![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2428 to 2452 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by Krissy P on March 24, 2003, at 22:55:50
In reply to Re: Barbara are you still tired?, posted by KRM123 on March 24, 2003, at 22:16:19
Posted by lil' jimi on March 25, 2003, at 0:46:59
In reply to Is it, or isen't it..., posted by pumpkin on March 24, 2003, at 10:46:58
...
> Talking about "stressors"- my mom is in critical
> care in the hospital, plus ...May your mom recover and your suffering lessen.
Praying for you and yours.
~ jim
Posted by leeran on March 25, 2003, at 1:40:23
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi there.
Tomorrow is my first day on Lexapro (and this is my first post on this board).
I thought I was a whiz kid when it came to ADs until I found out (just today) that there's a new AD on the block that I hadn't heard of until I mentioned "Generalized Anxiety Disorder" to my prescription-writing savior, a.k.a. my psychiatrist, this afternoon.
If he had been on time I wouldn't have had time to thumb through the generic waiting room booklet on depression and identify the symptoms that I still grapple with on a daily basis, namely, obsessive "what iffing" with a perpetual dark cloud thrown in for added drama and angst.
So, I did an internet search on Lexapro (in between reading conspiracy websites regarding the war and surfing ebay) and landed here. And I'm so glad that I did!I've found out so much about this medication and the possibilities (both positive and negative) that it will feel like old home week when I pop that first 10 mg. tomorrow morning.
Thanks to everyone who has so openly shared their experiences on this medication as well as other medications.
As for my own Molotov Cocktail, I'm currently on 40 mg. per day of Adderall (late onset A.D.D. - or at least that's what I call it) and 150 mg. of timed release Wellbutrin. The Adderall comes from my psychiatrist (newly acquired in January) and the Wellbutrin comes from my general practitioner who will prescribe just about anything to get me out of the office (he’s a minimal contact HMO kind of guy). Throw in natural hormones from a compounding pharmacy and a recent round of three weeks on Cipro and I'm ready for Anthrax, menopause and my son's homework (not necessarily in that order).
My primary concern with any antidepressant is weight gain and sexual dysfunction and both topics have been thoroughly covered here since last August (yes, I read almost every post). I have winced when I’ve read some posts – and crossed my fingers on others. It looks like Lexapro runs the gamut when it comes to side effects and positive/negative results.
Someone mentioned breast tenderness (I had that with Prozac) and several others mentioned sexual dysfunction on a variety of meds. I experienced it with Paxil and found myself so laid back that I really didn’t care if I ever DID have another orgasm – despite the fact that there was that part of me floating above, wagging a finger saying “buy you SHOULD care!”
Someone else mentioned hormones and feeling like crying all the time. I’m in early peri-menopause and my nickname for myself (prior to going on natural hormones) was “hormoneless in Hermosa” or “consistently crying in California,” however, once I started taking them (almost a year ago) the crying jags ceased almost immediately. I’ve also read that attention deficit disorder, depression and an entire host of other similar pain-in-the-butt things are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations. Oh yeah, and for you guys with mid-life “man-o-pause” – these hormones have testosterone thrown in so perhaps there’s a male equivalent out there, if you can find a compounding pharmacy and/or doctor to formulate the mixture that suits your circumstances.
Sorry for the long and very stream of consciousness post. I suppose I feel comfortable baring my soul (and medicine chest) because I’m so thrilled to find a message board where everyone seems so open about “The Big D” and conquering the big D. That said, I felt compelled (a little compulsive disorder thrown in) to say thank you and explain my reasons (in dissertation format) for landing here.
Posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 1:51:36
In reply to Tomorrow = Day 1, Lexapro, posted by leeran on March 25, 2003, at 1:40:23
Hi leeran, and nice to meet you. I "landed" here too about 3 weeks ago, and it has been a
God-send. There are a lot of wonderful, supportive, kind people here and I hope if you have anything on your mind (which it sounds like you do hehehehe) feel free to ask.
