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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by JaneB on May 13, 2003, at 17:44:26
In reply to To sum up the thread so far, is Lexapro better?, posted by billk on May 13, 2003, at 15:14:06
Posted by kkat on May 14, 2003, at 10:08:44
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by jjana on May 9, 2003, at 3:19:21
I am new to Lex and switched from Zoloft to Lex, 10 mg a day. Felt fine for a while, but then noticed wasn't doing as well. started to get anxiety BAD so I uped it to 20 mg two weeks ago. Talked to my doc yesterday and he told me to give it one more week and to take the xanax and see if I improved. I usually never have to take xanax. I still have the script from October last year that I haven't finished, but am using it now. From what I am reading, it sounds like it will take a while to get over this feeling. Can someone help reassure me of this? If not, will have to switch to something else.
Posted by Okpolosi on May 14, 2003, at 14:55:24
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » jjana, posted by kkat on May 14, 2003, at 10:08:44
> I am new to Lex and switched from Zoloft to Lex, 10 mg a day. Felt fine for a while, but then noticed wasn't doing as well. started to get anxiety BAD so I uped it to 20 mg two weeks ago. Talked to my doc yesterday and he told me to give it one more week and to take the xanax and see if I improved. I usually never have to take xanax. I still have the script from October last year that I haven't finished, but am using it now. From what I am reading, it sounds like it will take a while to get over this feeling. Can someone help reassure me of this? If not, will have to switch to something else.
Anxiety increase could be and SE of Lex...I NEVER suffered from anxiety until I started taking Lex. About weeks 4-5 it was the worst, but gradually went away. Have been on Lex 4 mos. with VERY good results.
Deffinitely give the meds a chance to work...it took 9 weeks for me. HANG IN THERE and good luck!
Posted by blkvettes on May 14, 2003, at 15:34:28
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » jjana, posted by kkat on May 14, 2003, at 10:08:44
> I am new to Lex and switched from Zoloft to Lex, 10 mg a day. Felt fine for a while, but then noticed wasn't doing as well. started to get anxiety BAD so I uped it to 20 mg two weeks ago. Talked to my doc yesterday and he told me to give it one more week and to take the xanax and see if I improved. I usually never have to take xanax. I still have the script from October last year that I haven't finished, but am using it now. From what I am reading, it sounds like it will take a while to get over this feeling. Can someone help reassure me of this? If not, will have to switch to something else.
Hi there, try to hang in there the best you can and give it a fair chance. Some of the posters on this board have had terrible side effects and then got better. If anxiety is the only SE please try to wait it out. Go back and look at some of the old posts!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!
Posted by pumpkin on May 14, 2003, at 20:25:11
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by blkvettes on May 14, 2003, at 15:34:28
Might sound totally off board, but I'm starting
to wonder if all the diagnosis and labels that
are placed on people like you and me, if the
MAIN problem is depression coming in so many
forms, and severities? Ex. Some people may
see things, others may hear things, some have
anxiety, OBS, insomnia, etc... Any thoughts?
There's got to be some MAJOR link for all!Had to go down on Depakote (mood stabilizer).
It "wiped" me out, and got depressed moreso.
Plus, have had some other bad SE's. What a trip
I've been on the last two days! But, I'm starting
to feel better alittle.Also, I do not have a thyroid gland. But T3's,
T4's, TSH's should be tested on regular basis
no matter what. Yes, it could also be a major
factor, along with good old hormones!Keep on posting...
Posted by Valerie on May 15, 2003, at 8:45:56
In reply to How does Lexapro affect sleep, posted by shoff on May 10, 2003, at 2:08:17
> I started Lexapro a few days ago (no real effect yet) and my sleep patterns seems to be terrible since. Is this a common side effect?
I am a morning person and I can't get up in the mornings because it has affected my sleeping so much. I think that because one of the SE's is intense dreaming that I am probably restless all night. I wake up feeling as though I just literally experienced the dream. The dreams are just incredibly realistic and vivid. The dreams are getting more and more intense and frequent so I take xanax before bed to help get some rest.
