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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by oldhand on March 9, 2003, at 18:38:18
In reply to IS IT POSSIBLE WERE TAKING TO MUCH, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 10:09:52
> This is really bugging me on how to take and when to take it. I was starting to feel results at 5mg. My shrink tells me oh!!! you have to get to 10mg. So I go 7.5 and then 10. Getting more tired and just feeling like a zombie. But not the same good zombie feeling I had when I smoked pot in the 70,s. Sometimes I wish I had not quit doing drugs 20 years ago. Are we taking to much lex and could it be just stronger than thought. I see where people have started at 10 and then went to 5 and are doing great. I just dont know!!!!! I have to be able to sleep and be able to walk during the day like I am not drugged!!!!!! People with good results from LEX please post and give details. I need some hope!!!!!!!!
Wayne.
I have been on 10mg of Lexapro for more than three months now. I feel so much better than I have in years, trying one after another antidepressant. At first with the Lex I had awful insomnia and jaw clenching and tight neck muscles. Now the insomnia is gone (doc gave me Trazodone to take at night). I no longer have the jaw clenching and I sleep well at night. Others here have slept too much in the early stages. I feel so much better if I get some exercize during the day and I am not one who has a routine. Seems to keep my jaw and neck muscles relaxed, but too much and my neck muscles seem to sieze up, forcing me to sit and lower my head and wait for it to pass. This has only happened twice, once when I was taking a strenuous walk through snow. As of now I have only minor side effects like the above and an occasional hot flush and sweat. I probably sleep more than I should but that is due to boredom, I need to get out and about.
Please take some encouragement from us here on this board. I, personally feel very good on this med. I hope you will give it some more time but if it is not for you there are many other meds out there. I hope you and your wife are in counseling as well and you are in touch with your prescribing doctor. It cannot hurt :=} I am going to return to counseling now, after about a year break. I know I need to regain some confidence to go out in the work-world again. Tho I do not have trouble leaving the house, it is really MUCH easier to stay home, if you know what I mean? I wish you peace and patience and wellness.
Posted by Donia on March 9, 2003, at 21:18:29
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » Donia, posted by Dysfunk on March 9, 2003, at 18:24:15
I have not yet talked with the doc. I am going to take my original 10mg dosage and add a quarter of another one to increase it a little to see if it helps. I did this yesterday and today and feel ok, but probably too soon to tell. I just know with zoloft, I did not have these ups and downs. I will wait it out a bit and talk with my doc if I think increasing the dose helps. Also, you can get off the zoloft pretty easy by weaning off. I am not sure who mentioned the zoloft, but I could not quit cold turkey, I had those brain zaps too when I did it that way.
Donia
Posted by Brian1977 on March 9, 2003, at 21:37:57
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by Donia on March 9, 2003, at 21:18:29
this is my second day of Lex. I feel ok i feel somewhat tired today-- i didn't sleep well last night. i take Lex. at 4 pm in hope after reading all the posts that i can function during the day.
Tomorrow will be my first day to try to work on Lex. I hope this works. I am scared to death. I just want to be myself again. I am not seeing a counselor at this time.
My doctor started me out on 10mg -- i know it only been 2 days but so far i dont feel any bad effects, other than being somehwta sleepy--but not sleepy enough to fall asleep.
Posted by Sadsack on March 9, 2003, at 23:26:56
In reply to Re: frustrated newcomer, posted by maize1211 on March 8, 2003, at 19:30:56
Well, you may want to give 10 a bit longer before passing judgement. Most of the side effects go away in 2-8 weeks depending on your own personal make-up. It sounds like you are really struggling with the whole idea of antidepressants as well as how you feel. I felt that way. After they worked for me, I found myself in so much better shape that I don't think twice now when I need them. (I have a pretty normal life but a HUGE family hx of depression so it's a chemical thing). Anti depressants aren't for everyone and some doc's prescribe them like candy but if you quit them too soon you may never know if you really needed them or not. Does that make sense? With everything I've read on this site, I don't think 5mg will do much of anything. Good luck and I hope this all works out for you.
Sadsack
> > I am new to lexapro and to any form of anti-depressants. I started with 10 mg for one week and then increased to 20 mg. I have mild depression and was extremely skeptical about taking medication for it. I am usually active, energetic, and rarely nap. When I switched to 20mg I was extremely lethargic, wanted to sleep all day and could not wait to go to bed. I then experienced headaches and an inability to be productive at work. I decreased my dose to 10 mg for the past several days and have not been as tired and headaches have decreased. I did have an extremely vivid dream last night. I now switched to 5mg because I am uncomfortable with how I feel.
