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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Hope Elisabeth on February 18, 2003, at 16:23:49
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by Chuck2112 on February 18, 2003, at 13:31:32
> > Hi Chuck and Dysfunk. I too have been on Lexapro (first time on meds) for almost a month now, and I am feeling a little discouraged. The first few days were great, but now I am going back to how I felt before. I guess I should give it the full 6 weeks, even though they say it only takes 2? How do you know when it is working? I desperately want to feel happy again so any information would be much appreciated.
>
>
> hmmm how do you know when it is working? i guess that depends on what you are feeling now that you want to alleviate. is it depression, anxiety? how do these manifest themself for you?
>
> for me, i was having a hard time talking with people, just being present enough to get a conversation off the ground, its like my mind was stuck in no mans land, and i have slowly started to emerge, from that ever so slowly day by day....plus i am able to concentrate a little bit better....i actually felt like getting out this weekend and doing something...the moments are fleeting...and dont always stay...but i notice as time goes on...that gap between these moments get smaller and smaller...now there are still gaps...so i dont ever yet have full days when i feel like myself...just moments in between here and there...what gives me hope though is that i notice every day that there is a little more desire on my part to want to join in on normal daily life...every once in a while during the day...i will have a normal thought about something insignificant...and that is progress to me...that i what i remember being normal...
>Wow thank you for the great details Chuck. I think I felt a lot like you did. I was nervous all the time to the point of not being able to think clear enough to have a conversation. I also just have a poor self-image in general, lots of feelings of worthlessness, occasional thoughts of death but never to the point where I would think of suicide itself. Since the month on Lexapro I have noticed that it seems to take the edge off my anxiety, but I am still having the occasional mild attacks I used to. It seems as if my depressive symptoms have gotten a little worse though, and that is what scares me. I have gotten these self-destructive impulses that I have never had before. I am not scared that I will hurt myself, but that does worry me to some extent, as it is just "not fun" to want to be dead ya know!! (I try to squeeze in a little humor if I can ;)
I am thinking of asking my MD to switch me to Effexor. Sorry so long, but any comment?
Posted by Dysfunk on February 18, 2003, at 16:25:04
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by Hope Elisabeth on February 18, 2003, at 12:46:48
My question exactly....how do I know the medicine is working for me? I know how I feel and that I didn't feel this bad before. It leads me to believe it is not working!
Posted by Dysfunk on February 18, 2003, at 16:28:32
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by Chuck2112 on February 18, 2003, at 13:31:32
I guess that is something! i only knew that the Prozac was working for me when I dropped down and realized I was starting to feel worse than before. Like I said in other places on this board, it is hard to tell cause so many factors contribute to moods and physical ailments.
Posted by Dysfunk on February 18, 2003, at 16:30:46
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by SLS on February 18, 2003, at 16:07:50
Prozac is the only SSRI that I experienced a sense of relief on. I tried: Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Buspar, Paxil, Serzone, Effexor......I can't remember them all!
Posted by EGR on February 18, 2003, at 19:34:07
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by cwspunky on February 17, 2003, at 1:35:47
>> Any ideas about the above mentioned side effects and if they really go away?
It's been my experience that the side effects lessen or go away. I've started to lose some of the weight I gained while depressed and on other meds. I sleep well. Libido could be better... usually the desire is there. Rarely an orgasm though, but I can live with that.
ER
Posted by SLS on February 18, 2003, at 21:20:11
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro » SLS, posted by Dysfunk on February 18, 2003, at 16:30:46
> Prozac is the only SSRI that I experienced a sense of relief on. I tried: Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Buspar, Paxil, Serzone, Effexor......I can't remember them all!
Hi Dysfunk.
I know the feeling.
What combinations have you tried?
Mood-stabilizers?
Stimulants?
Besides Prozac, did any other drug produce even the smallest partial improvement?
