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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Jayslace on January 9, 2004, at 20:08:09
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Concentration, posted by reluctant on January 9, 2004, at 19:57:07
R, LOL You can be so inspiring, and encouraging, and also make me laugh till I , well, almost need to change my pants. But this is all a plus in my life, ok? LOL
As far as the concentration, I have to say that is part of my disability since my brain tumors were removed. However, I have noticed it being better since being on the Lex.
Also, let me say, I have had 2 good days in a row since being on the 20mg. I slept good again last night, and was awake all today. I have noticed I am gritting at my teeth a little now though.
I wish everyone luck with this Lex! And love you all for your posts!
Ruthie
Posted by reluctant on January 9, 2004, at 20:13:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Concentration » reluctant, posted by Jayslace on January 9, 2004, at 20:08:09
lots of health to you, ruthie!
Posted by bill-bob on January 10, 2004, at 0:39:32
In reply to Lexapro and Concentration, posted by KathrynLex on January 9, 2004, at 16:16:40
Hello - my first post here. I've been taking Lexapro for almost 6 weeks (5 mg for 4 weeks, 10 mg for 10 days), and my experience has been an increase in ability to concentrate. For example, this afternoon my boss asked me to prepare a presentation in about 1/4 the time I would normally like to have, and I just focussed and got it done. Good luck.
Posted by Bali on January 10, 2004, at 2:01:54
In reply to Lexapro and Concentration, posted by KathrynLex on January 9, 2004, at 16:16:40
Hi KathrynLex. It does get better. I'm on my 12th week of Lex and my concentration is better than it was BEFORE the medication. Just try to stick it out and ride out those pesky side effects. Also, please stay on the board after you have results as people on the board could really benefit from your experience, good or bad.
Thanks! Bali
Posted by Neatfreak on January 10, 2004, at 7:49:53
In reply to Re: lexapro side effect...incontinence?, posted by BLKVETTES on January 9, 2004, at 13:19:33
Day 30 for Lexapro, for whatever the reason my out look on life is much better, can focus, perhaps sleep more. Begining to enjoy life, i can now laugh. The side effect for me is constipition, surprising how well "grannys" remedy works , "prune juice" I drank 10oz. Should have tried 6 first.
Posted by John2222 on January 10, 2004, at 16:18:11
In reply to Re: lexapro side effect, posted by Neatfreak on January 10, 2004, at 7:49:53
Does anyone know if Lexapro is available in 5mg tablets?
Or does everyone split the 10mg tablets into half?
Posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 17:15:58
In reply to Re: lexapro side effect -- Dosage ? -- 5mg ?, posted by John2222 on January 10, 2004, at 16:18:11
It's day 22 on 10 mg of Lex. I was out running errands when...I don't know how to describe it...things didn't look familiar. I've lived in this city my entire life, but I didn't quite recognize it this afternoon. It took me a VERY long time to count out the right amount of money for the cashier at the store, I finally had to ask someone next to me if I'd counted it out right. It was a little bit like those feelings of unreality I sometimes get during a panic attack. Has this happened to anyone else, or can you offer some advice? I'm terrified and it feels like I'm loosing my mind.
K.
Posted by Forbidden on January 10, 2004, at 17:26:29
In reply to Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 17:15:58
Hi K,
We are amazingly on the same track here - just 30 minutes ago I was talking to a customer service rep on the phone and they asked me my address. I could not think of it for the life of me, I almost had to go look on a piece of mail, but finally rememered it.
I have definitely been experiencing little short term memory loss stuff like that. Hopefully it passes soon.
CP
> It's day 22 on 10 mg of Lex. I was out running errands when...I don't know how to describe it...things didn't look familiar. I've lived in this city my entire life, but I didn't quite recognize it this afternoon. It took me a VERY long time to count out the right amount of money for the cashier at the store, I finally had to ask someone next to me if I'd counted it out right. It was a little bit like those feelings of unreality I sometimes get during a panic attack. Has this happened to anyone else, or can you offer some advice? I'm terrified and it feels like I'm loosing my mind.
>
> K.
>
>
Posted by reluctant on January 10, 2004, at 17:39:28
In reply to Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 17:15:58
Hi K -
I'd look to other possibilities before you decide you're losing your mind! I've definitely had moments like that, particularly when sick or coming down with something. How do you feel now?
if it keeps up, then I'd worry a little.
-r.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 19:57:59
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by reluctant on January 10, 2004, at 17:39:28
I'm feeling a bit better now. Thank you for such a quick response. It's a very scary experience to not recognize familiar places. I'll have to go back and read the consumer info, but I think feelings of unreality are a side effect of the drug. I'd be interested to know if anyone else has experienced something like I described in my above post. Thanks!
K.