Ever sice I found this site I have posted quite a bit (as you may have noticed) and have learned all kinds of stuff, and heard and shared experiences with the others.
We're all here for you, including me:-)
All the best,
Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> Hi there.
>
> Tomorrow is my first day on Lexapro (and this is my first post on this board).
>
> I thought I was a whiz kid when it came to ADs until I found out (just today) that there's a new AD on the block that I hadn't heard of until I mentioned "Generalized Anxiety Disorder" to my prescription-writing savior, a.k.a. my psychiatrist, this afternoon.
>
> If he had been on time I wouldn't have had time to thumb through the generic waiting room booklet on depression and identify the symptoms that I still grapple with on a daily basis, namely, obsessive "what iffing" with a perpetual dark cloud thrown in for added drama and angst.
> So, I did an internet search on Lexapro (in between reading conspiracy websites regarding the war and surfing ebay) and landed here. And I'm so glad that I did!
>
> I've found out so much about this medication and the possibilities (both positive and negative) that it will feel like old home week when I pop that first 10 mg. tomorrow morning.
>
> Thanks to everyone who has so openly shared their experiences on this medication as well as other medications.
>
> As for my own Molotov Cocktail, I'm currently on 40 mg. per day of Adderall (late onset A.D.D. - or at least that's what I call it) and 150 mg. of timed release Wellbutrin. The Adderall comes from my psychiatrist (newly acquired in January) and the Wellbutrin comes from my general practitioner who will prescribe just about anything to get me out of the office (he’s a minimal contact HMO kind of guy). Throw in natural hormones from a compounding pharmacy and a recent round of three weeks on Cipro and I'm ready for Anthrax, menopause and my son's homework (not necessarily in that order).
>
> My primary concern with any antidepressant is weight gain and sexual dysfunction and both topics have been thoroughly covered here since last August (yes, I read almost every post). I have winced when I’ve read some posts – and crossed my fingers on others. It looks like Lexapro runs the gamut when it comes to side effects and positive/negative results.
>
> Someone mentioned breast tenderness (I had that with Prozac) and several others mentioned sexual dysfunction on a variety of meds. I experienced it with Paxil and found myself so laid back that I really didn’t care if I ever DID have another orgasm – despite the fact that there was that part of me floating above, wagging a finger saying “buy you SHOULD care!”
>
> Someone else mentioned hormones and feeling like crying all the time. I’m in early peri-menopause and my nickname for myself (prior to going on natural hormones) was “hormoneless in Hermosa” or “consistently crying in California,” however, once I started taking them (almost a year ago) the crying jags ceased almost immediately. I’ve also read that attention deficit disorder, depression and an entire host of other similar pain-in-the-butt things are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations. Oh yeah, and for you guys with mid-life “man-o-pause” – these hormones have testosterone thrown in so perhaps there’s a male equivalent out there, if you can find a compounding pharmacy and/or doctor to formulate the mixture that suits your circumstances.
>
> Sorry for the long and very stream of consciousness post. I suppose I feel comfortable baring my soul (and medicine chest) because I’m so thrilled to find a message board where everyone seems so open about “The Big D” and conquering the big D. That said, I felt compelled (a little compulsive disorder thrown in) to say thank you and explain my reasons (in dissertation format) for landing here.
>
>
Posted by SLS on March 25, 2003, at 6:25:53
In reply to Tomorrow = Day 1, Lexapro, posted by leeran on March 25, 2003, at 1:40:23
Hi Leeran.
> As for my own Molotov Cocktail, I'm currently on 40 mg. per day of Adderall (late onset A.D.D. - or at least that's what I call it) and 150 mg. of timed release Wellbutrin.
A friend of mine is doing wonderfully taking a combination of Wellbutrin 300mg + Lexapro 20mg. Her case has been pretty difficult to treat. I hope Lexapro works out for you.
