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Posted by sfmom on October 28, 2003, at 9:48:01
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » sfmom, posted by Mariposa on October 27, 2003, at 22:05:08
> >
> I took my Lex a couple of hours ago and my ankles are killing me right now and I'm feeling really anxious, although yogurt seems to be helping with the nausea. If this continues, I don't know if I'm going to be able to stay on Lexapro. It's only been five days and I'm supposed to go up to 20 mg after two weeks!
>
> The initial side effects can be quite bothersome, but they should taper off and go away. The worst was over for me after 2nd week, mostly gone after 5th week.
>
> I started at 5mg, went to 10mg 5th week, and 20mg at 5 months. May I ask, why the big rush to go up to 20mg?~~~8|8The quick answer is because my pdoc said so. The longer answer is that I have been totally non-functioning because of anxiety and panic attacks and since Lex is mainly for depression, she wants to get me up to a higher dose quicker so it can work for the anxiety too and I can taper off the Klonopin which she doesn't want me to stay on too long. Also, I'm out on disability only until Dec 1 so she wanted to get me functioning before then so I can go back to work. Anyway, this is how it was explained to me, don't know how much truth it holds. I was planning to take my Lex this morning in hopes of being able to sleep better tonight but am putting it off in fear of feeling sick the rest of the day. The joint pressure and pain seems to be getting worse with every dose. There's got to be something to help with this! Have you heard of anything that lessens it? My mom said to try calcium (sp?) but that's mainly for cramping, not joint pain and jerking.
Posted by Esmarelda on October 28, 2003, at 9:51:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » Mariposa, posted by sfmom on October 28, 2003, at 9:48:01
Hang in there. The SE's will go away. I was only nauseated for about one week. I never did have the joint pain. I feel for you. While Lex may not be for everyone, I know those who have hung in there, have sure been glad they did. Myself included.
Posted by platinumbride on October 28, 2003, at 11:17:07
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS one more thing » platinumbride, posted by LynneDa on October 27, 2003, at 9:55:03
I'm not a sick perv, but I would like to know if anyone has any luck with anything that vibrates. It has really helped me a lot.....
Diane
Posted by Gator on October 28, 2003, at 11:18:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » sfmom, posted by Esmarelda on October 28, 2003, at 9:51:19
This is the first time I have posted, but I read all of the posts every day. I've been taking Lexapro for 3 weeks now. In the begining I had several SE's including migraines, nausea, problems with my blood sugar going too low, feeling diconnected and being very tired. But at about 2 weeks everyone of them were almost completely gone. I am taking this for depression and I am feeling better, even like I deserve to be on this earth.
Thank you for all of the people that post - you guys were my inspiration to get through the SE's and feel the way I am today.
Posted by Esmarelda on October 28, 2003, at 11:24:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am, posted by Gator on October 28, 2003, at 11:18:55
Congratulations! Glad to hear that you are feeling better. Lexapro has been a miracle drug for me. You just gotta hang in there a bit!
Posted by LynneDa on October 28, 2003, at 11:29:16
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am, posted by Gator on October 28, 2003, at 11:18:55
Thanks for posting. I'm heading into week 2 and am seeing some of my s/e's leave,am feeling much more balanced. It's encouraging to hear most of your s/e's are gone. I am looking forward to that!
~ Lynne
Posted by Mariposa on October 28, 2003, at 22:10:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » Mariposa, posted by sfmom on October 28, 2003, at 9:48:01
I was planning to take my Lex this morning in hopes of being able to sleep better tonight but am putting it off in fear of feeling sick the rest of the day. The joint pressure and pain seems to be getting worse with every dose. There's got to be something to help with this! Have you heard of anything that lessens it? My mom said to try calcium (sp?) but that's mainly for cramping, not joint pain and jerking.
If it's really painful you should consult your physician.