Posted by Lexi on May 15, 2003, at 12:58:26
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
Posted by DC on May 15, 2003, at 13:03:35
In reply to Re: How does Lexapro affect sleep, posted by Valerie on May 15, 2003, at 8:45:56
> > I started Lexapro a few days ago (no real effect yet) and my sleep patterns seems to be terrible since. Is this a common side effect?
>
> I am a morning person and I can't get up in the mornings because it has affected my sleeping so much. I think that because one of the SE's is intense dreaming that I am probably restless all night. I wake up feeling as though I just literally experienced the dream. The dreams are just incredibly realistic and vivid. The dreams are getting more and more intense and frequent so I take xanax before bed to help get some rest.
>
>I have had the same situation with the dreams lately.
Some seem so realistic that if they have a conversation
or something with my son, I almost want to ask him
if we really did have the conversation or not. Or
I will bring up a subject and have him not have a
clue what I am talking about and I stop and think
it was possibly one of my dreams. I have never awakened
in the middle of the night absolutely freaked or
scared from a dream, but have since the Lexapro.
Actually woke myself up due to a gasp/scream type
reaction to the dream. I seem to be taking my
Ambien more often in order to get a more restfull
sleep. I am hoping that the Ambien doesn't get too
addicting though.
Posted by DC on May 15, 2003, at 13:21:08
In reply to Dosage on Lexapro, posted by Lexi on May 15, 2003, at 12:58:26
> I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
I am also curious of any suggestions regarding Lexapro.
I have started at 5mg, then 10mg and now 20mg for about
3 weeks at the level of 20mg. My depressive state
seems to still be lingering around me. Being the
type that wants instant gratification (who doesn't LOL)
I am not sure how long I should wait. Some of my
family states they have noticed a "change" but I
don't see or really feel it. Also on 300mg of
Wellbutrin daily (150mg in the a.m. and 150mg in the
p.m.) Still get the "feelings" that if it wasn't
for my son I may not have "stuck around" anymore.
Just not sure where to turn????
Posted by blkvettes on May 15, 2003, at 13:49:33
In reply to Re: Dosage on Lexapro » Lexi, posted by DC on May 15, 2003, at 13:21:08
> > I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
>
> I am also curious of any suggestions regarding Lexapro.
> I have started at 5mg, then 10mg and now 20mg for about
> 3 weeks at the level of 20mg. My depressive state
> seems to still be lingering around me. Being the
> type that wants instant gratification (who doesn't LOL)
> I am not sure how long I should wait. Some of my
> family states they have noticed a "change" but I
> don't see or really feel it. Also on 300mg of
> Wellbutrin daily (150mg in the a.m. and 150mg in the
> p.m.) Still get the "feelings" that if it wasn't
> for my son I may not have "stuck around" anymore.
> Just not sure where to turn????Hi DC, how long you been taking it? People also said to me I was different before I felt it myself. By sticking around I hope that does not mean harming yourself. I to have felt that way!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on May 15, 2003, at 13:51:48
In reply to Dosage on Lexapro, posted by Lexi on May 15, 2003, at 12:58:26
> I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
Hi 6 weeks is not long, try to be patient.
WAYNE
Posted by Cortney on May 15, 2003, at 14:27:36
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Has anyone had anxiety problems with Lexapro?
I had severe panic attacks with Celexa and am afraid the same thing will happen with Lexapro since they are related. Panic attacks went away with Paxil and Effexor, but my brain seems to like to build up a tolerance to antidepressants.
Also used Prozac, Serzone, Zoloft.
Anyone?
Posted by DC on May 15, 2003, at 15:31:14
In reply to Re: Dosage on Lexapro, posted by blkvettes on May 15, 2003, at 13:49:33
> > > I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
> >
> > I am also curious of any suggestions regarding Lexapro.
> > I have started at 5mg, then 10mg and now 20mg for about
> > 3 weeks at the level of 20mg. My depressive state
> > seems to still be lingering around me. Being the
> > type that wants instant gratification (who doesn't LOL)
> > I am not sure how long I should wait. Some of my
> > family states they have noticed a "change" but I
> > don't see or really feel it. Also on 300mg of
> > Wellbutrin daily (150mg in the a.m. and 150mg in the
> > p.m.) Still get the "feelings" that if it wasn't
> > for my son I may not have "stuck around" anymore.
