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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 5998 to 6022 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by BobYuma on January 15, 2004, at 10:51:16
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Danab on January 14, 2004, at 22:44:44
> > Hi, my name name is Dana. I'm new to this site...I was searching on Lexapro info and found you guys. I just took my first dose about 1/2 hour ago and after reading these posts, well, I'm a freaking nervous wreck. The side effects seem horrible. I'm waiting to at any minute start throwing up, have an anxiety attack, get a rash, feel like I have the flu or eat like crazy ( just what I don't need!). My doc (primary care) originally suggested Effexor but I was not comfortable with that after reading the info on it and he went to Lexapro. I actually did not get any specific instructions ( he gave me a month of samples)---Can someone tell me the best time to take this med? The samples are 10mg, which I broke in half (again, because I got no instructions I just thought I would start out as low as possible). I spoke to a pharmacist and she said before bed, but from what I've read here it seems most people take it much earlier in the day. I also take Ambien. I'm not even sure this drug is what I actually need. I would not say I'm very depressed ( although some friends would disagree with me) but more anxiety ridden. I think I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder---anyone know if Lexapro is an appropriate drug for that type of disorder?? Sorry this is so long...any insight would be greatly appreciated. Now back to waiting for those awful side effects to begin...
Dana in New Orleans > > > >Hello, Dana. How's the weather in New Orleans?
I think most of us can truly relate to what you're feeling right now. Remember, all of us on the board were "starters" with Lexapro at one time. And for the most part, we are still on Lex. In other words, it was never bad enough to make us quit.
You may have read my post "Lexapro and Expectations" -- If you did you saw that my final analysis of Lexapro [after talking about all the side effects] was, "The bottom line - Thank God for Lexapro." This is the way that most of us feel about taking Lex. What does that say? It says that whatever side effects we may suffer from are all worth the positive effects that we receive from Lex. That says a lot, right? And I believe that you'll feel the same way in just a few short weeks, maybe sooner.I was satisfied that my doc had picked the right med for me within two days after I started Lex. That was even with the side effects which had already started. The reason was that my depression was practically gone in those two days.
Do me a favor. Don't read about any more of the side effects on the message board. Wait until you think that you may be experiencing a particular side effect and then right a message on the board asking about that side effect. You'll receive some helpful answers that will aid you in coping with any side effect, plus you'll have an idea of how long to expect it to last. Reading about all the side effects only makes you look for them in yourself. Besides, you may be like I was, I had very few side effects, no nausea or sickness at all, and the few side effects I did have were fairly easily handled. But trust me, it's good to know that others have been through what you are going through and came out feeling better than they ever expected to.
As far as the amount to take, you'll probably have fewer and less "angry" side effects with 5 mgs. As far as when to take the Lexapro, it seems everyone is different where that's concerned. WIth me it works best if I take it before I go to bed, but like I said, everyone is different.Concerning Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Lexapro, I found the information below on the site: www.bodyimageprogram.com/
Take care, and God Bless.
BobYuma
Lexapro and Body Dysmorphic Disorder
"The medications that are most promising are serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs or SSRIs). These medications are fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and clomipramine (Anafranil). These medications are not addicting and are usually well tolerated. They can significantly relieve BDD [Body Dysmorphic Disorder] symptoms, diminishing bodily preoccupation, distress, depression, and anxiety; significantly increasing control over one's thoughts and behaviors; and improving functioning. In some cases, they are lifesaving."
Posted by Mariposa on January 15, 2004, at 11:18:13
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Danab on January 14, 2004, at 22:44:44
> Hi, my name name is Dana. I'm new to this site...I was searching on Lexapro info and found you guys. I just took my first dose about 1/2 hour ago and after reading these posts, well, I'm a freaking nervous wreck. The side effects seem horrible. I'm waiting to at any minute start throwing up, have an anxiety attack, get a rash, feel like I have the flu or eat like crazy ( just what I don't need!). My doc (primary care) orignally suggested Effexor but I was not comfortable with that after reading the info on it and he went to Lexapro. I actually did not get any specific instructions ( he gave me a month of samples)---Can someone tell me the best time to take this med? The samples are 10mg, which I broke in half (again, because I got no instructions I just thought I would start out as low as possible). I spoke to a pharmacist and she said before bed, but from what I've read here it seems most people take it much earlier in the day. I also take Ambien. I'm not even sure this drug is what I actually need. I would not say I'm very depressed ( although some friends would disagree with me) but more anxiety ridden. I think I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder---anyone know if Lexapro is an appropriate drug for that type of disorder?? Sorry this is so long...any insight would be greatly appreciated. Now back to waiting for those awful side effects to begin...