I take all kinds of supplements (Calcium,B12,E,fish oil, etc.) I didn't have the joint pain you mention...I have arthritis so I probably wouldn't have noticed it anyway. Jerking was not a side effect I experienced, aand hopefully so of the more knowledgeable posters will respond???~~~8|8
Posted by Mariposa on October 28, 2003, at 22:13:13
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am, posted by Gator on October 28, 2003, at 11:18:55
> This is the first time I have posted, but I read all of the posts every day. I've been taking Lexapro for 3 weeks now. In the begining I had several SE's including migraines, nausea, problems with my blood sugar going too low, feeling diconnected and being very tired. But at about 2 weeks everyone of them were almost completely gone. I am taking this for depression and I am feeling better, even like I deserve to be on this earth.
>
> Thank you for all of the people that post - you guys were my inspiration to get through the SE's and feel the way I am today.This is GREAT!!! Positive thoughts and continue improving!!!~~~8|8
Posted by Cubsfan on October 29, 2003, at 15:03:54
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » Gator, posted by Mariposa on October 28, 2003, at 22:13:13
Hi there! Today was the first time I read through the messages on this thread and they are all very interesting. Thanks to all of you for your contributions! I have recently been prescribed to take Lexapro for mild depression and possibly dysthymia. I have been counseled by my therapist for the past three months to take an anti-depressant but have resisted thus far due to the SE's as well as the fear of becoming dependent upon them. The short-version of my story is that I'm 27 years old and have gone through major bouts of depression a couple of times in my life, most recently starting about a year back. Although I don't feel that I currently have major depression, I don't feel quite right and don't feel that I have any excitement for life. I've felt this way for a long time off and on. That's why I wonder if I have dysthymia, something which no one has been able to confirm one way or the other. Basically, I'm still unsure about whether there is some sort of a chemical imbalance that I'm suffering from or just thinking patterns that I need to work on. It's very frustrating, cause I want to feel better but don't know how to go about it.
My question is whether those of you who take Lexapro feel it would be helpful for someone like me who possibly suffers from a mild form of depression, or is it only helpful for those with a major form? I've been presribed to take 10mg but, after reading some of the postings on this thread, am now a little reluctant again due to the SE's. I would love to hear your response. Thanks!
Posted by Mariposa on October 29, 2003, at 15:28:06
In reply to bi-polar screening test online » mph-speedy, posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 14:27:54
> hi there speedy!
>
> you wrote:
> > What is test for bp? Didn't know there was one.
>
> try http://www.dbsalliance.org/questionnaire/screening.asp
>
> i found the NIMH's website offers links to lots of screening quizes, including depression ... i should post one of those here ... next time ..
>
> TAKE CARE! ... and let us know what you think of the test ....
> ~ jimHere's one I found back in our thread...sure there are more out there.~~~8|8
Posted by Diva Blue on October 29, 2003, at 15:43:06
In reply to Re: bi-polar screening test online, posted by Mariposa on October 29, 2003, at 15:28:06
> > hi there speedy!
> >
> > you wrote:
> > > What is test for bp? Didn't know there was one.
> >
> > try http://www.dbsalliance.org/questionnaire/screening.asp
> >Hey....Took this test. Found out I am NOT bi-polar according to it. WHEW.....glad there wasnt one more thing to be worried about. I have been feeling pretty good lately. Was almost starting to wonder if I was drifting over into the other spectrum....
Amazing how well this SSRI works after you combat the SE's.hope all of you are doing as well.
hugs and kisses, diva "not so" blue
Posted by LynneDa on October 29, 2003, at 16:05:33
In reply to Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia?, posted by Cubsfan on October 29, 2003, at 15:03:54
Hi! I think we have some similarities so hopefully this will help. I think I have dysthymia and/or mild depression, no one's sure which. I have also been diagnosed with PMDD and I definitely have anxiety issues. My moods, ability to handle things, etc., are definitely cyclical thru the month and the year. I'm perimenopausal apparently (at 40). But the past few years have been much worse than my 20s & 30s.
I have been in counseling off and on for 10 years or so, but never have had any episodes of major depression where I can't function at all. I just don't function well - maybe about 60% of where I should be on bad days and 80% on good.