- Scott
Posted by annlanka on March 25, 2003, at 8:17:18
In reply to Re: Tomorrow = Day 1, Lexapro, posted by SLS on March 25, 2003, at 6:25:53
hey guys-
I have two questions. First, re the posts about wellbutrin. What is wellbutrin mainly used to treat? is it a more of a stimulating anti-depressant or relaxing anti-depressant? is it an ssri? i dont know anything about it and was curious. Also, tomorrow i am supposed to see a psychoanalysist. I am unfamiliar with this practice besides the freudian techniques and lying on a couch. But is this what psychoanalysis is even like? has anyone gone to a psychoanalysist? if so was it helpful? Did they get you on the right meds?Thanks!
anne
Posted by jawsdogj on March 25, 2003, at 8:39:55
In reply to yes, Wellbutrin users please share (nm), posted by Krissy P on March 24, 2003, at 22:54:38
i have been sick since weaning off zoloft 3 weeks ago,can any one help
Posted by lil' jimi on March 25, 2003, at 8:53:34
In reply to Tomorrow = Day 1, Lexapro, posted by leeran on March 25, 2003, at 1:40:23
...
> Someone else mentioned hormones and feeling like crying all the time. I’m in early peri-menopause and my nickname for myself (prior to going on natural hormones) was “hormoneless in Hermosa” or “consistently crying in California,” however, once I started taking them (almost a year ago) the crying jags ceased almost immediately. I’ve also read that attention deficit disorder, depression and an entire host of other similar pain-in-the-butt things are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations. Oh yeah, and for you guys with mid-life “man-o-pause” – these hormones have testosterone thrown in so perhaps there’s a male equivalent out there, if you can find a compounding pharmacy and/or doctor to formulate the mixture that suits your circumstances.
...welcome aboard, Leeran. Glad to have you.
Allow me to offer my speculation that our posters to this board constitute a self-selected group which tends to skew our offerings toward the negative (with no disparagment of anyone implied)relative to reactions of the total class of Lexapro users:
this is based on my not all together unreasonable presumption that the lex users with the best reaction/response are most likely to not have the need nor motivation to come and find a message board like this one.
Whereas our good folks suffering from our neuarotransmitter disease(s) will be reaching out (we hope!) and will be finding our group of merry (and not so merry) Lex-ers.
We may add to that the likelyhood that those garnering the most positive benefit from taking lex, who do come and find this board and post, are also less likely / motivated to need to make posts.
None of which is so bad. Our squeaky wheels need the grease, which is as it should be. But our overall impression from reading the total of all the our posts from last summer (i did this also and now wonder if this is an indication of compulsion(?)) might be more discouraging than maybe a scientific sampled survey. Or not.
I still feel this is all to the good:
Those who are suffering the worst teach us the most.
And we all benefit whenever one of us can help another ... it helps me immensely whenever i get to feel that i've been able to provide a little "grease".
As for me today = 21 days, and for the 1st time I'm having a bad day. Not really so bad comparatively, I'm just real grumpy and irratable and I could cry, but it seems odd to me given i've been on lex.For you, I ask, What can you tell us about these "natural hormone" treatments you write of?
peace,
~ jim
Posted by blkvettes on March 25, 2003, at 10:11:00
In reply to Re: yes, Wellbutrin users please share, posted by jawsdogj on March 25, 2003, at 8:39:55
> i have been sick since weaning off zoloft 3 weeks ago,can any one help
Hi there, I got real sick from zoloft and coming off it was a nightmare. Severe sweating, sick to my stomach, brain zaps, balance problems which I still fight time to time muscle spasms everywhere and more that I cant remember I am sure. This all lasted about a month!!!!!!! Can you write back and state whats going on. TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!
Posted by Lorraine Baker on March 25, 2003, at 12:07:51
In reply to Re: SICK FROM ZOLOFT, posted by blkvettes on March 25, 2003, at 10:11:00
I have been on Zoloft for about a year. Worked pretty good, but I still had some problems. My MD put me on Lexapro, Lamictal and Zoloft. I was flying high for sure. He told me to stay on the Zoloft. When I went to reup the prescription the pharmacist said I should not be taking the Zolfot with the Lexapro. I called my MD and he said I should start weaning down on the Zoloft. I was taking 100mg a day now I am taking 50mgs each day. I am walking around in circles wondering what I should do with myself. I am very restless. I hope this will go away. I did notice a big change when I started the Lexapro. Things looked much brighter, but I became very manic. I am hoping once I am off the Zoloft completely, things will be more manageable.
Posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 13:26:01
In reply to Re: SICK FROM ZOLOFT, posted by Lorraine Baker on March 25, 2003, at 12:07:51
Hi, May I ask:
so now, at the moment, you are weaning off of Zoloft, you are on Lamictal and Lexapro?
Just wondering?
Thanks and please hang in there:-)
Kristen
> I have been on Zoloft for about a year. Worked pretty good, but I still had some problems. My MD put me on Lexapro, Lamictal and Zoloft. I was flying high for sure. He told me to stay on the Zoloft. When I went to reup the prescription the pharmacist said I should not be taking the Zolfot with the Lexapro. I called my MD and he said I should start weaning down on the Zoloft. I was taking 100mg a day now I am taking 50mgs each day. I am walking around in circles wondering what I should do with myself. I am very restless. I hope this will go away. I did notice a big change when I started the Lexapro. Things looked much brighter, but I became very manic. I am hoping once I am off the Zoloft completely, things will be more manageable.
Posted by Lorraine Baker on March 25, 2003, at 17:47:07
In reply to Re: SICK FROM ZOLOFT » Lorraine Baker, posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 13:26:01
I am taking Lexapro 10mg each day plus Lamictal 25mg am and 50mg pm. I am also taking 50mg of Zoloft each day. Three medications each day
Posted by Donia on March 25, 2003, at 21:24:15
In reply to yes, Wellbutrin users please share (nm), posted by Krissy P on March 24, 2003, at 22:54:38
I took wellbutrin for three days. Felt like I was high as in actually smoking dope high so I quit. The dose may have been wrong I dont know, other than that I didnt notice any other side effects but three days is a little soon to tell.
Posted by Donia on March 25, 2003, at 21:34:58
In reply to Re: SICK FROM ZOLOFT, posted by Lorraine Baker on March 25, 2003, at 17:47:07
I was on zoloft 100mgs for six months. Thought I could just quit and couldnt. The brain zaps drove me crazy!! I did wean off without much trouble. I started by taking 3/4 of the 100mg pill for 2 weeks. I would cut a quarter off. Then I went down to half a pill for 2-3 weeks. then I only took a quarter of the pill for a few weeks and then quit. I have to admit though, I have been on lexapro 10mg and sometimes I take another half to make it 15mgs, but I felt better on the zoloft. I have been on lexapro for over two months and I am not getting the results I did from zoloft. I am not panicked and depressed now, but I cant get my butt out of bed. If I do get up and try to stay up I just sit until I get tired and back to bed I go. I have tried the caffeine, I drink 10 cans of pepsi a day. After 4 months on zoloft though, I got awful night sweats. I am thinking of going back to it though. Your situation and results may be different.
Posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 21:39:26
In reply to Re: yes, Wellbutrin users please share, posted by Donia on March 25, 2003, at 21:24:15
Are you still on the Wellbutrin now??
> I took wellbutrin for three days. Felt like I was high as in actually smoking dope high so I quit. The dose may have been wrong I dont know, other than that I didnt notice any other side effects but three days is a little soon to tell.
>
Posted by Donia on March 25, 2003, at 21:51:48
In reply to Re: yes, Wellbutrin users please share » Donia, posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 21:39:26
No I quit taking after three days.
Posted by leeran on March 26, 2003, at 0:39:25
In reply to Re: yes, Wellbutrin users please share, posted by Donia on March 25, 2003, at 21:24:15
I never really felt any side effects on Wellbutrin. Eventually I thought I felt "better" but nothing as far as feeling an immediate (or initial) psychotropic effect. In fact, I've never felt that way with any of the anti-depressants I've tried (Paxil, Prozac, Wellbutrin). It's just amazing to me how these medications produce such profoundly
different effects, depending on the individual.I started Lexapro today and about an hour after taking it (took it at the same time as the Adderall, first thing in the a.m.) I felt really strange - which I really didn't expect considering my experiences with the other ADs. It did pass after about 40 minutes.
