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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by robot on March 15, 2004, at 23:18:28
In reply to Day 4 on LEX, jumping out of my skin..help, posted by declaring grace on March 12, 2004, at 10:39:49
Doseage:10mg/day
This is my fifth day on LEX, so IM only a couple days behind you, mrs c.
I have had intense anxiety before, but not like this--its bearable, but it is difficult when I know Im going to feel anxious EVERY DAY about 30minutes after taking the pill. Ive been taking it in the morning (Ive thought about switching to evening). I have to keep telling myself that its not reality, but everything takes on a tinge of what I call "psychological nausea"—nothing seems like a good idea, and it makes me ideate on unpleasant things.
Last week I was at a crisis unit and I took my first dose of LExapro. At first I just felt different somehow. NOt good or bad really. Then it changed to waves of anxiety and bad feelings. I felt hopeless again, even suicidal. And here I was going to convince the doctor I could go home soon?
The next morning I awoke with a headache, so they gave me some pain pills with the dose. I felt better later when the doctor saw me. He could see that I was better and he sent me home. The next morning I took ibruprofen for the headache. Again, I felt better and thought the the pills were working.
But the last few days Ive realized it was just the pain pills making me better! Without them I am constantly anxious. Could this anxiety be due to the surplus seretonin in a system that is not adjusted to it? Ive felt a little of the same feeling when taking 5htp-tryptophan. I assume that if I took a large enough dose of it I would get the same effect.
Posted by jlynne on March 16, 2004, at 2:01:20
In reply to Re: LEXapro, anxiety, and ibuprofen, posted by robot on March 15, 2004, at 23:18:28
>> I have had intense anxiety before, but not like this--its bearable, but it is difficult when I know Im going to feel anxious EVERY DAY about 30minutes after taking the pill.
Robot, I agree with mrs. c's advise to "d-c" and I think I would offer the same to you. Please talk to your doctor about getting something for the anxiety - my heart aches for you, and I know that there has to be something that will help. Keep us posted. We are pulling for you. ...jlynne
Posted by sip on March 16, 2004, at 14:37:39
In reply to Re: Lexapro positive responses?, posted by vjw on March 13, 2004, at 18:18:18
I haven't been here for some time. I posted here in December seeking other people's experiences with Lexapro and got some of my questions answered. I thought I'd swing by and see how folks are doing, but I am overwhelmed at how active this board is!
I did want to put out a few words about my 3 1/2 months on Lexapro.
I haven't fallen into depression the entire time I've been on Lex. I have had days, sometimes a few at a time, where I've felt down. I've come to see them as part of normal -- that is, it's possible to experience a range of feelings and moods without getting stuck in one. I used to get stuck in negativity and depression a lot. I've become more flexible and less scared when I feel blue. It's simply become one moment/feeling that will pass or transform. This is very new for me. It's also new for me not to get freaked out when I start feeling down; I used to immediately think the Lexapro had stopped working!
I haven't noticed any weight gain... knock on wood.
I have noticed that my libido is lower, my sexual response is slower, and my orgasms can be slightly mellower (OK, all that rhyming was unintentional!) I was going to try Gingko Biloba but I had a bout of gastritis that was very painful and didn't want to introduce something new to my stomach. I may try the Gingko Biloba in the near future. I haven't felt *devastatingly bad* sexual side effects. This was one of my biggest fears that nearly stopped me from going on Lex. (BTW, I'm female).
I cannot get away with less sleep anymore. I used to be able to get by on fewer hours of sleep. While Lex doesn't make me drowsy (it did in the beginning and I still take it at night) if I am not well-rested I am utterly exhausted and can't push through it.
I had some fogginess in the first few weeks as well as emotional flatness. Those are gone.
My emotional symptoms of PMS have lessenedl; the edge is off although I am prone to be more sensitive and depressive those days. I still have major cravings!
I am in psychotherapy (have been for some time) and think that being on Lex and in therapy works really well together.
I'm so grateful I finally went on meds and that I've had such a positive experience on the first one I tried. I was on 5 mg for the first month and switched to 10 mg -- my current dosage.
So, there are positive experiences with Lexapro! I wanted to add mine and wish new Lex users luck. I'll try to come back and post updates because I found these sorts of posts helpful when I was a newbie.