- Scott
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 18, 2003, at 23:47:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » bridgette, posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 16:10:05
HI I have been suffering from Major Depression for about six years now. I tried Zolft for most of the time and just thought I was going to be a b tch for the rest of my life. I then last year was getting to be at my worst so they switched me to Paxil which was a major mistake I had severe reactions which almost killed me. I then was placed on Wellbutrin SR 150 twice a day and Zyprexa. I was on that combination until my Counselor take to a Psych. and he told her I needed to get off Zyprexa because it was the wrong med for me. I then started on 10mg of Lexpro with my Wellbutrin twice a day still. Within a few weeks my Doctor moved me to 20 mg. And my life has truly changed for the better. I have not experiance any major side effect. I had gained 55 pound by being on the Zyprexa. Since November I have lost 15 lbs and hopefully still losing. My sexual desire/libdo is starting to increase. Still having some orgasm problems but at least I am showing interest. I have another appt soon to go over meds and I might go up another 5 or so on Lexapro just to see if it does help more with the aniexty ( I can't spell sorry) I still have to take my Xanax once in a while for that. My husband states that I am almost a better person than when we married almost 9 years ago. I have been told that I have probably suffered some sort of depression my whole life. But this combination so far has really been great and I stress to everyone just to keep giving Lexapro a try it has been a GOD sent for me!! Thanks KP
Posted by male34 on February 19, 2003, at 8:59:39
In reply to lexapro, posted by skyeXX on February 18, 2003, at 10:57:35
> This is my first time on meds and IM kinda freaked out. This past year my mother died, my boyfriend almost got killed and due to depression/stress a lot of physical things happened to me.(back went out,rash etc) I havent been able to be "normal" since and have just started on lexapro. IM worried aobut having my personality changed and not being able to experiance emotions the same. Oh Also up until about 3 weeks ago I lived on coffee cigarettes and alcohol at night which I quit all at once on my own. Ive been on lexapro for 5 days now and the only side effect is being mildly dizzy. Does this drug hinder creativity, does it lame out emotions?
"""""""it will work give it weeks all will be clear ,get rough starter weeks then see if it works ,
Posted by male34 on February 19, 2003, at 9:15:11
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by Hope Elisabeth on February 18, 2003, at 12:46:48
first off im anxiety person--3rd week now on 10mgs lexapro with daizaplam(spelling?) like avalium diazplam ,i was felling great but now seemed to drop down,anxiety and panic whats going on anyone else feel like this and did you get back to better staying on lex? any advice?
Posted by male34 on February 19, 2003, at 9:19:25
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro » Dysfunk, posted by SLS on February 18, 2003, at 21:20:11
may sound funny but im an outdoor worker,warmer spring weather,etc.., we just got worse snow storm!in ten years my businees wont start now for a much longer time, im anxiuos and down about it ,could the weather actually cause me to have anxiety???
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 19, 2003, at 9:46:21
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by SLS on February 18, 2003, at 16:07:50
> > i am doing much better than a week ago, i am going into week 5 here and feeling so much better and getting better every day...still a ways from the finish line though.....
>
>
> Hi Chuck.
>
> Forgive me if you've already addressed this question, but which SSRIs have you tried in the past, and what were your experiences with them? What about Effexor, Wellbutrin, and MAOIs?
>
> Thanks much!
>
>
> - Scott
Scott,
no i have never tried anything else before the lexapro. I will really have to give it another 2 or 3 weeks before I decide if its worth staying on. It has definitely helped me snap out of the low place i felt i had gotten to. But as far as it getting me back to my usual self, that remains to be seen.
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 19, 2003, at 10:19:41
In reply to lex was good now going bad again ,anyone, posted by male34 on February 19, 2003, at 9:15:11
You may want to check with your doctor and have your dose raised. I had the same thing happen in the beginning on 10 mg and now I am on 20 mg. I might look at 30 here soon just because of my aniexty still squeezes ( I can't spell sorry) in sometimes. But stick with it just keep checking in with your Doc. so that they can monitor you and bump you up if needed. Good Luck
Posted by Dysfunk on February 19, 2003, at 10:22:54
In reply to does weather effect us???, posted by male34 on February 19, 2003, at 9:19:25
I would say your reaction to the weather can cause you anxiety. If you like to work and keep busy and you know you won't be able to get back to it for a while, that can make you anxious. I suggest taking up something to keep you busy in the meantime- an indoor hobby? I got slammed with a huge snowstorm too and I was so ancy staying inside all day Monday. I ended up working out inside to calm me down a bit.