As far as feeling "high" - my father (elderly) ended up having MAJOR hallucinations on Effexor and had to go off of it. In fact, these hallucinations - for him - were SO real that he couldn't understand why my mother wasn't seeing them, too!
Amazing critters, these chemicals in our brains. Throw the wrong lighter fluid on them and watch out!
> I took wellbutrin for three days. Felt like I was high as in actually smoking dope high so I quit. The dose may have been wrong I dont know, other than that I didnt notice any other side effects but three days is a little soon to tell.
>
Posted by Krissy P on March 26, 2003, at 0:49:04
In reply to Re: yes, Wellbutrin users please share, posted by leeran on March 26, 2003, at 0:39:25
Oh my,
it is amazing how these meds produce such profound effects for each and every one of us!
What sort of strange feeling do you mean when you felt that today after taking Lexapro? It was your first dose right?
YES! Amazing critters, these chemicals in our brains. Throw the wrong lighter fluid on them and watch out!
Please wish me luck with my pdoc appt on Friday, I am, feeling a little better about believing my pdoc will be able to help me. I have never been on either Wellbutrin or Lexapro, and have been doing some research-I may give them,or at least 1, a try.
Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> I never really felt any side effects on Wellbutrin. Eventually I thought I felt "better" but nothing as far as feeling an immediate (or initial) psychotropic effect. In fact, I've never felt that way with any of the anti-depressants I've tried (Paxil, Prozac, Wellbutrin). It's just amazing to me how these medications produce such profoundly
> different effects, depending on the individual.
>
> I started Lexapro today and about an hour after taking it (took it at the same time as the Adderall, first thing in the a.m.) I felt really strange - which I really didn't expect considering my experiences with the other ADs. It did pass after about 40 minutes.
>
> As far as feeling "high" - my father (elderly) ended up having MAJOR hallucinations on Effexor and had to go off of it. In fact, these hallucinations - for him - were SO real that he couldn't understand why my mother wasn't seeing them, too!
>
> Amazing critters, these chemicals in our brains. Throw the wrong lighter fluid on them and watch out!
>
> > I took wellbutrin for three days. Felt like I was high as in actually smoking dope high so I quit. The dose may have been wrong I dont know, other than that I didnt notice any other side effects but three days is a little soon to tell.
> >
>
>
Posted by leeran on March 26, 2003, at 1:30:34
In reply to Re: yes, Wellbutrin users please share » leeran, posted by Krissy P on March 26, 2003, at 0:49:04
To preface my description of "strange" I need to add that I hadn't eaten anything for breakfast and had 20 mg. of Adderall, 10 mg. of Lexapro, and an oily little hormone capsule sitting on an empty stomach.
The "strange" feeling was a combination of feeling a little bit dizzy, a tad bit nauseous, and on the edge of having what I call a "panic attack" (something I haven't had for months). On top of it all, I felt like I needed to burp (sorry to be graphic - but in order to "define the moment" I need to present all the factors as they were working together during that 30 - 40 minute time period).
I have experienced(and read similar stories on the internet as well) that when I have upper-intestinal gas it can, in some circumstances, trigger a "panic attack."
So, while all these things were going on I also felt this almost "out of myself" feeling (I know, all this is weird and I kept asking myself if I had cooked this up, psychosomatically, based on reading all the experiences here last night). BUT, I don't think that was the case.
I really think that it might be bit too much on the system, taking the Lexapro AT THE SAME TIME with the Adderall (which is like taking a morning dose of high-powered jet fuel) AND putting it all on an empty stomach.
I was out and about when this happened (too long of a boring story to tell where I was - but I go there often and I have, more than once, had this edgy feeling at this same place first thing in the morning - but this morning it may have been amplified more than usual).