Posted by Esmarelda on March 16, 2004, at 14:52:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro positive responses?, posted by sip on March 16, 2004, at 14:37:39
I have been on Lexapro since June (going on 10 months now). I, too, used to past a lot, but have not lately and probably will not in the near future. However, this board helped me tremendously for many, many months. I would just like to share my experience in case it is helpful to someone else. I started in June 2003 on 10mg of Lexapro. I definitely felt alot worse before I got better. I was also nauseated, to the point of throwing up a few times. I had a loss of appetite all around (which was not that bad of a thing). After about the 5th or 6th week, I started noticing positive effects of Lex and feeling better. Not normal, but better. For months, I was extremely tired in mornings and just wanted to sleep all the time. No one could ever tell me whether it was the Lexapro or just lingering depression. After about 2 months or so, I felt like I was getting a little worse again so I upped my dose to 15 mg. That worked pretty well for a while until the holiday hit around November. By December, I decided to up my dost again to 20 mg. Things still did not feel right or normal, so in January, I added Wellbutrin to the Lexapro and I have felt fabulous ever since. I am not tired anymore, I don't feel the lingering depression and can honestly say I feel normal for the first time in a very long time. I never wanted to have to take antidepressants, but if this is what will keep me from going back into that black hole, then so be it. Also, I quit alcohol, totally, about 6 months ago and that helped tremendously too. Drinking keeps the antidepressants from working like they shouled. Exercise also helps. I hope my story is beneficial to someone. If anyone has any questions, I will be happy to share and will check back in the next few days. Good luck to all and Thank you!
Posted by Simus on March 16, 2004, at 15:53:30
In reply to Re: Lexapro positive responses?, posted by sip on March 16, 2004, at 14:37:39
What did you switch from?
Posted by mystic on March 16, 2004, at 18:40:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro positive responses? » sip, posted by Simus on March 16, 2004, at 15:53:30
Simus we have been looking for you...we miss you and are worried about you...Hope you are doing ok and feeling better...Mystic
Posted by Simus on March 16, 2004, at 18:59:25
In reply to RE: Simus, posted by mystic on March 16, 2004, at 18:40:05
> Simus we have been looking for you...we miss you and are worried about you...Hope you are doing ok and feeling better...Mystic
Thank you, that is very sweet. I have really been struggling. 20mg Lexapro wasn't going well, so I tried 25, then 30 over the past week with no luck. So I am going to the Doctor tomorrow to get some help. I have read that Wellbutrin works well with Lexapro, but I don't know anything about it. ??? Thanks for asking.
God bless.
Posted by mystic on March 16, 2004, at 19:38:33
In reply to RE: Simus » mystic, posted by Simus on March 16, 2004, at 18:59:25
Simus thanks for finally writing we have been worried about you and we were redirected to a new site and didnt know if you got that news...it is great to just hear from you...Well glad you have an appointment with your dr tomorrow if this is not working..and I have read quite a few posts that have said that after adding wellbutrin it has been much better so that might be an option and a good one...We really care about you and want you to get better...So please keep us posted and I will pray for a favorable outcome...A friend Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 16, 2004, at 19:40:44
In reply to RE: Simus, posted by mystic on March 16, 2004, at 19:38:33
PS>>>the new site is redirected lexaproers
Posted by Simus on March 16, 2004, at 21:31:46
In reply to RE: Simus, posted by mystic on March 16, 2004, at 19:38:33
Thank you. =)
Posted by Journeyman on March 16, 2004, at 21:32:45
In reply to Lexapro Experience, posted by Esmarelda on March 16, 2004, at 14:52:21
Esmarelda,
It was so good to see your name on the board again, but even more exciting was the news about how things have been going for you since the new year rolled around. It sounds like you've really struck a good balance, after years of trying lots of things.
I think about you and hope that you're dealing with the loss of your grandmother and the others in her generation with greater stability and acceptance. I'm sure she meant a great deal to you, and I'll bet she was a sweetie.
Congratulations on feeling better.
Continued good health.