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 19, 2003, at 10:23:06
In reply to does weather effect us???, posted by male34 on February 19, 2003, at 9:19:25
Hi ! Yes in some cases, it really is what can stress you out like mines my sister and Grandma. I had to quit doing my husband books because it caused to much aniexty. So hey weather can cause it too in my book specially when our work depends on weather. (Were are Cutome home Builders in OR)
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 19, 2003, at 10:52:40
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro » Chuck2112, posted by Dysfunk on February 18, 2003, at 16:28:32
> I guess that is something! i only knew that the Prozac was working for me when I dropped down and realized I was starting to feel worse than before. Like I said in other places on this board, it is hard to tell cause so many factors contribute to moods and physical ailments.
well i am sure that we also create an extra amount of anxiety by anticipating when and how the meds will work.....i guess the best thing i can think of is to try and keep your mind off of it all as much as you can, and just try to live, for better or for worse....try not to have to much of an opinion about how you feel...not that i am the best at this...but when i can acheive it it does help
Posted by Leo BoStar on February 19, 2003, at 20:35:10
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Well, I made a lot of brave noise here about quitting Lexapro last week. Now I'm down to 10mg and getting scared. That's typical for me. A lot of hot air and bravado followed by wimping out.
Anyway, I can't climb a flight of steps without getting totally winded and having to sit down for a rest. My heart pounds like a triphammer for a few minutes until I can catch my breath and get up and move on. No sweats or numbness or anything like that - just out of breath with a pounding heart.
Anyone else experience this kind of sudden fatigue when withdrawing from Lexapro?
Posted by EGR on February 19, 2003, at 23:00:18
In reply to Re: lexapro, posted by male34 on February 19, 2003, at 8:59:39
IM worried aobut having my personality changed and not being able to experiance emotions the same. Oh Also up until about 3 weeks ago I lived on coffee cigarettes and alcohol at night which I quit all at once on my own. Ive been on lexapro for 5 days now and the only side effect is being mildly dizzy. Does this drug hinder creativity, does it lame out emotions?
Relax skyeXX. You'll be fine. You'll like the "new and improved" you. Your personality won't change, but your outlook will. You'll get to know the "real" you. You won't be afraid... you'll be "braver" in social situations... you'll be more willing to interact with people, etc. It WON'T lower your inhibitions or make you do things you don't want to do. I'm not sure how they work... they take some people more time than others and some have various side effects (mild) but others don't. The worst one seems to be a decreased ability to achieve an orgasm, but some claim that one goes away too.
Just relax, don't try to analyze it all, just heal.
EGR
Posted by EGR on February 19, 2003, at 23:04:17
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » Leo Bostar, posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 18, 2003, at 23:47:47
Notinsane, etc...
I, too, take 20 mgs of Lexapro and 100 mgs of Wellbutrin SR. I can't take the Wellbutrin every day though because I get buzzing in my ears. So far, the Wellbutrin hasn't help me with my orgasms... probably because I don't take it every day. Do you/did you have buzzing in your head and did it go away? It drives me nuts! Thanks for your help.
EGR
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 20, 2003, at 0:46:46
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD, posted by EGR on February 19, 2003, at 23:04:17
I don't remember any ringing in my ear but I was pretty out of it when I first started on Wellbutrin and Zyprexa. So far everything now is fine :)
Posted by nails on February 20, 2003, at 2:53:29
In reply to Re: Switch from Prozac to Lexapro -, posted by gimlet on February 17, 2003, at 15:07:11
Hey gimlet, I can understand your leariness about psychiatrists. Mine told me for 11 years that he wasn't aware of antidep side-effects other than "sexual dysfunction". Since finding this site, I now realize that all of the "weird stuff" I'd been experiencing on antidep meds are common side-effects! You mention "bad past experience with medications". What meds were you taking? Any SSRI's? My doc switched me from Prozac to Lexapro 10 days ago because, although Prozac worked wonders for YEARS (with minimal side effects), it finally "pooped out" on me. So far, I feel no effect of the Lexapro (good or bad) but I think it's too early to judge. Of course, every med effects everyone differently. But from my own experience and from what I've read on this site, Prozac seems to have a positive effect on many people, but tends to lose its effect with time. (MY theory is that one's body tends to build a "tolerance" to anything over time). I don't think there's a definitive answer to your inquiry, but personally, I would try whatever the doc suggests until you feel better :o) Also, I think it's important to note: Many people will try a med for a week and draw a conclusion as to its effectiveness. Personally, I think it's only fair to give an antidep med at LEAST a month to start "working".
