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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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.
Posted by EGR on February 20, 2003, at 23:22:21
In reply to Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going?, posted by Sadsack on February 20, 2003, at 12:34:51
> Didn't you add Wellbutrin to the mix in hopes of decreasing the sse's?
Yep! That was the hope... the HOPE. I can have little o's with lots of concentration... if the moon is just right and Jupiter is to the left of Venus... BUT, like I was saying. I keep getting this awful buzzing in my head so I stop taking it for a few days. I decided to tough out the head buzzing and keep taking it for at least a month and see what happens. Life is MUCH better this way... with or without o's or O's.EGR
Posted by EGR on February 20, 2003, at 23:28:54
In reply to Re : Lexapro and Wellbutrin » EGR, posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 20, 2003, at 0:46:46
I haven't "seen" you in awhile. Is all fine and dandy, or are things really bad? Or are you just busy? I hope you're just too busy to post and not that you're having problems.
You're missed! :-)
EGR
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 21, 2003, at 10:33:08
In reply to Hey Bozeman!, posted by EGR on February 20, 2003, at 23:28:54
Hi EGR! I am actually pretty new to the board if this message was for me:) I have been suffering Major Depression now for over 6 years ( They say longer but I can say the last 6 have been the worse) LAst year in Feb. I completly crashed on Paxil ended up having Police here at my house and about to lose my kids and husband. Thank god for good people. I was told to go to my county mental health department to get check by professionals that handle mental health( I'd been seeing my OBGYN) My husband came with me and he was so upset to learn that it really was a illness I wasn't just a b tch. We then look for a good mental health doctor needless to say she SUCKED!! Because I was on Zyprex until November when I finally went to a new doc and she is WONDERFUL! She has me on the Well/Lex combo and so far so good. Lots of aniexty still. But if it gets to bad I take Xanax. Anyway thats my story in a nut shell. I am really enjoying this site. And getting to be in on some things. So I hope that you don't mindme! :) I just like to know I am not the only one with these issues. It really helps! GOD BLESS
Posted by EGR on February 21, 2003, at 11:33:36
In reply to My story in a Nut Shell (no PUN intented, maybe ;) » EGR, posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 21, 2003, at 10:33:08
Hi NOT...! (You have a much too long name! :-) )
Here's my scoop. I have been depressed off and on for about 20 years.. runs in the family. For the last 4 or so years I have been denying the fact that I needed meds... trying to do it with CBT kinds of stuff. Last fall I starting becoming VERY negative and ended up suicidal. My pastor (who is also my boss... I work at a church) ended up having to do an intervention and got me on meds. I SHOULD have gone inpatient but didn't. I was on 4 meds before landing on Lexapro around Dec. Started on 10 mgs and went to 20, then added the Wellbutrin for sse. I, too, love knowing that I'm not alone, that these side effects are "normal", that some go away... and that the support is out here.
Bozeman is an actual person on this site, but I'm glad to make your acquaintance too!
EGR
Posted by bozeman on February 21, 2003, at 23:12:12
In reply to Hey Bozeman!, posted by EGR on February 20, 2003, at 23:28:54
> I haven't "seen" you in awhile. Is all fine and dandy, or are things really bad? Or are you just busy? I hope you're just too busy to post and not that you're having problems.
>
> You're missed! :-)
>
> EGRHi EGR!!
Life has exploded (imploded a better word perhaps?) I've been venting over on social about my troubles (someone must have kidnapped my boyfriend, as there's a rabid wolverine in his place -- my kitty baby tried to die on me but I wouldn't let him -- luckily he's as tough as his mama ha ha -- etc ad nauseum.)
The *good* news is, I saw my doctor yesterday and we discussed (among other things) the difference in
*chemical* and *emotional* depression. She says it's perfectly normal and OK for someone going through all this to be upset (almost certain impending breakup of long-term relationship, etc, etc) but the point is to keep me from being chemically depressed so I can still have my coping skills. And she's right -- it feels completely different than the "crush-the-breath-out-of-you" depression I was fighting before the Lexapro. I'm sad and stressed, but it's from actual events, not from "anticipating/dreading" events, if that makes any sense.Like the impeding breakup. This is probably the first time in my life I've been able to sit and work through it in my mind without going to pieces. It's almost like we've already split, and I wish it didn't have to be so, but it is, and I can't change him. His way of dealing with issues is yell and then avoid/ignore, so they never get resolved. I've always known this about him, so I've always backed off and let him have his way. The biggest reason I started taking Lexapro is my doctor was concerned that I seemed to be forcing myself farther and farther back into a box (and it was slowly compressing me to a point where I would have eventually exploded.) She was right -- I was avoiding his anger by refusing to stand up to him. Since getting stable on Lexapro, I don't fear his anger (I'm not so rejection-sensitive :-) and I speak my mind. Don't pick fights, but don't back down if he picks one, either. So he's getting more and more unstable lately, (probably because he's insecure of my feelings since I'm verbally standing up to him) and that makes me very sad. I know he is just feeling threatened, but I can't change how he feels, only he can, and if being with me, who I *really* am, makes him feel threatened to that extent, then better that we make a clean break now. It makes me very sad but I can't change it. :-( Don't get me wrong, he's not violent and he would never hurt me. But he's violently opinionated, probably because he's insecure about his opinions, and he needs as much therapy as I've had to work through those issues. But he's waaaay to stubborn and obstinate to get it. So our impasse is permanent, it seems. I can't/ won't give up who I am, and he can't let go of the past without help, and he won't get help. Endgame. =-(
But at least I'm a different kind of sad -- it doesn't feel like the end of the world. I always wondered how people could break up and just go on with their lives -- not go into a screeching halt from grief. Now I know. Those people weren't clinically, chemically depressed. And, as much as I have always argued about it, I apparently have been for nearly thirty years, if not my entire life.