Fortunately, this "weirdness" passed and I started to feel like my old REGULAR weird self (LOL, pitiful!).
Most importantly, this 40 minute "episode" (which was more of a feeling versus an episode - the word "episode" is giving it too much credence) wasn't enough for me to not think about taking it again tomorrow!
I might just put more time between the Adderall dose and the Lexapro dose - and force myself to eat a protein bar.
SO, best wishes with your pdoc (I take it that's psychiatrist "doc?") on Friday!
I have found that my general practitioner is kind of loosey goosey about these meds and I have needed to take the lead on researching, then asking, to try something.
But with the "PDOC" it's been a case of me describing how I feel (or don't feel) and he immediately pulls out his trusty pad and starts writing a prescription - explaining why he wants to try whatever he's suggesting.
I guess that's why there are specialists in this type of medicine!
Again, good luck on Friday. In my opinion, just going is 1/3 of the journey. And with doing the research you've done another 1/3 of the journey!
If you've seen that movie "What About Bob" you'll know what I mean when I say "baby steps."
> Oh my,
> it is amazing how these meds produce such profound effects for each and every one of us!
> What sort of strange feeling do you mean when you felt that today after taking Lexapro? It was your first dose right?
> YES! Amazing critters, these chemicals in our brains. Throw the wrong lighter fluid on them and watch out!
> Please wish me luck with my pdoc appt on Friday, I am, feeling a little better about believing my pdoc will be able to help me. I have never been on either Wellbutrin or Lexapro, and have been doing some research-I may give them,or at least 1, a try.
> Kristen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
> > I never really felt any side effects on Wellbutrin. Eventually I thought I felt "better" but nothing as far as feeling an immediate (or initial) psychotropic effect. In fact, I've never felt that way with any of the anti-depressants I've tried (Paxil, Prozac, Wellbutrin). It's just amazing to me how these medications produce such profoundly
> > different effects, depending on the individual.
> >
> > I started Lexapro today and about an hour after taking it (took it at the same time as the Adderall, first thing in the a.m.) I felt really strange - which I really didn't expect considering my experiences with the other ADs. It did pass after about 40 minutes.
> >
> > As far as feeling "high" - my father (elderly) ended up having MAJOR hallucinations on Effexor and had to go off of it. In fact, these hallucinations - for him - were SO real that he couldn't understand why my mother wasn't seeing them, too!
> >
> > Amazing critters, these chemicals in our brains. Throw the wrong lighter fluid on them and watch out!
> >
> > > I took wellbutrin for three days. Felt like I was high as in actually smoking dope high so I quit. The dose may have been wrong I dont know, other than that I didnt notice any other side effects but three days is a little soon to tell.
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Krissy P on March 26, 2003, at 1:36:29
In reply to Re: yes, Wellbutrin users please share, posted by leeran on March 26, 2003, at 1:30:34
Posted by ayuda on March 26, 2003, at 8:38:47
In reply to psychoanalysis, posted by annlanka on March 25, 2003, at 8:17:18
> hey guys-
> I have two questions. First, re the posts about wellbutrin. What is wellbutrin mainly used to treat? is it a more of a stimulating anti-depressant or relaxing anti-depressant? is it an ssri? i dont know anything about it and was curious. Also, tomorrow i am supposed to see a psychoanalysist. I am unfamiliar with this practice besides the freudian techniques and lying on a couch. But is this what psychoanalysis is even like? has anyone gone to a psychoanalysist? if so was it helpful? Did they get you on the right meds?
>
> Thanks!
> anneMy psychoanalyst is not the pdoc who prescribes my meds, I have a separate doctor for that (a psychiatrist). I've been in and out of psychoanalysis since I was a teenager, so I am used to the methods. You just sit and talk about what's up with you. They usually want to know your background, because they are looking for tie-ins to your current problems. Even though mine does not do my meds, she does keep a close eye on whether or not my meds are working for me, and she gives reports to my doctor, and vice-versa.
