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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KathrynLex on February 23, 2004, at 16:44:02
In reply to Re: lex and confidence, posted by linnie on February 23, 2004, at 15:53:43
Hi Lexy,
It's good to hear you had a nice weekend. While I know you hate the idea of increasing your medication, it sounds like you could really benefit from upping your dose. Before going from 10 mg to 15 mg I felt a shadow following me around too, but since taking 15 mg the shadow is gone and hasn't dared to come back.
Remember that 15-20 mg is still a fairly low dose, there are lots of people who take that amount of lexapro.
I can understand why you're uncomfortable with raising your dose. I felt the same way. But it really has been worth it to increase. Staying anxious and depressed is far worse than taking more Lexapro.
Yesterday I was looking back at the last six months of my life. It seems like an entirely different person was living my life, because I'm not that anxious/depressed girl anymore. For the first time in a year I can look in a mirror and like what I see.
Lexy, that shadow is preventing you from getting well. I hope I don't sound like a drug pusher, I just know that increasing has been a wonderful decision for me and has helped me to get well. Taking just a bit more lex can get rid of your "shadow." I would love to see you get well.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on February 23, 2004, at 17:18:13
In reply to Re: lex and confidence, posted by KathrynLex on February 23, 2004, at 16:44:02
K
What a sweet note. So glad to see you are doing better and you can see yourself again.
I made an appointment with my p. doc and really hope to increase, I just do not want to do it till I talk to her. Unfortunatley, I cannot see her until march 18th yuck. Thanks for the inspiration. I totally agree with you that taking more lex is much much better than not feeling happy. Thanks again,
Lexy
Posted by Bubbasmom on February 23, 2004, at 17:25:41
In reply to Re: lex and confidence » KathrynLex, posted by sexylexy on February 23, 2004, at 17:18:13
Hi everyone;
Just wanted to say thanks for all of the supportive messages. I am starting to feel like this might be working... still anxious a little when it comes to certain things but not so "tight inside" most of the time. I have had a couple of headaches but nothing that advil didn't make go away. I've been kind of thirsty and kind of sleepy about three hours after I've taken it. Anyone had this happen? Tomorrow is a big day - back to work - the major cause of my stress lately. Hopefully I'll have a good day. Wish me luck! And thanks again to all who wrote!
Michelle
Posted by mystic on February 23, 2004, at 18:49:44
In reply to Day 4, posted by Bubbasmom on February 23, 2004, at 17:25:41
Hello this is almost my 3rd week on Lexapro...Week one I was on 5mgs and that was tough I had gone right off Paxil 10mgs for 5 years to Lexapro...After about 5 days my Dr. changed me to 10mgs and this is the 2nd week on 10mgs..I'm feeling much better depressed wise but still anxious and scared...Is it anyones experience that it takes longer for the anxiety...How about the weight gain..is there any..it has been great reading all the postings havent been able to get hooked up for 3rd week...Thanks everyone...take care
Posted by mrs c on February 23, 2004, at 19:12:28
In reply to Re: to all novice lex-er, posted by linnie on February 23, 2004, at 11:27:32
Hi Linnie, five weeks has been an important number for many of us on this board. Many of us felt like we were backsliding at around five weeks. Your feelings are normal and will improve as you progress. It was about nine weeks for me to feel the full benefits with Lex. Keep the faith. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on February 23, 2004, at 19:14:53
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro -- Sam, posted by BobYuma on February 23, 2004, at 14:29:33
Bob, when you say "take the pain killer of your choice" I wonder if you mean something stronger than Tylenol or Advil. I will be having dental surgery in a few weeks and was wondering how codeine or even something stronger will mix with the Lexapro. Does anyone have any experience with this. Thanks. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on February 23, 2004, at 19:18:36
In reply to Re: lex and confidence, posted by KathrynLex on February 23, 2004, at 16:44:02
K, thanks for your post. It was very encouraging for me to hear such positive results from increasing dosage. I am considering increasing as well and hope that I make the right decision. I am doing okay at 10mg but still feel the "shadow" lurking daily. I'm so happy for you that you are doing much better and it's so wonderful that you are willing to encourage others. Thanks. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on February 23, 2004, at 19:20:13