Hope everything is well in your world, my friend. Thanks for checking on me. I'll check back in when things calm down a bit.
bozeman
Posted by xxshooffxx on February 22, 2003, at 3:55:45
In reply to side effect,answers!!!!, posted by male34 on February 20, 2003, at 13:04:58
I'm new to this sort of stuff!!! I herniated a disk in my lower back about 6 mos. ago, and have been off work ever since. This is the longest I've been off work in 15 years. Married with 2 boys 1- 18mos., and 1- 6 weeks. Not really sure how to handle being off work. I'm aggitated easily and mood swings are becoming more agressive. The doc gave me some Lexapro to try out I had 2 weeks worth. I ran out a few days ago. Now, I've been having some crazy dreams, and the sweating sounds too familiar, and the teeth grinding as well. So, is this normal or is it too soon to say it's the Lexapro? any info would be very helpful. Thanks
Posted by judangel on February 22, 2003, at 11:08:18
In reply to Re: Celexa and Japan » johnj, posted by IsoM on August 23, 2002, at 20:17:16
I switched from Zoloft to Lexapro 3 weeks ago. Side effects seem to be about the same. I don't think that it is helping my depression.......yet. I was on 50 mg. of zoloft and am currently taking 10mg. of Lexapro. Anyone have similar results?
Posted by kb on February 22, 2003, at 11:10:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD, posted by EGR on February 19, 2003, at 23:04:17
I take both Lexapro and Wellbutrin and haven't noticed any side effects - I was previously on celexa and wellbutrin and made the switch without any trouble. I'm also currently in the process of switching from Zyprexa to Abilify.
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 22, 2003, at 12:13:52
In reply to new to this stuff!!!, posted by xxshooffxx on February 22, 2003, at 3:55:45
Hi, I am no expert by any means but two weeks is not long enough to know if the lexapro or not. I would say since you have not had any for a few days your body is in a tremoil because you stopped taking the meds. I would contact your doctor and tell them whats going on and then let them make a desicion. You have to give meds at least 4-8 weeks to see how things are going and never ever go off your meds. I did that after my first daughter six years ago and I went wacko. Then after my secound child two years ago it got worse and finally I was diagnosed with post partum major depression. Which now they say I just have major depression. So please get on your meds and give it a shot. Your only going to hurt yourself and your family if you don't keep on them. ( Not physically just its hard I put my family through pure hell for past 6+ years) God Bless
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 22, 2003, at 12:17:26
In reply to Lexapro, posted by judangel on February 22, 2003, at 11:08:18
Really toi soon to tell, But if questions contact your doctor maybe going to 20 mg you might feel better. You may even ask if going with Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR would be better. I was on Zoloft for 6 years and all the way up to 150 mg and it did not really help. I mean it did but not good enough. The combo of Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR for me has been awesome so far and I am going on 3 months. I am currently taking 20 mg of Lexapro and Wellburtin SR 150 mg twice a day. Hope this helps Good Luck. And hang in there.
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 22, 2003, at 12:19:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR, posted by kb on February 22, 2003, at 11:10:19
Yo will love being off the Zyprexa!!! I was on it for over 9 months gain 55 lbs and could not do anything to get it off and it sort of made my depression worse. I know nothing about what your switching too. I just had to put my two cents in on the Zyprexa. :) Good luck God Bless :)
Posted by oldhand on February 22, 2003, at 12:52:19
In reply to new to this stuff!!!, posted by xxshooffxx on February 22, 2003, at 3:55:45
> I'm new to this sort of stuff!!! I herniated a disk in my lower back about 6 mos. ago, and have been off work ever since. This is the longest I've been off work in 15 years. Married with 2 boys 1- 18mos., and 1- 6 weeks. Not really sure how to handle being off work. I'm aggitated easily and mood swings are becoming more agressive. The doc gave me some Lexapro to try out I had 2 weeks worth. I ran out a few days ago. Now, I've been having some crazy dreams, and the sweating sounds too familiar, and the teeth grinding as well. So, is this normal or is it too soon to say it's the Lexapro? any info would be very helpful. Thanks
Give the Lexapro more time. Two weeks is not nearly enough. I continue to have sweats and jaw clenching after more than 3 months but I can deal with those easier than the depression. The jaw clenching is MUCH better than it was earlier and it practically disappears if I am getting some exercize. Sweats are a piece of cake after hot flashes :-)
This med has practically turned my life around after trying almost all the other ADs. Please get with your doc for a longer trial and see if it will help you too. Best wishes and good health.