Posted by male34 on February 20, 2003, at 9:28:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD, posted by EGR on February 19, 2003, at 23:04:17
> Notinsane, etc...
>
> I, too, take 20 mgs of Lexapro and 100 mgs of Wellbutrin SR. I can't take the Wellbutrin every day though because I get buzzing in my ears. So far, the Wellbutrin hasn't help me with my orgasms... probably because I don't take it every day. Do you/did you have buzzing in your head and did it go away? It drives me nuts! Thanks for your help.
>
> EGR
88888888888i never to weelbutrin but i taKE LEX, BUZ IN EAR I HAD IT FADES AWAY DONT THINK ABOUT IT AND IF YOU LOOK ATITI ANOTHER WAY , START SAYING THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM ,IT WONT HURT YOU KEEP BUSY ITS HARD I KNOW BUT LIFE WILL START ROLLING SMOOTHLY KEEP GOING ON ABOUT YOUR DAILY DEEDS DONT THINK TO HARD ON SIDE EFFECTS SO SO WHAT.GOOD LUCK MY FRIEND
Posted by Dysfunk on February 20, 2003, at 11:19:09
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by Chuck2112 on February 19, 2003, at 10:52:40
That is good advice....I guess if I wasn't a worrier, I wouldn't need anti-anxiety med to begin with! Therein lies the rub!...
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 20, 2003, at 12:26:07
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro » Chuck2112, posted by Dysfunk on February 20, 2003, at 11:19:09
> That is good advice....I guess if I wasn't a worrier, I wouldn't need anti-anxiety med to begin with! Therein lies the rub!...
dysfunk,
yeah, i know there is paradox there, but i think with practice, it gets easier. what i think tends to get in the way is our preconceptions that we have as to how life should be experienced, and we cause ourselves much anguish unconsciously holding ourselves to some standard that really has no basis in reality....
one technique that helps me on some days is to just take in my environment, if i am driving i just look around me and make small little comments to myself about what i see, and try to make associations, like if i am driving and i see a barn, what automatically does that make me think of, oh it makes me think of that barn on that road where i grew up and from there i might start to think about the people who lived there, and from there about something i used to do with my friends and so on and so forth...
Posted by Sadsack on February 20, 2003, at 12:34:51
In reply to Re: LEX wieght gain anybody,or not? » ayuda, posted by EGR on February 12, 2003, at 22:26:40
Didn't you add Wellbutrin to the mix in hopes of decreasing the sse's? I was wondering if it's working. I am SSSOOOOOOO frustrated with the miniature o's instead of the BIG O'S.
Just looking for a brighter light at the end of the tunnel (although I am supremely grateful for the overall benefits of this wonderful drug).
Thanks for your input
Sadsack
Posted by male34 on February 20, 2003, at 13:04:58
In reply to Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going?, posted by Sadsack on February 20, 2003, at 12:34:51
listen there are no answers ive been down this road before paxil, off it to much weight, now on LEX 3 weeks,ive got side effects again it all STINKS!,anxiety for me , best advice take it or sit and dwell and suffer, stop thinking about the side effects easirer said then done right? (your saying) hey im in your same boat second time around i was doing ok,then my mom dies winter kicks in my 3 kids are driving me up the wall snowed in 3 feet of snow,i cant work im a landscaper and now im dealing with a lot with side effects, (im sure theres worse than me or us ) but we got to stick with it SSRI's work great it just the start is rough! stay busy dont worry go out and keep going if your agoraphobic take small steps out further everytime ,listen its only a little tiny nerve impulse vs your big body ,you can conquer this thing that we cant see, or touch, "ya get it" its realy not there at all,think about what I said,progress your thoughts from "what ifs" to "who cares " you gotta get going every second you dwell on it it wins ,take your life back you and you friends and loved ones are waiting,now everybody get going dont dwell, side efects wont hurt you niether will your depression or anxiety,exercize,hobbies social outings snowed in go bowling go to mall,walk the dog,pray to your god,join the gym!i hoped this helped and do it now dont delay.
God bless good luck and keep the faith!MALE34
ps-if your on ssri's starting off with an additional relaxent pill is something you should ask your DR. ,im not a Dr. so ask him first,it will ease the side effects to start off.
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