Posted by Jayslace on January 10, 2004, at 20:05:44
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 19:57:59
I feel with you with the problems with short term memory loss. That too is along with my disability. But the feeling of going to place where it's familiar, but it does not feel familiar is something not too mess with. If this continues, I agree, notify your doctor.
I've had those feelings before, but they were not when I was on Lex.
Take care and good luck to you all!
Ruthie
Posted by Mrs C. on January 10, 2004, at 20:42:41
In reply to Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 17:15:58
Hi KathrynLex,
Do you know that song by Matchbox 20 called "Unwell". Well, if have ever listened to the lyrics it would fit your life right now perfectly. I know this because my first month on Lex I felt as if I was going crazy and that was my theme song. I was spaced out, scattered brained, tired and wired at the same time and extremely worried that I had done the wrong thing by trying Lex. I never really got the experience you had today but I don't think there is anything wrong with you. You are probably so preoccupied by your side effects and your mind is not where it should be. You WILL get better soon! You are on the downhill slide, I promise. Soon you will be answering posts like yours trying to help someone else get through the difficult first month on Lex. Hang in there! Mrs. C
Posted by sexylexy on January 10, 2004, at 20:56:49
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by Mrs C. on January 10, 2004, at 20:42:41
Hi Ya'll
Kathryn, what a scary experience. I have not had that yet but I did go to the mall the other day and was so spaced out that people were literally running into me. I swear sometimes I feel like a health hazard and it is personally very scary. Have you tried taking 5mg in the morning and 5mg before bed or taking it all before bed?
Mrs. C
Thank you so much for your support. I honestly have read your post many times and find your symptoms close to mine so it is wonderful to hear that things get better.
I do have to say that slowly I am seeing results. My anxiety is very low, no more crying spells, less moody. I am still a good ways from being myself but I am feeling like I actually may get there in time. I just wish this darn spaciness would clear.
Anyway, I am also having the short term memory thing though it seems to be getting better. Having trouble with names and remembering that I wanted to tell someone something ect. Does this ever end?????????????????????/
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on January 10, 2004, at 21:09:38
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by sexylexy on January 10, 2004, at 20:56:49
Needing Support~
ya'll today is dy 18 for me and Im almost at the point where I want to give up. I know its supposed to get better but I feel like a space cadet. Please re-assure me that this works!
Spacey Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 21:11:39
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by sexylexy on January 10, 2004, at 20:56:49
Thank you so much for all of your responses. It helps a great deal just knowing that there are other people out there who are going through some of this too. I'm feeling better...we'll see how tomorrow goes. Thanks again.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 21:13:07
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Concentration, posted by Bali on January 10, 2004, at 2:01:54
Thanks Bali. This is good to hear.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 21:14:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Concentration, posted by bill-bob on January 10, 2004, at 0:39:32
Hi Bill,
Did you ever notice an inability to concentrate, or did your concentration begin to improve as soon as you started taking Lex?
K.
Posted by Jayslace on January 10, 2004, at 22:18:19
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by sexylexy on January 10, 2004, at 21:09:38
I'm living proof it works, and I know there are so many more on this board and some that are not even on this board to show it works. I've gotten throught the sleepy days now, and I'm so glad for that. Sure, I might still have some again, but that's ok. My concentration is so poor I can't read books, only short stories (because of mean , nasty brain tumors and defecits from them) but I have noticed better concentration since starting on the Lex (first 10mg, and now on my 10th day of 20mg)I think it's better for me because I am able to cope more with my anxietys and depression of being disabled now. We all have differences, and meds effect us differently, but just know that we still need each other for support. And I want you to know, you are not alone. Don't give up. I for one like Lexapro. I was on several other antidepressants in the last couple years. This one has me back to my normal self. Happy and smiling. The side effects I'm finding so much help to deal with thanks to this board.
Hang in there Lexy. I'm holding on to you!!!
Ruthie
Posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 23:16:59
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by sexylexy on January 10, 2004, at 21:09:38
Hi Lexy,
I'm right there with you. (On day 22 of Lex.) It IS discouraging...but the important thing right now is to wait it out so we can get better! Don't give up yet, at least hang on until 6 weeks have gone by. Mrs. C assures me that we're on the downhill side of things and everything should start to get better soon. There are a lot of people hanging on with you, you're not alone. There are also a lot of people who have been through exactly what we're going through right now, and they're feeling GREAT today. And we'll feel the same way very soon. Hang in there!!
K.