In reply to Day 4, posted by Bubbasmom on February 23, 2004, at 17:25:41
Michelle, glad to hear that you are feeling okay. I hope all goes well with work. Let us know how you are doing. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on February 23, 2004, at 19:24:54
In reply to Re: Day 4, posted by mystic on February 23, 2004, at 18:49:44
Hi Mystic,
I have OCD and anxiety. My worrying subsided after about 2 weeks but it took alot longer for me to feel less anxious about worrying, if that makes any sense. Lexapro actually made me feel jittery and anxious for the first month and it gradually subsided. At about nine weeks I started to feel like myself again and have been doing well for over 4 months. I think I am getting to the point where I need an increase in dosage because my worried and anxious feelings are starting to take over more of my day again. Good luck to you and keep the faith. Mrs. C
Posted by mystic on February 23, 2004, at 19:40:05
In reply to Re: Day 4, posted by mrs c on February 23, 2004, at 19:24:54
Thanks Mrs C....You are a very supportive person and I have been on the posts for the whole time I have been taking the Lexapro but couldnt get on to talk and that was very distressing...Had so many questions and was sooo scared..I dislike taking meds but it came to the point that I was having serious thoughts about my life so it was the last effort..Was on Paxil for 7 years and gained over 45lbs so was really reluctant to start taking meds again...Week one I was sooooo agitated and anxious..week two has been better but the anxiety still gets me..But the Lexapro surely does work faster than anything else..I'm glad there is a place to go to just vent and hear other peoples experiences...Thank you for your reply and Take care...Mystic
Posted by Journeyman on February 23, 2004, at 20:32:08
In reply to Re: Jayslace » Journeyman, posted by Jayslace on February 23, 2004, at 8:12:55
Ruthie,
What good news - I was so pleased to read your response. What a difference from six or seven weeks ago! Talk about a new lease on life, huh?
Glad you're enjoying it.May your pleasure be great, and your strength constant.
Journeyman
Posted by Journeyman on February 23, 2004, at 21:02:21
In reply to Journeyman, posted by KathrynLex on February 23, 2004, at 14:13:37
K,
That's kind of you to say. There's no secret.
Here's the past: I've spent virtually my whole life trying to mold myself to other people's wants, needs, and expectations. My sense of my own worth has been a reflection of others' feelings about me. If they liked me, I was good; if they didn't, I was bad or inadequate.
Here's the present: I take regular 'temperature readings' of how I'm feeling and I am grateful for whatever feelings I have (that includes the good the bad and the ugly). I've learned recently that the bad and ugly have no power over my psyche as long as I welcome, accept, and learn from them. They are messengers, every bit as important to teaching me as are the good feelings.
Here's the future: I accept that as living matter, I am really no different than any other living organism. We're all connected by the web of life, and as such, I can empathize, embrace, and enjoy all that is.
The most influential reading I've been doing lately, and I've really gotten through only a few pages of it, is "Radical Acceptance," by Tara Brach. I highly recommend it if you have a tendency to beat up on yourself for having negative feelings.
Enjoy your path,
Journeyman
Posted by Tawny on February 23, 2004, at 21:26:20
In reply to Re: lex and a female question, posted by sexylexy on February 22, 2004, at 18:48:43
Yes, this happened to me the first two months, but not after that.
> Anyone spotted between periods on lexapro? I know this may be too much info but I do not know who else to ask, I have had brownish/pinkish discharge for a week now, I thought it was the old period coming on but no thus far. Anybody feel me?
> Lexy
Posted by Simus on February 24, 2004, at 1:35:46
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro » linnie, posted by TexCuz on February 23, 2004, at 11:56:02
> > All these messages about Lexapro - ye Gods! I didn't like Zoloft, Celexa, Effexor and then Lexapro. My doc said "STOP taking the Lexapro right now" and started me on Carbatrol for BiPolar Disorder/Mild -to-Moderate symptoms. This is after 3 years of treatment with SSRI's. I am also on Klonopin and Neurontin which are ALL anti-seizure drugs. I am a MESS. Withdrawal from SSRI's? Side effects of Carbatrol? I'm anxious, crying, dizzy, unsteady, horrible dreams, etc. I'm 6 days into Lexapro withdrawal...but how much longer? ALL I want is to feel NORMAL....not happy, or joyous, just NORMAL!!