Journeyman
Posted by Journeyman on March 16, 2004, at 21:40:50
In reply to Re: Lexapro Experience » Esmarelda, posted by Journeyman on March 16, 2004, at 21:32:45
This is a copy of a message I posted on the Social-Babble - Redirected Lexaproers site recently. Since it addresses a question asked here two or three days ago, I'm reposting it.
Hello Mystic,
To answer your question, here's some background.
By April of last year, I was so depressed, there was one day when it was difficult for me to muster up the emotional energy to walk to the park 3 blocks from home and have to interact with people...a very unusual situation for me. I decided to see a therapist, because the oppressive feelings were getting to be too much to deal with.
Started weekly therapy, with good results, but my therapist and I noticed a tendency for me to see-saw between happy and sad phases. Took some diagnostic tests about depression, but they determined my symptoms were classic depression.
My therapist was convinced that my depression was 'organic' - that is, a biologically generated/perpetuated problem and that in order to break the cycle, I should try an AD. She came to that conclusion fairly early on in our sessions, but I was reluctant to medicate myself as I saw it as an admission of defeat. I thought that I should be able to work through it by eating well, exercising, giving myself positive messages, etc. The problem with that approach had always been that things started out well, but depression always depleted my desire to take that kind of good care of myself. In other words, I believed I had the cure, but I couldn't get myself to administer it. Thus, back to the round of spiraling depression I would go. I felt guilty, ashamed, weak, and sometimes nearly hopeless.
Things got worse. June, July, & August had some good moments. Things crashed in September and I suffered terribly for nearly 3 months. Decided to pay a visit to a psychitrist (you'll sometimes see them referred to on this site as 'p/docs').
The p/doc came to the same conclusion my therapist had and wanted me to try Lexapro for a year to see whether the organic cycle could be broken.Nov. 21 - Started taking 5 mg. of Lexapro. I experienced many of the milder side-effects that lots of people have mentioned: slight dizziness, mild headaches (and I never get headaches), diarrhea, sleepiness after lunch, a caffeine-like perkiness at night. These pretty much disappeared by six weeks.
I felt better emotionally almost immediately. Part of that may have just been from the good feelings I had that I was actually doing something new to take care of myself, but whatever it was, it felt good not to be under such an oppressive cloud of angst.
I have continued to feel better and better. I'm enjoying art, music, people, everything, more than I ever have. This in spite of the fact that I am currently undergoing the most difficult time of my life. Were it not for my current therapy, I have no doubt that I would be suicidal under my (formerly) usual circumstances.
The greatest shift in my thinking is related to how I view myself. Prior to my current therapy and Lexapro treatment, I had always sought my role in relationships through what I perceived to be what other people wanted me to be. You want me to be funny - I'll be a clown. You need me to be empathetic - I'll cry for you. Etc. Etc. ad self-destruction. I wanted so badly to please others that I was always the last person I concerned my self with pleasing. I was so finely tuned to other peoples' needs, that I was virtually incapable of listening to my own body and my own thoughts.
Another part of this change has been in the way I view negative events, whether outside myself or in my head. I used to think that acknowledging 'bad' thoughts would magically make them more realistic, more a part of how I would be defined. So I would ignore the negative, focus on only the positive, and be missing half of what was actually going on. I thought the dark and the negative would weaken me.
I now, however, view them as an essential part of me and of everything else that we call life. Without hate, there is no such thing as love...without darkness, there is no such thing as light. They are part of the experience of life, and I now welcome them into my life as wise teachers that can guide me every bit as well as those things we consider to be 'positive.' I no longer fear the thoughts that come into my mind - I invite them to sit with me so that we can get to know each other, and when we do, I stop viewing them as enemies. They, like everything else, are just passing through.
I am still on 5 mg. of Lex. That amount seems to be enough for me. I'm also in two therapy sessions a week, and I do quite a bit of reading. About 5 weeks ago, my therapist declared that I was 'depression-free.' I'll continue the Lex for the year that my p/doc recommends. Then, we'll see from there. As for the therapy, I'll know when I'm ready to stop.
That's a brief summary. Let me know if there's anything else.
When you're falling asleep tonight, maybe you can focus on the light (and the darkness) in you, that has so fortunately brought you to where you are now. There is hope. There is love. There is openness and acceptance. And all three of those things are present not only here on this message board...they're present in you.
May you continue to experience growing peace with yourself.