Posted by Dysfunk on February 22, 2003, at 13:34:44
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro » Dysfunk, posted by SLS on February 18, 2003, at 21:20:11
I have tried all kinds of combinations. Can't even remember. Prozac works the best for me. I just went up on Lexapro yesterday, so I will see what happens in the next 2 weeks before I give up. Thanks.
Posted by Sadsack on February 22, 2003, at 14:12:14
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going?, posted by EGR on February 20, 2003, at 23:22:21
You're right of course, feeling better is the most important part. I still miss my o's but they can wait I guess. I don't think I like the sound of head buzzing-you get your blood pressure checked? High BP can cause that too.
I am wondering if I should be doing something a bit different. I am functional and not depressed but am still feeling some "quiet desperation". It motivates me to do things like purge my house of everything not tied down (so far not the husband and kids, but.......). Which is good since we have a small house and alot of stuff, but It kinda feels like digging an escape tunnel, like maybe if I remove the clutter I can breathe again. Does this make any sense? I guess I am telling you because you seem to be one of the most level headed, empathetic folks out there (and I appreciate your positive attitude). I'd like to hear your opinion.
Thanks and take care
Sadsack
Posted by bozeman on February 22, 2003, at 14:37:38
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » EGR, posted by Sadsack on February 22, 2003, at 14:12:14
Wow. I am so relieved to hear someone else has the "purge the whole house" reaction to stress. I want to simplify, simplify, simplify to the point of throwing away things I really do need, when life gets overwhelming. (even when I'm not in the grips of a depression, like now)
bozeman
Posted by EGR on February 22, 2003, at 17:12:47
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » EGR, posted by Sadsack on February 22, 2003, at 14:12:14
Hey Sadsack,
> I don't think I like the sound of head buzzing-you get your blood pressure checked? High BP can cause that too.
Yeah... I think I've been in denial about that... I've suspected it might be BP related... now that someone has mentioned it, I'll check it out. Thanks!
> I am wondering if I should be doing something a bit different. I am functional and not depressed but am still feeling some "quiet desperation". It motivates me to do things like purge my house of everything not tied down (so far not the husband and kids, but.......). Which is good since we have a small house and alot of stuff, but It kinda feels like digging an escape tunnel, like maybe if I remove the clutter I can breathe again. Does this make any sense?Makes perfect sense. In a way, the motivation is a good sign. It means you're feeling better, right? How long have you been on the meds? I don't remember. I'm still "lazy" but not quite as much. But you're right, it COULD BE escape. What sort of things are you purging? Junk? or "good stuff"?
"Quiet desperation" doesn't sound too good though. How are you with day to day tasks like laundry and cooking dinner, etc.? Can you get up in the morning alright? or are you still dragging yourself out of bed? Because it IS possible you need a med increase.
I guess I am telling you because you seem to be one of the most level headed, empathetic folks out there (and I appreciate your positive attitude). I'd like to hear your opinion.
WOW!! THAT is humbling. Thank you.
> Thanks and take care
> SadsackI'll look forward to hearing from you. Take care yourself... remember that you're loved.
EGR
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 22, 2003, at 18:49:52
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » Sadsack, posted by bozeman on February 22, 2003, at 14:37:38
Prasie God I thought it was just me! My husbnad thinks I have gone completly mad!! :) I too have clean out every square foot of my house and I still find more tp throw away! Wow we are more normal than we all thought!!!:) LOL
Posted by male34 on February 22, 2003, at 20:29:06
In reply to new to this stuff!!!, posted by xxshooffxx on February 22, 2003, at 3:55:45
> I'm new to this sort of stuff!!! I herniated a disk in my lower back about 6 mos. ago, and have been off work ever since. This is the longest I've been off work in 15 years. Married with 2 boys 1- 18mos., and 1- 6 weeks. Not really sure how to handle being off work. I'm aggitated easily and mood swings are becoming more agressive. The doc gave me some Lexapro to try out I had 2 weeks worth. I ran out a few days ago. Now, I've been having some crazy dreams, and the sweating sounds too familiar, and the teeth grinding as well. So, is this normal or is it too soon to say it's the Lexapro? any info would be very helpful. Thanks
*********crazy dreams all normal but you either have to slowly og off or stay on, this is not a drug to be taken on and off just like that I feel for you man, Im a dad also construdtion work etc,, being out of work is hard kids are hard your sitting around just thinking thinking thinking right? try to keep busy and maybe stay on lexapro let it work for you , its gotten good results but it takes 3-4 weeks to become theraputic its not an overnight instant> it needs to adjust to your body ,try your best good luck love your family all the best my man!
Posted by Lynda58 on February 23, 2003, at 9:42:19
In reply to Re: Night Sweats » newuser2, posted by Kairos on January 1, 2003, at 23:18:12
I have found the best thing in the world @ www.koolsheets.com
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