To make a long story short, because of the extremity of my tears, anger, apathy, intermittent desires to just drop out, unexplained fatigue and lowered functioning in all areas of life, I decided, with encouragement from my internist, gynecologist, therapist, parents, boss and friends, to try Lexapro.
It's been over one week and I am so much better, it's amazing. The s/e's were very tolerable compared to Sarafem (prozac, really) that I tried a year ago and quit after 2 months. I feel a bit sleepy but not any worse than before really, a little nausea at first, a bit of constipation, some inorgasmia . . . but I am much more able to cope, actually make a decision and deal with the extra stresses in my personal life right now.
The end result is this: I know there are behavior patterns I need to change and issues I need to work through. Having this *veil* of mild depression lifted off of me will now give me the energy and clear-sightedness to work on those things. (I hope!)
I was terrified too (& that's not an exaggeration)! I recommend you give it a try and keep us posted. This board is immensely encouraging and supportive while you go thru any side effects. Good luck whatever you decide!
~ LynneHi there! Today was the first time I read through the messages on this thread and they are all very interesting. Thanks to all of you for your contributions! I have recently been prescribed to take Lexapro for mild depression and possibly dysthymia. I have been counseled by my therapist for the past three months to take an anti-depressant but have resisted thus far due to the SE's as well as the fear of becoming dependent upon them. The short-version of my story is that I'm 27 years old and have gone through major bouts of depression a couple of times in my life, most recently starting about a year back. Although I don't feel that I currently have major depression, I don't feel quite right and don't feel that I have any excitement for life. I've felt this way for a long time off and on. That's why I wonder if I have dysthymia, something which no one has been able to confirm one way or the other. Basically, I'm still unsure about whether there is some sort of a chemical imbalance that I'm suffering from or just thinking patterns that I need to work on. It's very frustrating, cause I want to feel better but don't know how to go about it.
>
> My question is whether those of you who take Lexapro feel it would be helpful for someone like me who possibly suffers from a mild form of depression, or is it only helpful for those with a major form? I've been presribed to take 10mg but, after reading some of the postings on this thread, am now a little reluctant again due to the SE's. I would love to hear your response. Thanks!
Posted by Scribbler on October 29, 2003, at 16:21:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia? » Cubsfan, posted by LynneDa on October 29, 2003, at 16:05:33
Hi there -- I'm in Week #3 of Lexapro and just awoke up from a nap (everyone's nodding their head, because they know where I'm at, right?) but even if I had realized the extent of the more severe SE's before I took my first pill, which I didn't, I'd have gone ahead with it because the results are so positive. Day #1 was a little rocky for me and after that I felt much better. Give it a try! You'll find a lot of encouragement from this Board and we'll be with you all the way.
...Now for my own question: can anyone tell me when this daytime sleepiness ends? Or just assure me that it does? I kind of like feeling drowsy and relaxed, but I'm not getting enough done.
Posted by LynneDa on October 29, 2003, at 16:46:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia?, posted by Scribbler on October 29, 2003, at 16:21:52
Scribbler - How much do you take and when do you take it? I take 10mg in a.m. I'm sleepy but tolerable at work during day. But by 9pm I am toast! I am wondering the same thing . . . does this continue?
~ LynneHi there -- I'm in Week #3 of Lexapro and just awoke up from a nap (everyone's nodding their head, because they know where I'm at, right?) but even if I had realized the extent of the more severe SE's before I took my first pill, which I didn't, I'd have gone ahead with it because the results are so positive. Day #1 was a little rocky for me and after that I felt much better. Give it a try! You'll find a lot of encouragement from this Board and we'll be with you all the way.
> ...Now for my own question: can anyone tell me when this daytime sleepiness ends? Or just assure me that it does? I kind of like feeling drowsy and relaxed, but I'm not getting enough done.