Journeyman
Posted by Journeyman on March 16, 2004, at 22:18:01
In reply to Lexapro Positive Experiences, posted by Journeyman on March 16, 2004, at 21:40:50
Dear All,
This particular site was set up specifically for the discussion of Lexapro and people's experience of it. As we all know, it's difficult to talk about our experience of it, without discussing all sorts of personal stories, or offering suggestions, encouragement, etc.
Consequently, a number of people have been redirected to the 'Social Babble' site and asked to continue chatting about the more socially-oriented issues there, rather than here on the 'Psycho-Babble' site.
To get there, scroll up to the top of this page and follow the links for 'Social-Babble.' Once you've clicked on that, scroll down about eleven topics and you'll start seeing some familiar names of people who were posting here, as well as the word 'Lexapro' in the subject lines.
You'll find the discussions there involves Lexapro as both a medicine, and a springboard for discussion about any number of social topics.
For those who wish, we'll see you there.
Journeyman
Posted by LynneDa on March 17, 2004, at 10:15:11
In reply to RE: Simus » mystic, posted by Simus on March 16, 2004, at 18:59:25
Simus - read some of Esmerelda's recent posts. She had similar situation and added wellbutrin - now she is doing great! I am thinking of going that route myself due to insomnia, inorgasmia, continued low energy and some anxiety I can't quite get rid of.
Good luck, let us know what the doc says!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> Thank you, that is very sweet. I have really been struggling. 20mg Lexapro wasn't going well, so I tried 25, then 30 over the past week with no luck. So I am going to the Doctor tomorrow to get some help. I have read that Wellbutrin works well with Lexapro, but I don't know anything about it. ??? Thanks for asking.
>
> God bless.
>
>
Posted by KathrynLex on March 17, 2004, at 11:35:04
In reply to Re: Day 6 on Lex and QUITTING !!!!, posted by declaring grace on March 15, 2004, at 3:20:42
Hi Declaring Grace,
I'm sorry the Lexapro isn't working out for you. Have you stopped taking it? While I've had wonderful results on 15 mgs of Lex, I realize it isn't the right med for everyone.
You might want to talk to your doctor about Prozac, it can do wonders for depression. I hope you find something that works.
K.
Posted by sip on March 17, 2004, at 12:17:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro positive responses? » sip, posted by Simus on March 16, 2004, at 15:53:30
> What did you switch from?
Is this thread about people who switched to Lex from another AD? This board is so hard to follow sometimes. Lex is my first AD.
Posted by BobYuma on March 17, 2004, at 15:02:39
In reply to Re: Lexapro positive responses? » Simus, posted by sip on March 17, 2004, at 12:17:14
> > What did you switch from?
Is this thread about people who switched to Lex from another AD? This board is so hard to follow sometimes. Lex is my first AD.
> > >
Hi, Sip.
The board is used for support for those who take Lexpro. Our messages center on the side effects, and other effects, both pro and con, which may follow the use of Lexapro.Welcome aboard.
BobYuma
Posted by Simus on March 17, 2004, at 22:37:27
In reply to RE: Simus » Simus, posted by LynneDa on March 17, 2004, at 10:15:11
Today my doctor told me to stop Lexapro completely. He gave me samples of Wellbutrin to start on tomorrow. He wants to see how I respond to Wellbutrin alone. Then, he said it was possible that he may add in the Lexapro again, depending what the results are with the Wellbutrin. I am starting to feel like a guinea pig...a very depressed, numb, vegetative guinea pig. (Sorry.) I will keep you posted as to how it goes.
Posted by Simus on March 17, 2004, at 22:43:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro positive responses? » Simus, posted by sip on March 17, 2004, at 12:17:14
> > What did you switch from?
>
> Is this thread about people who switched to Lex from another AD? This board is so hard to follow sometimes. Lex is my first AD.
>
You didn't do anything wrong. I was just being nosy. But it is because I personally need to adjust meds and I am trying to get all the info I can right now. Thanks and sorry.