>
> Dana in New Orleans
>HI Dana and welcome to the board. Bob has some very good advice, I agree with everything he said. I started at 5mg almost 1 year ago, currently @20mg, and have had fairly good results.
When I first started I read about the se's and was scared. I had just about ALL of them and my second week was awful (called in sick to work and stayed in bed). I came here often for encouragement and support and with the help of this board I made it through the tough part. Even though I thought about quitting A LOT, I didn't because of the people here, and I'm glad I stuck with Lex.
My dx-PMDD and depression (kind of go hand in hand), and I have had relief from terrible and unreasonable anger and all PMS symptoms. However if you have read my recent posts, you know I am concerned because some of my symptoms, including depression, are starting to come back. My hope is that another increase in dosage will help again.
I know this will sound intimidating but...Lex ( and many other similar meds) may take 6-8 weeks before you feel results. For some it doesn't take that long, for me it was 9 weeks before I felt better.
Hang in there, give lex a chance, come here often, and best of luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by Esmarelda on January 15, 2004, at 11:48:57
In reply to Alcohol and AD's , posted by friendofbillw on January 14, 2004, at 23:12:02
Hey BillW - I was drinking when I first started taking Lexapro and it worked some, but not much. I have not had a drink in 4 months (on Sunday) now. I am still depressed, but not drinking definitely helps. I am also in the program.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 15, 2004, at 11:53:11
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Danab on January 14, 2004, at 22:44:44
Hi Dana,
Welcome to Lexapro. I was scared too when I began taking it. For those of us with anxiety it's not good to see a long list of awful side effects! If you do experience side effects, and not everyone does, they are temporary. I'm on week 4 of 10 mg of Lex and most of them are gone now.
You might want to give your doc a call and ask about dosage. Or, if you're comfortable increasing it yourself I would recommend taking 5 mg for 2 wks and then increasing to 10 mg if 5 isn't working as well as you'd like.
I take my Lex at night. It makes me a little groggy so taking it before bed lets me sleep through that. Although, some people find that the Lex makes them hyper and prefer to take it in the mornings. If you don't have any trouble sleeping, keep taking it at night. Start taking it in the morning if it's causing you problems. I was taking it in the mornings, but like I said, it made me a bit tired.
I haven't read anything specific about Lex and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. I do know that Lex has helped a great deal with my negative thinking patterns. I don't catastrphize every little thing, and my anxiety levels have gone down considerably.
I hope this helps. Give lex a chance. If it's the right drug for you, it will be worth waiting a few weeks to see if it works.
K.
Posted by bluesfan on January 15, 2004, at 11:56:49
In reply to Re: someone help! » nicky847, posted by melley on January 15, 2004, at 9:23:24
Nick helped me through my roughest time on Lexapro and helped me understand my symptoms were normal. I owe him a lot!
> I got on here after a few days and was just amazed at your advice Nicky. That is just what I needed to hear! And the timing of hearing it was perfect. Thank you for your wise words....
>
> > Lexy-
> > Things will get better. One thing you have to keep in mind, and one thing that helps me, is that I dont expect Lexapro to make life perfect or even to make me happy...I expect it to do one thing and that is make me not feel sick anymore..the rest is entirely my responsbility...dont forget to LIVE while you are waiting for the lexapro to kick in..even if you dont enjoy things the way you used to..its important to still do them..to enjoy them a LITTLE..even if you cant enjoy them as much as youd like..having gone thru all of this with celexa..the 8 week mark is not the magic day when all becomes right in your world..if the med is working it will be a point where you can get thru an hour or two without obsessing over what you are thinking or how you are feeling...in a few months that hour or two grows to a day...then a week...recovering is very very gradual and it takes more than meds..it takes changing your priorities and your lifestyle so that your own needs come a little higher on the pecking order...
> > > Hi ya'll
> > > I am having a really bad day. I guess today is about 22 on lex (10mg). This is the worst I have felt in quite a long time. I am sick today, bad sinus, sore throat ect which has caused me to stay home from work today. I am sick and all alone with my family and boyfriend 4 states away.
> > > I think I my PMDD is coming out in full force. I am so ready for this stuff to kick in so that I can deal with this. Its like one second I am crying, then ok some of the hypersensitivity is back and am feeling anxious as well. Ladies does this ever get better. Will this stuff kick in and let me have a normal life again. My side effects are going away so I don't want to give up. I jsut want to feel normal again. Smile, laugh be happy about something.