>
Posted by Scribbler on October 29, 2003, at 17:09:16
In reply to Re: Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia? » Scribbler, posted by LynneDa on October 29, 2003, at 16:46:04
Howdy -- I take 10 mg in the morning. Feel fine for several hours after that but begin to s-l-o-w down around two p.m. Yesterday I pressed ahead, didn't nap, and last night I fell asleep at nine then slept until seven this morning. For years I had a problem with insomnia so I don't want to complain, and it's only been the last few days that I've been so beat. Thought maybe it was the loss of Daylight Savings Time but that was *how* many days ago? I'm also cutting down my caffine intake, drinking coffee half-strength right now and working my way down to total de-caf eventually because coffee used to make me anxious. Might need a mid-aft cuppa tea?
Posted by nemo kitty on October 29, 2003, at 17:24:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia? » Cubsfan, posted by LynneDa on October 29, 2003, at 16:05:33
dou you think that Lexipro makes you gain weight? I know this is dumb, but that is my main concern. I have finally lost the weight from Zoloft & hate to start over again. thanks
Posted by bruce_w6 on October 29, 2003, at 20:06:36
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS one more thing, posted by platinumbride on October 28, 2003, at 11:17:07
> I'm not a sick perv, but I would like to know if anyone has any luck with anything that vibrates. It has really helped me a lot.....
>
> DianeYes, I am guy and my wife purchased a senso sapphire for me, it doesn't exactly vibrate but it gets me over the edge. I am rather large and my wife gets over the edge 4-5 times and then she gets sore (lex has caused me a major problem getting over, I have no problems with long term errections but getting over the edge is a problem. She uses it on me after she is done and it works for us.
Posted by vandy on October 29, 2003, at 23:55:31
In reply to Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia?, posted by Cubsfan on October 29, 2003, at 15:03:54
Mild depression and you sign "Cubsfan?"
I'm sorry. That was probably insensitive of me. I'm a Phillies season ticket holder and the Marlins beat the &%#@ out of us when we were on top, too! I know how you feel. I'm in the "mild depression" camp myself but nobody ever tried to bring a goat into the Vet.Well, I pronounce the end result worth the SE's. And since we are all different in our responses you might just skip any or all of them. Hey, mild depression is still awful. And "Wait until next year" won't cure it. I'm sooooooo glad I took the chance. Depression is really all I had to lose. Good luck to you and "Keep them cards and letters comin'"
> Hi there! Today was the first time I read through the messages on this thread and they are all very interesting. Thanks to all of you for your contributions! I have recently been prescribed to take Lexapro for mild depression and possibly dysthymia. I have been counseled by my therapist for the past three months to take an anti-depressant but have resisted thus far due to the SE's as well as the fear of becoming dependent upon them. The short-version of my story is that I'm 27 years old and have gone through major bouts of depression a couple of times in my life, most recently starting about a year back. Although I don't feel that I currently have major depression, I don't feel quite right and don't feel that I have any excitement for life. I've felt this way for a long time off and on. That's why I wonder if I have dysthymia, something which no one has been able to confirm one way or the other. Basically, I'm still unsure about whether there is some sort of a chemical imbalance that I'm suffering from or just thinking patterns that I need to work on. It's very frustrating, cause I want to feel better but don't know how to go about it.
>
> My question is whether those of you who take Lexapro feel it would be helpful for someone like me who possibly suffers from a mild form of depression, or is it only helpful for those with a major form? I've been presribed to take 10mg but, after reading some of the postings on this thread, am now a little reluctant again due to the SE's. I would love to hear your response. Thanks!
Posted by vandy on October 29, 2003, at 23:58:48
In reply to Re: Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia?, posted by Scribbler on October 29, 2003, at 16:21:52
I wish I could tell you a definitive end date for the daytime sleepies. Everyone reacts so differently. I can promise the end of the "have to" nap syndrome. Just can't say when. Sorry. Why don't you keep track and let us know when it stopped for you. That might be helpful?
> Hi there -- I'm in Week #3 of Lexapro and just awoke up from a nap (everyone's nodding their head, because they know where I'm at, right?) but even if I had realized the extent of the more severe SE's before I took my first pill, which I didn't, I'd have gone ahead with it because the results are so positive. Day #1 was a little rocky for me and after that I felt much better. Give it a try! You'll find a lot of encouragement from this Board and we'll be with you all the way.