Posted by jlynne on March 17, 2004, at 23:04:21
In reply to Wellbutrin, posted by Simus on March 17, 2004, at 22:37:27
Simus, I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. May I ask what was happening with the Lexapro? ...jlynne
Posted by robot on March 17, 2004, at 23:09:48
In reply to Re: LEXapro, anxiety, and ibuprofen » robot, posted by jlynne on March 16, 2004, at 2:01:20
Thanks jlynne. The idea that concerns me is that I NEED to be feeling the anxiety--it means Im loading up on seretonin so my brain learns to adjust to the new environment. I just experimented the past few days with taking it in the evenings, and it helped--little or no anxiety. I suspect, though, it will take longer if I keep doing that. Anyway, I might try it tomorrow in the morning to see if its getting better.
What Ive been experiencing at night is pretty great. I tend to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, and lying there on my bed I feel a great body buzz like im floating. I havent felt that in a long time. Part of me cant stand thinking about all the things Ive missed out on in the past 5 years. Its not very real until you start feeling better. Plus Im in this intermiediate state where not only do I have to wait, but Im not sure what Ill find in a few weeks with this med. My doc and I suspect I have bipolar tendencies, but I wanted to see what happened on just one antidepressant without a mood stabilizer. I think it was the best choice.
It so nice to be able to get encouragement from you guys. Thanks again.
> Robot, I agree with mrs. c's advise to "d-c" and I think I would offer the same to you. Please talk to your doctor about getting something for the anxiety - my heart aches for you, and I know that there has to be something that will help. Keep us posted. We are pulling for you. ...jlynne
Posted by Simus on March 17, 2004, at 23:14:50
In reply to Simus, posted by jlynne on March 17, 2004, at 23:04:21
> Simus, I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. May I ask what was happening with the Lexapro? ...jlynne
>It started out good. I felt pretty good at 10mg, then I soon started to get depressed again. So I went up to 20mg and I felt good for a short while again. Then I tried 25mg, and 30mg, but noticed no difference.
I am sure it is a great medicine for some people, but I just needed a change. And after a while on the Wellbutrin, my doctor may add in the Lexapro again. Who knows?
Posted by sexylexy on March 17, 2004, at 23:17:20
In reply to Simus, posted by jlynne on March 17, 2004, at 23:04:21
Hey Lex Family,
I missed you all so much! I hope everyone has had a great week. I am doing pretty well. Still taking 15mg, and really seeing a positive change. I am thinking about going up to 20mg just to get the full effect but am really feeling much better, not really going up and down so much and the side effects are gone. I am thinking of also adding a little wellbutrin for some energy and clarity am not sure. I am seeing my P-doc in the morning and will be sure to ask about it.
I had an awesome time in Vegas and thought about you guys a lot. Emily and Mystic, I hope the journey seems to be evening out somewhat, LynneDa hope you are feeling on the up swing again, Mrs. C hope 15mg is great for you, Edna and Kelli hope things are still going good for you all, Kathryn, hope you had a good trip and the plane ride went well. Journeyman, thanks as always for the great postings. Did I miss anything, I feel like I am out of the social circle.
Praying for ya'll and glad to be home!
Lexy
Posted by Mariposa on March 18, 2004, at 0:31:03
In reply to Re: Simus » jlynne, posted by Simus on March 17, 2004, at 23:14:50
> > Simus, I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. May I ask what was happening with the Lexapro? ...jlynne
> >
>
> It started out good. I felt pretty good at 10mg, then I soon started to get depressed again. So I went up to 20mg and I felt good for a short while again. Then I tried 25mg, and 30mg, but noticed no difference.
>
> I am sure it is a great medicine for some people, but I just needed a change. And after a while on the Wellbutrin, my doctor may add in the Lexapro again. Who knows?
>
>
It may not be easy to stop Lex cold turkey....Have seen many posts here on that subject and some people have complained of bad withdrawal side effects. Tapering off gradually seems to work for some. Good Luck!~~~8|8
Posted by Simus on March 18, 2004, at 0:58:29
In reply to Re: Simus, posted by Mariposa on March 18, 2004, at 0:31:03
> It may not be easy to stop Lex cold turkey....Have seen many posts here on that subject and some people have complained of bad withdrawal side effects. Tapering off gradually seems to work for some. Good Luck!~~~8|8
>
I was concerned about that too, and I asked my doctor about it. He obviously wasn't concerned. I am certainly going to watch for withdrawal effects though. Thanks.
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