Posted by Vandy on January 11, 2004, at 1:18:39
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by sexylexy on January 10, 2004, at 21:09:38
Missing your mind? It's another one of the phenomenae that go away. At least as an SE of Lex it goes away. I know many people who claim that their mind is the one thing they miss most from their youth. I suspect it's like everything else. Those wonderful things we used to have get better and better as they recede farther into the past. I know all my skills lost when my youth went away were much better in my memory than they were in my youth. But that's not my point. I want you to know something good from my experience. I thought I'd lost my mind before I started on LEX. I went through a very unexpected and unwelcome divorce. It cost me dearly in every sense of the word. One of the highest costs came from the loss of belief that I could ever share a secure love with another human being. Oh, I know death is life's only guaranteed outcome. Life is, after all, a terminal illness sexually transmitted. But one should be able to find some person with which life can be shared in those special ways that help give it meaning and comfort. Close your eyes and you can see what you truly have other than yourself in the final analysis. But the love of that special someone can sure cushion the blows of the built in solitude we all must face. And I had lost the ability to believe in finding such a person. The result was dispair. I would be in a store trying to holiday shop for my children and the gloom would settle around and try to suffocate me. It was all I could do to keep from running from the store. I could be doing anything and suddenly I might experience an anxiety that would paralyze me. Then I stopped trying to tough it out. I went to the doc and told him I needed some help. 20 mg of Lex plus some side effects plus 84 days and BINGO. The woman who loves me and shares my life doesn't fill me with the fear that she, too, might one day split. I discovered the love of friends again. My youngest son made me hear how much he loved me. My four year old grandson turned to me from a Nicolodeon program and like a bolt out of the blue said, "I wuv you gwanpa." And I could treasure it. Yes, I spent some time in some fog during my ramp up on Lex. I don't know exactly where to place the blame. I'm guessing it was the overload working its way out of my life. I don't know. But it's gone. I'm pretty sure yours will go too. Not your mind. It will probably return. And it will be better to you than it has been in years, I'll betcha!
> Needing Support~
> ya'll today is dy 18 for me and Im almost at the point where I want to give up. I know its supposed to get better but I feel like a space cadet. Please re-assure me that this works!
> Spacey Lexy
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 11, 2004, at 2:55:47
In reply to Re: lexapro side effect -- Dosage ? -- 5mg ?, posted by John2222 on January 10, 2004, at 16:18:11
> Does anyone know if Lexapro is available in 5mg tablets?
>
> Or does everyone split the 10mg tablets into half?THERE IS A 5MG. DOUBT MANY HAVE IT STOCKED THOUGH. I CUT A 10MG TO GET 7.5MG.AND USED TO CUT IN HALF TO GET 5MG. ITS ALL PERFECTLY SAFE.
WAYNE
Posted by Neatfreak on January 11, 2004, at 7:32:42
In reply to Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 17:15:58
>If this med has these effects on you. Better watch the driving. In my State if you are impaired,(driving under the inlflunce of alcohol or drugs, illegal or legal) it is unlawful.
It's day 22 on 10 mg of Lex. I was out running errands when...I don't know how to describe it...things didn't look familiar. I've lived in this city my entire life, but I didn't quite recognize it this afternoon. It took me a VERY long time to count out the right amount of money for the cashier at the store, I finally had to ask someone next to me if I'd counted it out right. It was a little bit like those feelings of unreality I sometimes get during a panic attack. Has this happened to anyone else, or can you offer some advice? I'm terrified and it feels like I'm loosing my mind.
>
> K.
>
>
Posted by Bali on January 11, 2004, at 8:33:43
In reply to Rediscovering my mind on Lex!, posted by Vandy on January 11, 2004, at 1:18:39
Vandy, What a lovely post! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. You left me with such positive feelings and a great big smile to boot as I head off to church with my reluctant 8 year old. Hugs to all of you. Bali
Posted by Jayslace on January 11, 2004, at 11:20:13
In reply to Rediscovering my mind on Lex!, posted by Vandy on January 11, 2004, at 1:18:39
Vandy, Thank you for your post! It's so encouraging and inspirational. :-) And I'm so glad to hear about your wonderful happenings too! I hope it all keeps up!
Peace and comfort to us all!
Ruthie
Posted by John2222 on January 11, 2004, at 12:39:39
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP » KathrynLex, posted by Neatfreak on January 11, 2004, at 7:32:42
About 6 weeks ago after a long slow tapering, I stopped Effexor XR, and now am taking Lexapro 5mg and Wellbutrin 150 XL each day.
But for last two weeks I have had really bad headache in back of my neck. I don't think its from stress beause that isn't a factor right now. I'm waking up at 4am each day with the headache and after heat pack and Advil's it usually goes away (sorta).
Today I decided to try and move my Lexapro from mornings to later in the day thinking that was causing the awakenings. At 10:15 am this morning I was still aching and decided to take the Lexapro now instead of waiting until noon.
Guess what? About 15 minutes after taking the Lexapro (unless it's my imagination), my headache stopped!
Any amatuer psychiatrists out there?
Wondering if I'm still having after-effects of a year of takng Effexor? Any other ideas?
I'm beginning to think that getting rid of headaches is more important than getting rid of depression!!
ARGGGH!
(thanks for listening....)
john
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