> > > I am just so sad and frusterated today. Anyone else feeling this way, will it ever work? Is 22 days to soon to move up my dose? Help please!
> > > A not so sexy feeling lexy
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by nicky847 on January 15, 2004, at 12:21:49
In reply to Re: someone help!, posted by Gaza on January 15, 2004, at 9:35:18
its hard to say...for everyone here like me that has been on meds and come off of them and had to go back on..there are many others you wont see on the message boards that weaned off the meds successfully and are doing fine off of them..for me after coming off the meds my life got turned upside down by losing my job and i was unable to keep my stress level where it needs to be...but there is nothing wrong with going back to square one and getting your priorities in order again..and being on lexapro has helped me in that i feel well enough to do that again..
> nicky847, you said, "...it takes more than meds..it takes changing your priorities and your lifestyle so that your own needs come a little higher on the pecking order..."
>
> Do you think after accomplishing that, that you/we should ? be able to wean off the meds?
>
Posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 13:05:47
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by KathrynLex on January 15, 2004, at 11:53:11
Hey everybody,
I haven't posted since the holidays but I read EVERY day.
A really really bad thing happened in my life on December 7 and it messed up my Christmas and New Years. I don't think that I would have come out of this tragic event like I did without the help of Lex and the inspiration of the people on this board.
I'm sorry that I have been a stranger, my life is getting better by the day so I will be willing to post more often.
Thanks again to everyone that post to help anyone in need.Take Care!
Gator
Posted by LynneDa on January 15, 2004, at 13:11:40
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 13:05:47
Gator - I'm sorry to hear you had a sad event happen! But I'm glad you were able to get through it and that you're back! Good luck to you and God Bless!
~ Lynne
Posted by KathrynLex on January 15, 2004, at 13:20:38
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by LynneDa on January 15, 2004, at 13:11:40
Has anyone read anything about the long-term side effects of lexapro? I feel a little uncomfortable about taking a drug without knowing what it will do to me in the long run.
K.
Posted by Gaza on January 15, 2004, at 13:25:54
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 13:05:47
Can you tell us? Many on this list pray.
> Hey everybody,
>
> I haven't posted since the holidays but I read EVERY day.
>
> A really really bad thing happened in my life on December 7 and it messed up my Christmas and New Years. I don't think that I would have come out of this tragic event like I did without the help of Lex and the inspiration of the people on this board.
>
> I'm sorry that I have been a stranger, my life is getting better by the day so I will be willing to post more often.
> Thanks again to everyone that post to help anyone in need.
>
> Take Care!
>
> Gator
Posted by Steve3211 on January 15, 2004, at 13:47:09
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 13, 2004, at 9:10:27
Hi,
I am in a similar situation. I am on day 23 and just went from 5 mg to 7.5 mg. Every time I bump up I get the side effects anew. Definately get the awful Lex flu and now my stomach is upset and appetite a little suppressed to. I think the Lex is working because I feel the worst after a night of poor sleep. I am going to stay at 7.5 mg for a while. Far as sleeping is concerned my wife and I have both had tremendous success on Restoril and I read about a lot of people who seem to respond to this. Hang in there - Best Steve
Posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 13:59:23
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gaza on January 15, 2004, at 13:25:54
Yes, I can tell you.
When my husband drinks he gets argumentative. Well, on December 7th we went to a Bear/Packer Game party. He was drinking all day and it being a Sunday I wanted to go home because everyone had work and school the next day. Finally, we went home and he started to get mad at me and the kids. I didn't want to deal with it and tried to leave. He totally got out of control and prevented me from leaving. He then told me that he was going to call the police on me for assulting him. I had not had anything to drink and did not assult him. So I told him to "bring it on". He then locked me out of the house and called the police. They came and interviewed both of us. They could tell he was drunk and arrested him with unlawful restraint and assult. Well, I went to his court date the next day and the judge said that we were not to have any contact with each other until his next court date which was set for January 5th. So, we were not able to spend Christmas or New Years together. We have been married for 13 years and have 3 beautiful girls. The time apart made both of us realize what we had and that we should not take anything for granted. He was able to move back home on January 5th and we have been putting the pieces back together. Without the Lex I would have been a huge pile of self-pity and depression but I was able to still make a good Christmas for my kids and I am strong enough to be willing to work on our marriage.
Sorry, I probally rambled abit. Once I got started it just tumbled out.
Gator
Posted by Gaza on January 15, 2004, at 14:04:08
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 13:59:23
OK those of you who pray. It's time.