>I have no answers, but I sure can relate. My heart goes out to you. Hang in there, better days are coming.
Posted by BobYuma on February 24, 2004, at 7:44:08
In reply to Day 4, posted by Bubbasmom on February 23, 2004, at 17:25:41
> >... I've been kind of thirsty and kind of sleepy about three hours after I've taken it. Anyone had this happen? > > >
-------------------------------
Hello, Michelle. Thanks for giving us an update.
About the being thirsty, I can't say yes or no to that, since I drink bottled water all day long. It's something I got used to when I decided that water was something that all of us probably needed to drink more of. Water seems to be like the old saying goes, "The more you drink, the more you want."
As far as experiencing the sleepiness about three hours after you take the Lexapro, I've ended up taking mine around 10 PM, so if I'm sleepy in about three hours, it doesn't matter.
God Bless and please keep us up to date on your progress.
BobYuma
Posted by Mariposa on February 24, 2004, at 9:59:07
In reply to Mariposa, posted by Journeyman on February 22, 2004, at 21:33:45
> Hi,
>
> How are you feeling? Any news on the thyroid? There are a lot of us thinking about you, wanting to know how you're doing.
>
> JourneymanHaven't posted much lately, but still read posts daily. Have increased to 25mg on my own, can't get in to see pdoc until April, he's SOOOO busy! Was feeling aggravated at everything and impatient, probably should go to 30mg but can't afford it until it's doc approved for ins. Thyroid is still enlarged, but do not feel like I have any other symptoms associated with this problem.
Thanks so much for thinking of me, you are a wonderful caring person!!
Best of luck to us all!!!~~~8|8
Posted by marfaith on February 24, 2004, at 10:03:35
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro -- Sam, posted by BobYuma on February 23, 2004, at 14:29:33
I am new to this board. It is great to know that there are other people out there that understand how others are feeling. I realize it is still early yet to feel any different. From what I have read from yours posts is that it takes a good nine weeks to really notice a difference. I have a lot of anxiety and I have this constant dread hanging over me. Hope this works for me as well as it has for others. Good luck to all. Mary
Posted by KathrynLex on February 24, 2004, at 10:45:03
In reply to Day 4, posted by Bubbasmom on February 23, 2004, at 17:25:41
Hi Michelle,
I hope work is going well. It's great that you're feeling good enough to be going back to the office!
Lexapro made me thirsty and tired for the first 3 weeks that I took it. Both are fairly common side effects and they go away after a little while. Just keep a glass of water near by.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on February 24, 2004, at 11:03:25
In reply to 1st week on Lex, posted by marfaith on February 24, 2004, at 10:03:35
Hi Mary,
I take lexapro for anxiety and depression. It worked much faster on my depression that it did on my anxiety. I started at 10 mg and had to increase to 15 mg after about six weeks because I was still having mild panic attacks.
If your anxiety is severe enought that it's causing you great discomfort on a daily basis I would suggest talking to your psychiatrist about taking a benzo on an as needed basis. I recommend this to a lot of people because they can really work wonders for intense anxiety or panic attacks. Ones to try: Xanax, Klonopin and Lorazepam.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the first 2 weeks or so, Lexapro can actually increase your anxiety. I'm not sure why or how it does that but a lot of people have reported an increase in anxiety during the first couple of weeks that they take Lexapro.
Having been where you're at, I can assure you that it does get better. It gets much better. Hang in there and you'll start to feel a gradual reduction in your anxiety until one day you wake up and realize it's gone.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on February 24, 2004, at 11:06:10
In reply to Re: lex and confidence, posted by mrs c on February 23, 2004, at 19:18:36
Hi Mrs. C,
I'm glad my post helped. I really hope that you start to feel better soon. Let me know if you decide to increase.
K.
Posted by TexCuz on February 24, 2004, at 11:56:34
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro » linnie, posted by TexCuz on February 23, 2004, at 11:56:02
After 3 yrs on various SSRI's for anxiety & depression, my doctor has rediagnosed me as mild bipolar and says the SSRI's were making it worse.