> > Just not sure where to turn????
>
>
>
> Hi DC, how long you been taking it? People also said to me I was different before I felt it myself. By sticking around I hope that does not mean harming yourself. I to have felt that way!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!
> WAYNE
>
>I started the Lexapro about mid to late February.
It feels like it has been much longer, but I have
just relocated in January and know I changed my
appointment to a new doctor afterwards. As for
"sticking around" I have had "thoughts" but honestly
this is my theory: my grandmother is too old, my
brother too young, my mother too neurotic and my
son's father's side (father deceased) can't even
explain, so will stay for him. :-) I just don't
feel like there is that much of change in myself,
but guess others would notice more than I would
being I am extremely hard on myself to begin with.
Posted by blkvettes on May 15, 2003, at 16:18:07
In reply to Anxiety and Lexapro, posted by Cortney on May 15, 2003, at 14:27:36
> Has anyone had anxiety problems with Lexapro?
> I had severe panic attacks with Celexa and am afraid the same thing will happen with Lexapro since they are related. Panic attacks went away with Paxil and Effexor, but my brain seems to like to build up a tolerance to antidepressants.
> Also used Prozac, Serzone, Zoloft.
> Anyone?
Hi there, cant really answer your question. I dont think anyone can to be honest with you. The only thing I can say is keep trying and dont give up. Lexapro has done wonders for me and my panic attacks!!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!
Posted by blkvettes on May 15, 2003, at 16:32:58
In reply to Re: Dosage on Lexapro » blkvettes, posted by DC on May 15, 2003, at 15:31:14
> > > > I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
> > >
> > > I am also curious of any suggestions regarding Lexapro.
> > > I have started at 5mg, then 10mg and now 20mg for about
> > > 3 weeks at the level of 20mg. My depressive state
> > > seems to still be lingering around me. Being the
> > > type that wants instant gratification (who doesn't LOL)
> > > I am not sure how long I should wait. Some of my
> > > family states they have noticed a "change" but I
> > > don't see or really feel it. Also on 300mg of
> > > Wellbutrin daily (150mg in the a.m. and 150mg in the
> > > p.m.) Still get the "feelings" that if it wasn't
> > > for my son I may not have "stuck around" anymore.
> > > Just not sure where to turn????
> >
> >
> >
> > Hi DC, how long you been taking it? People also said to me I was different before I felt it myself. By sticking around I hope that does not mean harming yourself. I to have felt that way!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!
> > WAYNE
> >
> >
>
> I started the Lexapro about mid to late February.
> It feels like it has been much longer, but I have
> just relocated in January and know I changed my
> appointment to a new doctor afterwards. As for
> "sticking around" I have had "thoughts" but honestly
> this is my theory: my grandmother is too old, my
> brother too young, my mother too neurotic and my
> son's father's side (father deceased) can't even
> explain, so will stay for him. :-) I just don't
> feel like there is that much of change in myself,
> but guess others would notice more than I would
> being I am extremely hard on myself to begin with.Hi DC, I am very hard on myself also!!! Just the slightest thing that goes wrong sets me off. If I feel good one day and the next day I dont feel the same I get depressed. I know I am going to have normal bad days just like everyone else. But us with this illness magnify everything to great extremes. Just since I last posted my best friend on the net wont be able to contact me for about 4 weeks. We were both crying and dont know what I will do!!!!!! She knows everything about my recovery and me hers. We have emailed and chatted for months every single day, sometimes for hours. I right now feel like I have died inside!!!! You take a lot more lex than I do. Maybe give it another month if you can and see if your body adjusts. If you decide to quit the lex, wean off slowly and you might get lucky and hit a good dose on the way down. Nobody knows how this is suppose work for us all. I just hope you keep trying and it all works for you in time. As for me I will probably cry myself to sleep and hope for a better day tomorrow. But I wont quit and refuse to let this illness win!!!!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU DC!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by mills on May 15, 2003, at 16:36:18
In reply to Thinking...., posted by pumpkin on May 14, 2003, at 20:25:11
I like your thinking pumpkin; in fact, I think about this sort of thing all the time. I too suspect there are universal fundamental factors that have not yet been realized, or if not universal, then common things that would allow us to better understand the different categories of mental disorders or imbalances like the ones we are dealing with. Just think about before doctors knew that microorganisms caused sickness, and when that started being understood, and then there was a distinction between bacteria and viruses, etc.