> ...Now for my own question: can anyone tell me when this daytime sleepiness ends? Or just assure me that it does? I kind of like feeling drowsy and relaxed, but I'm not getting enough done.
>
Posted by BLKVETTES on October 30, 2003, at 0:17:57
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS one more thing, posted by platinumbride on October 28, 2003, at 11:17:07
> I'm not a sick perv, but I would like to know if anyone has any luck with anything that vibrates. It has really helped me a lot.....
>
> DianeHi, someone use to talk about the magic wand. Cant remember who it was.
WAYNE
Posted by Esmarelda on October 30, 2003, at 10:10:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia?, posted by nemo kitty on October 29, 2003, at 17:24:44
I actually lost weight on Lexapro. Good luck to you.
Posted by coxygrrl on October 30, 2003, at 16:41:40
In reply to Re: Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia? » nemo kitty, posted by Esmarelda on October 30, 2003, at 10:10:31
I started Lexapro about a week and a half ago and I've lost 7 pounds! I'm fitting into my skinny jeans again. From what I read on these threads, it won't last for long. Anyone kept the weight off???!!
Posted by COOP on October 30, 2003, at 17:49:43
In reply to Re: What is anxiety? » COOP, posted by Mariposa on October 24, 2003, at 22:23:00
I am on the meds for almost 3 weeks. I have had two attacks of chest pains and seem to get up every day at 3:30 am. My wife said that I shake in my sleep for about hour. In my mind I keep thinking that there is something physically wrong but most of my pain goes away when I take 0.25mg of Alprazolam. Which leaves me to believe that I am just crazy. ( I hope ) My problem started about year ago and seems to be getting worst. I can now understand what other people are going through. I hope that I can see some light at the end of this nightmare.
Any advice.
Joel
Posted by Scribbler on October 30, 2003, at 20:05:35
In reply to Re: What is anxiety?, posted by COOP on October 30, 2003, at 17:49:43
Hey, I'm on Day #18 and today my arms were tingly off and on but tonight I'm having these strange hot flashes that start on my chest and extend down through my arms -- really hot, like burning, and then they go away (and come back again). Anyone else ever experience this?
Posted by Jim Thompson on October 30, 2003, at 20:35:18
In reply to Weird Hot Flashes Prickly Arms, posted by Scribbler on October 30, 2003, at 20:05:35
After about four years of Anxiety and eventually Panic Attacks, I decided to see someone and was diagnosed with Panic Disorder. I started with Celexa 10mg (Summer 2002) and was brought up to 60mg within a month. I complained that I was extremely tired and had completely lost my sex drive. So I was switched to Lexapro. Within a month or two I was feeling a bit more normal. I landed at 20mg of Lexapro which I took for 9 months.
My early side effects also included the hot flashes described below (man those freaked me out) which usually would result in panic (thank you Ativan). I started gaining weight (30 lbs. total in 9 months) and still had sex drive issues but it was better than daily Panic Attacks. My wife helped me through it and understood. By the early summer I felt the need to step down from 20mg and started breaking my pills in half. I took 10mg for two months then broke THOSE in half and took 5mg (+/- a few mg) for the last 45 days or so. I finally stopped one week ago with doc's approval.
For the last three days I have felt the "zaps" running through my head and a little dizziness. I am hopeful that any withdrawl effects will cease within the next week. I am hoping through meditation I can ease my ongoing anxiety level. My sex drive has increased a bit in the last two months although it is nothing like it was a year or two ago. It is hard going through a wedding and honeymoon with no interest in having sex.
I originally found this site when searching for SSRI withdrawl, and have been comforted and scared by some of the things I have read. Like many of you, I can't stand the idea of taking such an intense medication for the rest of my life.
>> Hey, I'm on Day #18 and today my arms were tingly off and on but tonight I'm having these strange hot flashes that start on my chest and extend down through my arms -- really hot, like burning, and then they go away (and come back again). Anyone else ever experience this?
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