> Yes, I can tell you.
>
> When my husband drinks he gets argumentative. Well, on December 7th we went to a Bear/Packer Game party. He was drinking all day and it being a Sunday I wanted to go home because everyone had work and school the next day. Finally, we went home and he started to get mad at me and the kids. I didn't want to deal with it and tried to leave. He totally got out of control and prevented me from leaving. He then told me that he was going to call the police on me for assulting him. I had not had anything to drink and did not assult him. So I told him to "bring it on". He then locked me out of the house and called the police. They came and interviewed both of us. They could tell he was drunk and arrested him with unlawful restraint and assult. Well, I went to his court date the next day and the judge said that we were not to have any contact with each other until his next court date which was set for January 5th. So, we were not able to spend Christmas or New Years together. We have been married for 13 years and have 3 beautiful girls. The time apart made both of us realize what we had and that we should not take anything for granted. He was able to move back home on January 5th and we have been putting the pieces back together. Without the Lex I would have been a huge pile of self-pity and depression but I was able to still make a good Christmas for my kids and I am strong enough to be willing to work on our marriage.
>
> Sorry, I probally rambled abit. Once I got started it just tumbled out.
>
> Gator
>
>
Posted by LynneDa on January 15, 2004, at 14:18:31
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 13:59:23
Gator - Thanks for sharing! I was glad to read that you had a happy ending: that you were able to get through the holidays AND you both decided you value what you have and will work on it together. Best of luck to you!
~ Lynne
Posted by lil' jimi on January 15, 2004, at 14:22:50
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Mariposa on January 13, 2004, at 16:42:12
hi mariposa,
well, you know me ... ... i am really bummed that you're still suffering this struggle ... ... and i am sorry i haven't been here ... ... still got my adx? ... ... at yahoo, yellowdogjim, right? ... anytime, ok?
i am still on only 10mg of lex ... never did bump up like i thought about...
how-some-ever ... i have been taking a shi*load of supplements lately ... ... and i have every reason to believe they are helping the lexapro help me ... ...
... are you taking supplements?
like magnesium, selenium, niacinamide, omega-3 fatty acids ... especially ... ... these are the biggies that i have started lately ... along with lots of Bs and C and ginseng like forever ...
... i could post my list ...how-some-ever, my list wouldn't be as good as one we devise for ourselves ... everybody's different ...
things i don't take, but could be good for you (or any lex folk)
... st. john's wort. ginkgo b, SAM-e, 5HT, tyrpophan ... ...... anyway i got everything i know about this stuff from Larry Hoover's posts ... ... at Alternative and here ... in the archives ... worth hunting for ... ...
(he's not around now, but i won't go there ... i don't want this to get re-directed to Admin)
i have been on lex since March and it is still holding out okay for me ... ...
... i mentioned the omega-3 oils to Oldhand too ...my best to you.
~ jim
Posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 14:28:19
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » Gator, posted by LynneDa on January 15, 2004, at 14:18:31
Thank you for listening.
{{{Gaza}}} {{{Lynne}}}
I actually feel better since I shared.Thanks again.
Gator
Posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 15:07:53
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*??? » Mrs C., posted by Mariposa on January 15, 2004, at 0:23:40
Journeyman is Richard!
Posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 15:17:03
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by BobYuma on January 15, 2004, at 10:51:16
Hi Dana,
I think the worst thing about the s/e's for me was not knowing if it was me or the lexapro. Once I found this sight and realized that it wasn't some terrible disease I had and just the new drug I felt much better. My side effects included feeling "wired & tired" at the same time and some weird feelings in my jaw. I also developed twitches in my face. They have all since gone away and I feel really great. It took about 6 weeks though. But as I previously said, the side effects weren't that difficult to handle once I realized that others have experienced them too. Hang in there and keep coming to this board. It will do wonders for your self-esteem and everyone here really cares without thinking you're nuts! A big plus for me since my family thinks I'm totally wacked! They think mental illness is something you can control yourself. Duh! Anyway maybe you won't experience any bad side effects but having them will let you know that the drug is working and that's a good thing. Bye for now. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 15:22:54
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gaza on January 15, 2004, at 13:25:54
Hi Gator, Glad you're back posting and reading. If you would like to share your bad experience it might help. Sometimes just writing down our feelings can do wonders. You also have the support of many wonderful people who have no idea who you are and can't gossip about you. If you can't share just know that we are all pulling for you. Mrs. C
Posted by Steve3211 on January 15, 2004, at 15:25:35
In reply to someone help! , posted by sexylexy on January 14, 2004, at 13:45:33
> Hi ya'll
> I am having a really bad day. I guess today is about 22 on lex (10mg). This is the worst I have felt in quite a long time. I am sick today, bad sinus, sore throat ect which has caused me to stay home from work today. I am sick and all alone with my family and boyfriend 4 states away.