Anyway, here's my two cents, for whatever it's worth. Rather than depression, or maybe in addition to depression as a causal factor in a lot of these disorders, I suspect that it is anxiety, some kind of core anxiety, that is at the bottom of depression, OCD, panic, phobias, malaise, generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety, etc. And, if you want to go further, I suspect it's just plain old fear that is at the bottom of that.
So what do you think?
> Might sound totally off board, but I'm starting
> to wonder if all the diagnosis and labels that
> are placed on people like you and me, if the
> MAIN problem is depression coming in so many
> forms, and severities? Ex. Some people may
> see things, others may hear things, some have
> anxiety, OBS, insomnia, etc... Any thoughts?
> There's got to be some MAJOR link for all!
>
> Had to go down on Depakote (mood stabilizer).
> It "wiped" me out, and got depressed moreso.
> Plus, have had some other bad SE's. What a trip
> I've been on the last two days! But, I'm starting
> to feel better alittle.
>
> Also, I do not have a thyroid gland. But T3's,
> T4's, TSH's should be tested on regular basis
> no matter what. Yes, it could also be a major
> factor, along with good old hormones!
>
> Keep on posting...
Posted by shoff on May 16, 2003, at 15:50:59
In reply to Thinking...., posted by pumpkin on May 14, 2003, at 20:25:11
I've been taking Lexapro (10mg) for about 12 days now. And as of yesterday I started to feel a bit hyper and or anxious, like i should take a walk or go to the gym. Is this normal and will it pass? Any suggestions would be great.
Posted by Cortney on May 16, 2003, at 16:29:12
In reply to Feeling anxious on Lexapro, posted by shoff on May 16, 2003, at 15:50:59
I don't know if it will pass.
I had the same problem on Celexa.
It got to the point that I felt like I could jump out of my own skin and I had to go off it.
I just started Lexapro a few days ago and have not had any anxiety symptoms as of yet.
Posted by oregon on May 16, 2003, at 17:17:04
In reply to Feeling anxious on Lexapro, posted by shoff on May 16, 2003, at 15:50:59
I was getting tired, more anxious during the day, I switched taking medication from am to pm. I have dentures, I wear them at night also. Upon awakening, I had cletched my jaw so tight that it cut into the gum area :( . I can actually feel the split in my gums and my jaw felt really tired.
My overall window of the world has improved, I am getting more things done and I am happier.
One thing for sure we are all survivors, we are strong individuals I wish I could meet you all :). Take Care and BLESS YOU :) Sharon
Posted by pumpkin on May 17, 2003, at 13:46:03
In reply to Re: Thinking...., posted by mills on May 15, 2003, at 16:36:18
Dear Mills,
It's one of those "chicken" stories- what came
first!I do have to agree about anxiety- which is fear.
I know this from experience. When I was off
anti-depressants, I started to experience again
the same "fears". Went onto Lex., and stayed on
my Depakote- found that I was going through
the same depresssion. Went off Depakote, and felt
pretty good until my mind started "racing" and I
couldn't sleep. Went back on Depakote (small
dose), and now I feel like terrible in all ways.
I'm going off again. I've had enough! My next
step is slowly going off the Lex- going through
withdrawel and anguish, and dealing with what
"pops" (memories) into my head. I do know that
some terrible things have happened to me, and I'm
ready (despite the pain) to deal with it. I'm
not concerned about the .25 Klonopin I take as
yet. My goal (if the Lord wills), is to go off
the meds, but again this is my goal. I don't
know what the Lord has in store. I do however
know that I have to do my part in not being
"drugged up". I can't live like this, I hate
feeling drugged. The Lord has been most gracious
to heal me from alot of past trauma's- I count
on Him to continue. But until this is done, I will go one step at a time.I agree with you. Whether it's depression, or
anxiety- there has to be a common factor in all
this! For me, I'm just in the middle of a "di-
section" period. I have nothing to loose! I
have to find out whether it's is biochemical,
traumas, or both mixed- since it runs in my family. This is most interesting to me, and
can effect my future generations! Staying on
20 mgs. of Lex for now.Thanks for your post.