> >
> > Has anyone had positive experiences with lexapro ?
> > Has anyone found 5mg to be effective in treating depression or dose the dosage need to be higher ?
> >
> > Thanks
>
> I have been on Lexapro 10 mg for approx. 2 weeks. I am new to antidepressants. The first week on Lexapro I wasnt able to fall asleep until many hours after my normal bedtime. I also had a lot of energy and didnt need an afternoon nap (I would nap as often as I could before Lexapro- just part of my depression I guess) nor felt the desire to try and sleep late. The second week I seemed to have gotten used to the lexapro because now I can fall asleep at my normal bedtime. I still feel like I have a lot of energy and am starting to feel better about everything day by day. I actually laughed today without feeling like sighing- if you know what I mean. I havent had any negative side effects except slight insomnia the first week. I wish you luck on the Lexapro.
>
Posted by Sadsack on March 9, 2003, at 23:31:41
In reply to Re: newcomer, posted by Brian1977 on March 8, 2003, at 21:52:01
Give it a few weeks. The worst of the side effects take some time to work thru and then seem to get better. Hope this is the drug for you, I know how frustrating it is to not be yourself! Good Luck,
Sadsack> Today is the first day that i have taken Lex. I am very new to Antidepressants and have already been placed on 2 different ones that i had alot of problems with. After reading several of the messages i felt it would be best that i take Lex in the afternoon--I took it at 5:00pm--its now 9:45 and i am beginning to relax and feel sleepy.
>
> I ususally have difficulty resting. I feel very calm and relaxed. In the evenings I usually can't concentrate, its usually difficult for me to work on the computer in the evenings or anything. I feel good tonite. I could actually go to sleep right now.
>
> I am so ready to get my life back. I am 25 and used to be very active. I want that back--i really dont have much energy and the slightest things or problems will send me over board. i want to be in control again. Hopefully Lexapro will give me that
Posted by Sadsack on March 9, 2003, at 23:40:43
In reply to No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by Dysfunk on March 8, 2003, at 22:35:35
I'm so sorry. I know how it is to have your hopes up and then dashed and then wonder how much longer til you feel better. HANG IN THERE! How long til your doc comes back to town? Maybe you need 30 of Lex or some adjustment with your other meds. I'll be thinking of you.
Sadsack
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 10, 2003, at 2:11:03
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 8:33:13
Hello Everyone out there having troubles starting their meds or finding that perfect match. I am on Wellbutrin SR 150 mg twice a day, I since added the Lexapro in Nov. I have had some ups and downs with it I now take 30 mg and I find if I take it late afternoon I can go to bed on time. I have heard lots of scary stories about meds but its has to be your write combo of drugs maybe you need you zoloft and a bit of something maybe its lexapro or something else. Dont give up on your self. Its hard for all of us. We all need this help trying to se what works and what doesn't I have been switched alot and finally am feeling that I am piecing my life back together. We all need to take our baby steps, slowly let the meds run their course. So far so good on mine now. DONT GIVE UP you will find your correct meds lex just may not be the best for you.GOD BLESS US ALL THAT SOMEDAY WE WONT HAVE TO TAKE ANYTHING. Love all of you Keep your chins up
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 10, 2003, at 2:20:33
In reply to IS IT POSSIBLE WERE TAKING TO MUCH, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 10:09:52
Hey blkvettes!
I started on 5 mg of lex pro in middle of Nov. By the end of the month I was up to 10 mg then by the middle of Dec I moved to 20 mg stayed fine on that untill last week so I am now taking 30 mg in the late afternoon with my second dosage of my 250 mg Wellbutrin SR. And it has really help me I guess I must not be getting the problems as bad as I have heard on the board. I LOVE MY LEXAPRO I believe it is helping me to become that person I knew along time ago and she is stronger and tougher so were going to keep fighting to make our lives better. Just get looking for the correct combos They are all over the place just ask What doesn;t work for you doesnt mean it wont for someone else. We just need to look at your meds and see if they are really right or not I hope this makes since I am really tired Love you all take care and have a great night
Posted by blkvettes on March 10, 2003, at 10:00:27
In reply to Re: IS IT POSSIBLE WERE TAKING TO MUCH » blkvettes, posted by oldhand on March 9, 2003, at 18:38:18
First of all thanks for the posts which give me hope. I took the lex early afternoon yesterday and got tired at the right time. I did wake up early in the morning and could not go back to sleep. So I do a few things and lay back down. Everyone leaves for the day and I feel alone. My wife tells me relax and she will clean up when she gets home. This is the second day in a row that this wobbly, loss of balance has come back to haunt me. So I force myself to clean around the house and do some things that have been neglected for the last 5 months. I go about 2 hours and break down and just cry and cry. I call my wife at work and just talk while I am crying. I was better last week and now off to a bad start. Kept switching the times on the lex. I think I have found it now. Just cant think positive, I breathe deep and tell myself everything will be ok. I believe I will sleep through the night with time. I just want to function, so that I can be alone and drive to the store and pick my daughter up from school. I have come along way, but the journey only seems half over. I will keep trying!!!!!! GOD BLESS ALL!!!