> I think I my PMDD is coming out in full force. I am so ready for this stuff to kick in so that I can deal with this. Its like one second I am crying, then ok some of the hypersensitivity is back and am feeling anxious as well. Ladies does this ever get better. Will this stuff kick in and let me have a normal life again. My side effects are going away so I don't want to give up. I jsut want to feel normal again. Smile, laugh be happy about something.
> I am just so sad and frusterated today. Anyone else feeling this way, will it ever work? Is 22 days to soon to move up my dose? Help please!
> A not so sexy feeling lexyLexy,
I am at approximately the same point as you. Your days will be better and some not quite so good. It all cycles. Yesterday I had a really good productive day for most of the day and then felt bad in the evening. I got only a little sleep today and am having an ok day. I think we all have a tendency to exagerate our bad times. I know that I always dread the mornings and getting up but most of the time it is not to bad with this medication. Tomorrow will probably be better. Keep reading and posting. Best-Steve
Posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 15:27:49
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 13:59:23
Hi Gator, I'm glad you decided to share your story with all of us. It sounds like a bad experience encouraged something positive for you and your husband. Sometimes, that's what it takes. I will be praying for you both. Good luck! Mrs. C
Posted by Jayslace on January 15, 2004, at 15:39:35
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 15:17:03
Mrs. C, I was just trying to get caught up on all the posts. I haven't been on lately because I just haven't felt good lately. Nothing to do with the side effects though. Had one of my darn seizures, and that will slow me down anyway.
But I sure agree with you about families and how they feel. At first when after my tumors were removed and my mentality went down, then I became depressed, my Mom and sister just didn't know how to treat me at all. My Dad, kids, boyfriend(now husband) were great! But my Mom and sister said I 'rambled", I need to 'just relax,' 'calm down',
'just forget about everything that's happened.'
When I asked what they meant that I rambled, they said that I just talked to much. I reminded them that I had to have speech for 6 months to learn to talk again. LOL All my friends said I didn't talk anymoe than I did before and that my mom and sister just can't handle that I am not mentally where I was before. I used to be the 'Rock' of the family.
But as for now, I kinda still must be. My sister called me in December crying because she was having an awful day at work and she just needed a shoulder to cry on.
And one day my Mom called needing to complain about my Dad. LOL By the way, I have 2 very good parents.
So, yes, families can have a hard time dealing with mental illnesses. That's why we have this board!!!!
Hugs to you all!
Ruthie
Posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 15:51:30
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 15:27:49
Thank you Mrs.C for your support!!
{{{Mrs.C}}}
Gator
Posted by KathrynLex on January 15, 2004, at 16:37:21
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 15:17:03
Hi Mrs. C,
First I'd like to thank you for the many supportive and encouraging posts you've written. They have been invaluable in helping me through my first month on Lex.
I'm sorry to hear that your family thinks mental illness is something you can control. Many people are under that impression, and it's difficult for them to understand what you're going through unless they've been through something similar themselves. I know it's frustrating trying to convince them that what you have is an illness, maybe over time they'll come around. I hope so.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on January 15, 2004, at 17:27:40
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gaza on January 15, 2004, at 8:25:50
Hi~
Lexapro has not been that terrible for side effects with me. I really think the only thing that I have seen in a slight increase in anxiety, insomnia and a spacey feeling. The thing with these drugs is that the side effects are supposed to diminsh over time until they are mostly gone. Do not freak out, worrying will only make you more aware of the side effects.
To everyone else. Thanks for all the support. Today was ok, better than yesterday, I went to the Dr. who said I have a sinus infection and gave me a Z pac. I was wondering if anyone also takes Omega 3 fish oil with their Lex... took it for a while before I took any SSRI and it was pretty good. I have not taken it with the Lex b/c I don't know if they lessen the effect of the other?
Also I know that lexapro is not a "happy" pill that is going to fix all your problems. However, before I took that stupid birth control pill and got my hormones all messed up I had been a happy person. Sure I had gone though things that made me sad but I had never been depressed a day in my life. I am not asking to be happy all the time, thats not life, I just want to get back to being me. Im thinking of all ya'll thanks again for the support.
Lexy
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