I am on day 7 of 200mg x 2 of Carbatrol. However, the withdrawal symptoms from SSRI's and
"start-up" symptoms of Carbatrol are almost identical so I am all screwed up. Sweating, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, headaches, instability, crying jags, etc. I also take Klonopin and Neurontin, so I'm on a whole handful of anti-seizure medications. Anyone else in the same rocky boat? Is it worth waiting it out?
Posted by marfaith on February 24, 2004, at 12:52:20
In reply to Re: 1st week on Lex, posted by KathrynLex on February 24, 2004, at 11:03:25
> Hi Mary,
>
> I take lexapro for anxiety and depression. It worked much faster on my depression that it did on my anxiety. I started at 10 mg and had to increase to 15 mg after about six weeks because I was still having mild panic attacks.
>
> If your anxiety is severe enought that it's causing you great discomfort on a daily basis I would suggest talking to your psychiatrist about taking a benzo on an as needed basis. I recommend this to a lot of people because they can really work wonders for intense anxiety or panic attacks. Ones to try: Xanax, Klonopin and Lorazepam.
>
> Another thing to keep in mind is that the first 2 weeks or so, Lexapro can actually increase your anxiety. I'm not sure why or how it does that but a lot of people have reported an increase in anxiety during the first couple of weeks that they take Lexapro.
>
> Having been where you're at, I can assure you that it does get better. It gets much better. Hang in there and you'll start to feel a gradual reduction in your anxiety until one day you wake up and realize it's gone.
>
> K.Hi K
I do have Xanax. I have taken that for quite some time. Not on a continuing basis, but as needed. I take it to help me sleep or else I will be wide awake at 2:00 am and won't be able to fall back asleep for a couple of hours. The kind of panic attacks I get are when I first start to fall asleep. It's like I have to force myself to wake up or else I am going to die. I don't get them all the time. I hate those! I have noticed that I have been feeling a little jittery this week. My problem is that I can't enjoy anything good that is going on in my life because I am afraid something bad is going to happen. As if my worrying will prevent it from happening. Does that make any sense? That's what I mean when I say that I have this feeling of dread hanging over me. Thanks for responding. Mary
Posted by Cathrina on February 24, 2004, at 16:50:32
In reply to Re: lex and a female question, posted by mrs c on February 22, 2004, at 21:07:16
Have been on lexapro for almost 4 months now... a little fatigue now and then but no major side effects... so I thought. Lexapro has saved my marriage. We're once again very connected with very little bickering or resentment towards each other. Thus, this renewed connection in each other has sparked alot more interest in our love life. But, I now have a very difficult time reaching orgasm. Before lexapro I was mulit-orgasmic even while we were having major problems. Now it's a rarity that I even reach orgasm. Has anyone else experienced this?
Posted by LynneDa on February 24, 2004, at 16:57:20
In reply to new to the board... sexual problems??, posted by Cathrina on February 24, 2004, at 16:50:32
Hi Cathrina -
I have also been on Lex for about 4 months, I upped once from 10 mg to 20 mg during that time. I too cannot orgasm easily at all and I used to be an easy & quick "orgasmer" (at the age of 40 even). It takes too long and I usually decide to give up. I'm not sure what to do either. It bothers my husband as much, if not more, than it bothers me.Some say Wellbutrin fixes that problem. Others say taking your Lex right afterward, at night, helps because it starts to wear off. This has not worked for me. I'm about ready to ask my doctor about Wellbutrin, but I hate taking another med!
I guess I'm not much help, but I can certainly empathize with you!!!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Have been on lexapro for almost 4 months now... a little fatigue now and then but no major side effects... so I thought. Lexapro has saved my marriage. We're once again very connected with very little bickering or resentment towards each other. Thus, this renewed connection in each other has sparked alot more interest in our love life. But, I now have a very difficult time reaching orgasm. Before lexapro I was mulit-orgasmic even while we were having major problems. Now it's a rarity that I even reach orgasm. Has anyone else experienced this?
Posted by LynneDa on February 24, 2004, at 17:02:03
In reply to new to the board... sexual problems??, posted by Cathrina on February 24, 2004, at 16:50:32
Cathrina - Forgot to focus on the positive for you ... Three Cheers and congratulations that your marriage is stronger due to Lex taking care of some of your other issues :-). I'm very glad to hear that and can say it has made a big difference in my marriage as well - I'm much easier to live with. Thank goodness for that positive outcome!!
~ Lynne
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