Posted by EGR on March 10, 2003, at 10:20:24
In reply to SO DEPRESSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 10, 2003, at 10:00:27
Blkvettes,
When did your doc last increase your meds? I don't remember how long you've been on Lex, but it takes some awhile. You can also ask for something for a quick pick me up.
Make yourself a "Happy thoughts" file and put in it things that make you smile... or used to. Put in pictures of your daughter, your wife, poems you like, positive reinforcing things. Also put in notes on all the things that are RIGHT with you and your life. When you feel like you need to sit and cry, look at the folder.
Try not to call your wife at work. Even the most understanding, most loving spouses need to "escape" us and if we bother them at work it wreaks havoc on their concentration.
Remember that your a child of God and He doesn't make junk.
Jesus loves you and so do I!
EGR
Posted by jarr25 on March 10, 2003, at 10:56:45
In reply to SO DEPRESSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 10, 2003, at 10:00:27
> First of all thanks for the posts which give me hope. I took the lex early afternoon yesterday and got tired at the right time. I did wake up early in the morning and could not go back to sleep. So I do a few things and lay back down. Everyone leaves for the day and I feel alone. My wife tells me relax and she will clean up when she gets home. This is the second day in a row that this wobbly, loss of balance has come back to haunt me. So I force myself to clean around the house and do some things that have been neglected for the last 5 months. I go about 2 hours and break down and just cry and cry. I call my wife at work and just talk while I am crying. I was better last week and now off to a bad start. Kept switching the times on the lex. I think I have found it now. Just cant think positive, I breathe deep and tell myself everything will be ok. I believe I will sleep through the night with time. I just want to function, so that I can be alone and drive to the store and pick my daughter up from school. I have come along way, but the journey only seems half over. I will keep trying!!!!!! GOD BLESS ALL!!!
I hope the meds work soon for you. It's going well for me. At first I had to force myself to exercise, which helps with the release of endorphines and helps a lot with feeling good. But now, it's becoming automatic for me to exercise.
Good luck!:) Sending lots of positive healing Energy your way.:):):)
Posted by Dysfunk on March 10, 2003, at 13:56:42
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » Dysfunk, posted by Sadsack on March 9, 2003, at 23:40:43
Sadsack:
Thanks for your support. I am currently awaiting a call from my doctor any minute now. He did renew my script. I have to see if I am going up or down on it. I am so discouraged cause I have no real reason to be depressed and to cry, and I feel that way. It is like my body has a difficiency. I hate it. :^(
Posted by Dysfunk on March 10, 2003, at 13:58:31
In reply to Re:no more GOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOT working » blkvettes, posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 10, 2003, at 2:11:03
Thanks for the support. I am trying, but it is difficult. I have tried a lot of meds.
Posted by blkvettes on March 10, 2003, at 14:59:04
In reply to SO DEPRESSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 10, 2003, at 10:00:27
I cant stop crying, I have been like this all day. I dont even know why I am crying. I just cant stop!!!!!!! I hope tomorrow is better!!!! I cant stand this!!!!!!!!
Posted by male34 on March 10, 2003, at 17:33:20
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 8:33:13
listen stay strong please my friend i was on off paxil didnt work well for me but in 6th week of Lex,10mgs at 3pm with a bit of diazapam (benzo) its working slowly ,you said your doing mind over metter thats good very good cause it TRULY is a metter of strengthening your mind you can win over please hang in there god bless ill pray for you stay busy and stop thinking so much let it flow and go! good luck my friend
Posted by blkvettes on March 10, 2003, at 17:38:01
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by male34 on March 10, 2003, at 17:33:20
Thanks for posting I am trying to hang in there the best I can. Thanks for hope!!!!!!
Posted by Okpolosi on March 10, 2003, at 18:32:00
In reply to IS IT POSSIBLE WERE TAKING TO MUCH, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 10:09:52
I too started on 5mg. Lots of side effects in the beginning. Went to 10mg during 5th week, 5 days ago. Have not felt the "good" yet and keep hoping.