Posted by shoff on May 17, 2003, at 17:09:26
In reply to Re: Feeling anxious on Lexapro, posted by Cortney on May 16, 2003, at 16:29:12
Hello???????????? Anyone out there?????????
Posted by blkvettes on May 17, 2003, at 17:19:12
In reply to Feeling anxious on Lexapro, posted by shoff on May 16, 2003, at 15:50:59
> I've been taking Lexapro (10mg) for about 12 days now. And as of yesterday I started to feel a bit hyper and or anxious, like i should take a walk or go to the gym. Is this normal and will it pass? Any suggestions would be great.
Hi there, this feeling should go away in time. I take 7.5mg of the lex. Try to be patient, maybe a benzo such as xanax or klonopin would help. Speak with your doctor. Sometimes this board gets slow!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on May 17, 2003, at 17:21:37
In reply to Re: Feeling anxious on Lexapro, posted by shoff on May 17, 2003, at 17:09:26
> Hello???????????? Anyone out there?????????
Hi there, the board gets slow!!!!!!! There is good info on the old posts if you have patience to read them!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by lil' jimi on May 18, 2003, at 1:45:26
In reply to Feeling anxious on Lexapro, posted by shoff on May 16, 2003, at 15:50:59
> I've been taking Lexapro (10mg) for about 12 days now. And as of yesterday I started to feel a bit hyper and or anxious, like i should take a walk or go to the gym. Is this normal and will it pass? Any suggestions would be great.
hi to shoff and cortney,
welcome and thank you for posting .... there's always a listening ear here .... even if we may not be up to getting our lazy ... bones to work the keyboard, real quick.
i had anxiety when i first started taking lexapro ..... i took 10mg on march 6th and had some pretty intense SEs which made me cut back to 5mg and got me to find this message board which gave me the encouragement to endure my SEs and keep taking lexapro .... i went back up to 10mg on april 9th.
i had panic-anxiety attacks which for me were more unnerving because i had never had them before .... to me, it was very much like there was an electric - hyper - nervous - wound-up energy aspect to lexapro, reminiscent of amphetamines, and at times, after taking a dose, there would be these episodes of depersonalization, not unlike lsd. ... . i also suffered sweating spells, muscle tension, upset stomach, anorgasmia and depression....
for about a week
panic attacks: days 2 and 3 .... (day 3 i find psycho-babble)
anxiety: days 2 through 7
anorgasmia: days 2 through 5 1/2
bad stomach: days 1 through 5
sweating: a couple of weeks .... i still have some sweating, but not often and not at night.by day 10 i was fine and except for the sweats and they continue to get better.
so: i was anxious when i started lex, but it was one of the initial adaptation side effects (SEs), and it went away.
the archives of this thread contain an invaluable wealth of validation and encouragement and must be highly recommended for every new lex user.(update for our weight conscious lex users: i had been weight neutral since i began lex,
But i have gained
5 lbs
from april 9 to may 1
.... should this keep up, i’m having my triglycerides checked again.)everyone’s posts have been extremely helpful to me and i thank our posters, one and all.
may all lex users find success.
(w/a tip o’ the hat to wayne=>)
TAKE CARE ! ! ! ! !
~ jim
Posted by Okpolosi on May 18, 2003, at 10:55:45
In reply to Anxiety and Lexapro, posted by Cortney on May 15, 2003, at 14:27:36
> Has anyone had anxiety problems with Lexapro?
> I had severe panic attacks with Celexa and am afraid the same thing will happen with Lexapro since they are related. Panic attacks went away with Paxil and Effexor, but my brain seems to like to build up a tolerance to antidepressants.
> Also used Prozac, Serzone, Zoloft.
> Anyone?I have never had anxiety attacks before, but I did have them at weeks 4-5 on Lex. For me, it was another in a long line of side effects that went away. Now at 4 mos. and only SE I still notice occasionally is jaw clenching. Otherwise I have had good results.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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