and have perfectionistic/OCD type qualities on top of all of the rest. I'm easily overwhelmed by "how much" needs to be done, so just don't start. I think it helps to break things down, big time, Mondays I'll clean the bathroom, it'll take me 20 minutes, all the cleaning products are under the sink, I won't get distracted by how dirty the bathroom window is and start on all the windows in the house, etc. Also, think about what your own personal time suckers are, I fully admit mine is DISing, so I usually don't "allow" myself to do it until X time at night after everything else is done for a "reward" (yes, I'm on right now, bad example!). Sometimes just getting up and getting moving, take the dog for a walk, etc, can help you get motivated to get something done, too.

Good for you for taking care of yourself, and :goodvibes for your bright future.

Terri
 
After living with panic attacks for over 20 yrs, I finally decided to seek help about 4 yrs ago. I take 20mg of Lexapro every day and can honestly say it has saved my life. I would never want to go back to how I used to be.

One thing that has become a problem though is somewhat of a lack of motivation, but only in certain areas of my life. Previously, I'm sure my desire to continously clean & organize things was an outlet for my nerves. But now, I have NO desire to clean or stick to a routine. Its like NIGHT & DAY...in a bad way. I was a bit of a procrastinator before & I think that has gotten worse. Also, I would start things & not finish projects, which has also gotten worse.

Don't get me wrong on the lack of motivation part though. Its just a lack of motivation for "responsible" type activities. :lmao: I have no problem getting motivated for hobbies that I enjoy. I've done a 180 when it comes to socializing & making new friends in real life. :thumbsup2 Even belong to some groups now.

I just need a maid & a handyman and life would be perfect. :goodvibes

Dang, I could have written your post!!! You should see my house. And you know what? I DON'T CARE!!! Which is terrible because DH cares, but I just am not motivated to do anything. I have to really work at it to keep the house in order. But at the same time, I would not give up my Cymbalta for anything. I would much rather live in a messy house than go back to living the way I did pre-meds (anxiety, panic, insomnia, etc.)
 
If it makes anyone feel better, my desire to clean the house has been the same before and after medication: NONE!! :rotfl2:

I did, however, notice other OCD tendancies that are now gone, thank goodness!
 
This is my research area....so I am giving you the pharmacology viewpoint, not the user effects....but what you are describing is consistent with what we know about the brain effects of the drug.

Pharmacologically, drugs like Lexapro work on the chemical serotonin. This drug works by inhibiting, or shutting down or slowing down, the anxiety circuits in the brain. That is good- sorta. Sometimes, if it works too well, it overdoes the inhibition- and thus shuts down ANY anxiety- or apprehension or sense of urgency or sense of upcoming events. This can be exhibited as no motivation, or no get up and go. If can also be exhibited as forwardness and willingness to stand up for yourself even when you shouldn't. You don't dread anything- so why bother getting up and who cares who is mad at you!!!! Just a little one way or the other and you are either anxious or unmotivated and really assertive....so, you might need a little med adjustment!

Ask your doctor about adjusting the dose. Obviously, the meds are working, but you might need a tweaking of the dose to slightly reduce the effects. You want to lose the bad anxiety, not the urge to do things. DO NOT however, try to adjust yourself-let the doctor do it. That way, you have some one to blame if it gets screwed up ;)
 
Sorry I wasn't back earlier. I was out today & have some other issues going on tonight. But I can see parts of me (and the old me) that I didn't even mention in each of your posts. :goodvibes Keep it coming!
 
I've also joined the happy pill club as my bf calls it ;) After my DS 5 was born preemie I took Lexapro for 3 months for baby blues & felt great But about 1 1/2 ago I develoed depression (couldn't sleep, calling in sick at work, didn't want to go out, no motivation at all, reckless spending, moodiness etc), then major panic attacks. Went to a Dr. & I'm now on Effexor & Xanax for my depression & anxiety. I can now function. I am motivated, do stuff with my son, go to work & can focus, don't totally freak at problems, sleep better & I go out much more frequently. BUT I still am dealing with my past demons (over spending for one, irresponsible behavior). I'm not 100 % but I still sometimes get panic attacks or just vedge on the couch but it's not like before. In other words meds & seeing a Dr are great & I'm the person I want to be but there are always "moments" & that's why I see my Dr. It's a disease & with treatment it's so much better but there's no magic cure at least for me & others I know that go through this. Just hang in, positive thoughts, do something that makes you happy, listen to music, go outside, get fresh air, play with your pet or child & I promise your motivation will come back ! :hug:
 
I have been on Celexa since the birth of my son 7 years ago, and it has changed my life completely. I used to worry from the moment I got up until the moment I went to bed. I really could hardly function. Celexa has done wonders for me and my family. I do realize that I feel tired quite a bit, but the benefits to me far outweigh the negatives. Trust me, nobody in my family wants me to go off my medicine.

As far as housework goes, I didn't want to do it before I went on meds and I still don't want to do it now.
 














Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE













DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top