Posted by Sadsack on March 10, 2003, at 19:58:40
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » Sadsack, posted by Dysfunk on March 10, 2003, at 13:56:42
As strange as it sounds, it's comforting to me to not have any good reasons to be depressed. It is how I know it is all chemical and not my fault. If I was totally screwing up my life and refusing to get therapy, I'd have to blame myself, BUT I am making all the right choices and I recognize that I just have a medical condition that needs medication. When I find the right kind, I'll be back to my (relatively) normal self. If I was diabetic, or had some other disorder it'd be the same thing (I might not be so cranky and mopey but you get my drift). It's one of those life hurdles. You don't ask for it, you don't like it, but you deal with it because there is nothing else to do. Let me know how the med thing is going.
You'll get there, you have alot of insight and that is half the battle.
> Sadsack
>
Thanks for your support. I am currently awaiting a call from my doctor any minute now. He did renew my script. I have to see if I am going up or down on it. I am so discouraged cause I have no real reason to be depressed and to cry, and I feel that way. It is like my body has a difficiency. I hate it. :^(
Posted by Brian1977 on March 10, 2003, at 22:07:59
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » Dysfunk, posted by Sadsack on March 10, 2003, at 19:58:40
3rd day: I FEEL LIKE CRAP--first day back at work and i couldn't function--I felt like i had a bad hangover...I couldn't even concentrate...i haven't slept in four nights--i go to bed and cant sleep---i take lex. at 4:00. I dont think i can handle this.
I really wish my depression were chemical, its terrible knowing what the problem and knowing that nothing anyone can do can help.
I want so badly to be normal again.
Posted by Brian1977 on March 10, 2003, at 22:22:01
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I didnt take Lex. this evening..It's not supposed to be like this. I want to sleep so bad. I am so tired. All day today it felt almost like i had the flu.--didnt start to pass until around 11:30 or so. This is the 3rd drug i have been on. Nothing seems to work. I dont know what to do. I think this is worse than the actually depression and anixety attacks.
Posted by blkvettes on March 11, 2003, at 9:01:11
In reply to Re: Newcomer, posted by Brian1977 on March 10, 2003, at 22:07:59
> 3rd day: I FEEL LIKE CRAP--first day back at work and i couldn't function--I felt like i had a bad hangover...I couldn't even concentrate...i haven't slept in four nights--i go to bed and cant sleep---i take lex. at 4:00. I dont think i can handle this.
>
> I really wish my depression were chemical, its terrible knowing what the problem and knowing that nothing anyone can do can help.
>
> I want so badly to be normal again.Hi there, I feel your pain and cry because I know how you feel. You can read some of my posts and they are depressing. I had bad experiences with paxil and zoloft. I feel better today after a horrible day yesterday. The doc should have maybe started you at 5mg if you had a bad time with other meds as I did. But if you are not having any bad side effects I guess it does not matter. Do you have anything else such as xanax or klonopin. These help, I take xanax it helps me through bad times and helps me sleep. But you dont want to take a lot. I take under 1mg per day. I wake up in the middle of the night break off a little piece and it helps. Talk to your doc!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have done a lot of searching on lexapro and it can take up to 8 weeks to feel better. I have read many posts on message boards. I have gotten some good results but get so frustrated that it does not happen quicker. I have almost completed my 4th week and you have just started. Hang in there it is tough as hell!!!!!!!!!!!! Your going to have good days and very bad days. I cried all day yesterday and dont really know why. But today I feel better and dont know why. Feel free to email me and we can exchange sob stories. I also check this board all the time for new posts. I have a vette in the garage that I had not driven in 5 months until last week. I fear leaving the house by myself. Only left twice in 5 months. So you are further than I am!!!! Take care and dont give up!!!!!!!!
Posted by denise528 on March 11, 2003, at 11:37:42
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » Sadsack, posted by Dysfunk on March 10, 2003, at 13:56:42
> Sadsack:
>
> Thanks for your support. I am currently awaiting a call from my doctor any minute now. He did renew my script. I have to see if I am going up or down on it. I am so discouraged cause I have no real reason to be depressed and to cry, and I feel that way. It is like my body has a difficiency. I hate it. :^(Sadsack,
Just wanted to say and I know it's no consolation, that I know exactly how you're feeling and not knowing why makes it even worse as far as I'm concerned. If we knew why then maybe we could do something about it, I wish it was my job, my boyfriend, anything then I could change that but to feel crap for no reason is awful, when I'm feeling bad I could be sitting on an paradise island on a beautiful day and still feel awful. That's the worse thing about it there seems to be nothing that you can do that can change the way you feel, I always feel totally powerless.
I was saying to my boyfriend (if you can still call him that, I no longer feel like a human being never mind anyones girlfriend) that I have endured this nightmare for almost two years now and I don't even know how or why it all started.I would say hang on in there but it's a lot easier said than done, that said we haven't got much choice really have we.
Just wondering if you've tried Zyprexa, 10mg has helped me in the past. Also, what about ECT, would you consider this?
Denise
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 11, 2003, at 21:56:01
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by denise528 on March 11, 2003, at 11:37:42
Hi! I know that all seems so helpless and that nothing will work! But things will really get better. You need to give your meds a chance and not get so upset so soon. I was on the wrong meds for over a year and gained over 55 lbs and almost lost my husband and children. Today after 4 1/2 months of being on the correct meds (wellbutrin sr 150 mgs twice a day, and just recently bumped to 30 mg of Lexapro once a day) I am feeling great! You just need to give the meds time to work in your system so your system can rebalance with them. It does work. Just all of you need to hang tight. They say anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks to start feeling something. If you feel after two weeks it might not be enough contact your doc and they can bump you up a bit. Take care!NISJPPMD
Posted by blkvettes on March 12, 2003, at 20:43:18
In reply to ReNo More Good News Lex is not working » denise528, posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 11, 2003, at 21:56:01
I was on an online chat this evening about panic attacks. They started talking about chocolate. One person said it raised serotonin and does other things for the brain. I found this interesting since I quit eating chocolate months before I went to my 5 months of hell. I was a chocolate junkie and started researching. Sure enough this is said to be true. The reason I quit was because of insomnia. I dont know if there is a connection but I just ate my 1st candy bar in 8 months. Research it and you may be surprised. If you research panic attacks they say avoid chocolate. I have nothing to lose!!!!!!!!!! I will post back later to update if this helps or not.
Posted by Sadsack on March 12, 2003, at 22:16:53
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by denise528 on March 11, 2003, at 11:37:42
Hey Denise, just remember that none of this is your fault. And bless your boyfriend for hanging in there. It's sometimes as hard on them as us. I used to feel guilty about what my husband went thru with me but then I realized that I'd stick by him if he developed an illness that he couldn't cure. So I guess it's just part of being in a relationship. Are you sure that if you were on a tropical island you wouldn't feel a little better? I think I might, at least for a while. But I know my disease and I know that relief comes fleetingly at first then in larger increments then finally I have more good days than bad. Then I get off meds for awhile and do ok. I always try to retain some little fragment of hope. During the worst of it I cut myself some slack. When I need to cry, I cry. When I need to have a pity party, I carve out a safe place and do it. Trying to be brave all the time sucks eggs and more to the point, doesn't move you any closer to a cure.
I haven't tried Zyprexa, haven't even heard of it, what's it supposed to do? As for ECT, yes, I would try it if all other methods failed. It's a much kinder gentler procedure than it used to be. It's not a first choice though.
So far the Lexapro is ok. It's not as good as the effexor when I furst used it (then it pooped out). I don't know yet if I will ask to kick the Lex up to 30 or just wait for a little sunshine and warm weather to come my way-that may help. I've got a doc who usually will go along with whatever I think will help. (Good thing I'm fairly educated about my options!) Hang in there and don't hesitate to complain to your doc if what you're using isn't working. They assume everything is ok if you don't keep going back. I don't think it's lack of interest, just that they're busy and often don't have the staff to follow up like they should.>
Good Luck Girlfriend, hope something works for you soon. Take Care,
Sadsack> Sadsack:
> Just wanted to say and I know it's no consolation, that I know exactly how you're feeling and not knowing why makes it even worse as far as I'm concerned. If we knew why then maybe we could do something about it, I wish it was my job, my boyfriend, anything then I could change that but to feel crap for no reason is awful, when I'm feeling bad I could be sitting on an paradise island on a beautiful day and still feel awful. That's the worse thing about it there seems to be nothing that you can do that can change the way you feel, I always feel totally powerless.
> I was saying to my boyfriend (if you can still call him that, I no longer feel like a human being never mind anyones girlfriend) that I have endured this nightmare for almost two years now and I don't even know how or why it all started.
>
> I would say hang on in there but it's a lot easier said than done, that said we haven't got much choice really have we.
>
> Just wondering if you've tried Zyprexa, 10mg has helped me in the past. Also, what about ECT, would you consider this?
>
>
>
> Denise
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