I don't know specifically why you are seeing a psychoanalyst, so I will tell you from my experience in needing them because I not only suffer naturally from depression and GAD, I was raised in an abusive household by immature parents, and that has tainted the way I react to authority and life in general.
The good ones really try to get to know you, to know how you feel inside -- the ones who aren't so good want you to change, to be more like a person with no personality (at least, that's been my experience -- they want you to be some kind of generic person). What I am implying, but should say, is that they do give you advice of different kinds of behaviors or ways of thinking that they want you to practice, that should be healthier than whatever they perceive to be the reasons you are in psychotherapy. A good doctor will work within the parameters of your personality, to make you a better you.
It may take some time to find someone you are comfortable with -- if you are not comfortable with your psychoanalyst, there are plenty of them out there, don't feel like you are stuck. You need to trust your intuition on it -- a lot of people tend to think that the doctor is right even when it doesn't feel right, and that's not good. Not every psychoanalyst is going to work well with you, just because they are human too.
Good luck -- just remember that their job is to help you sort through all that is going on and has gone on and make sense of your issues, so that you can see more clearly who you are and what you need to do. It takes some time, and they sometimes bring out a lot of raw emotion (most of them keep tissues on hand!), but a good psychoanalyst won't leave you feeling abandoned or vulnerable, they will make you feel empowered and befriended.
I hope that some of this makes sense -- and that any of it helps you. Just remember that you are the consumer, and they are providing you with a service, and that this is supposed to make you feel better.
Good luck! Let us know how it goes.
Posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 10:04:03
In reply to Re: psychoanalysis » annlanka, posted by ayuda on March 26, 2003, at 8:38:47
thanks so much ayuda! That was really helpful. My appt is today at 2 so i will elt you know how it goes. Right now my situation is i dropped out of school for a quarter after being on lexapro for 5 months and i still cant cope. I think i want to change medication so i got a reference from my pyschiatrist at school for one at home but then i found out this woman is a psychoanalyst. So i basically feel this is not going to help me if she does not prescribe meds- but i guess it cnat hurt. I am just frustrated and tired of waiting stuff out, you know?
anne
Posted by oldhand on March 26, 2003, at 10:14:25
In reply to Re: psychoanalysis » annlanka, posted by ayuda on March 26, 2003, at 8:38:47
> > hey guys-
> > I have two questions. First, re the posts about wellbutrin. What is wellbutrin mainly used to treat? is it a more of a stimulating anti-depressant or relaxing anti-depressant? is it an ssri? i dont know anything about it and was curious. Also, tomorrow i am supposed to see a psychoanalysist. I am unfamiliar with this practice besides the freudian techniques and lying on a couch. But is this what psychoanalysis is even like? has anyone gone to a psychoanalysist? if so was it helpful? Did they get you on the right meds?
> >
> > Thanks!
> > anne
>
> My psychoanalyst is not the pdoc who prescribes my meds, I have a separate doctor for that (a psychiatrist). I've been in and out of psychoanalysis since I was a teenager, so I am used to the methods. You just sit and talk about what's up with you. They usually want to know your background, because they are looking for tie-ins to your current problems. Even though mine does not do my meds, she does keep a close eye on whether or not my meds are working for me, and she gives reports to my doctor, and vice-versa.
>
> I don't know specifically why you are seeing a psychoanalyst, so I will tell you from my experience in needing them because I not only suffer naturally from depression and GAD, I was raised in an abusive household by immature parents, and that has tainted the way I react to authority and life in general.
>
> The good ones really try to get to know you, to know how you feel inside -- the ones who aren't so good want you to change, to be more like a person with no personality (at least, that's been my experience -- they want you to be some kind of generic person). What I am implying, but should say, is that they do give you advice of different kinds of behaviors or ways of thinking that they want you to practice, that should be healthier than whatever they perceive to be the reasons you are in psychotherapy. A good doctor will work within the parameters of your personality, to make you a better you.
>
> It may take some time to find someone you are comfortable with -- if you are not comfortable with your psychoanalyst, there are plenty of them out there, don't feel like you are stuck. You need to trust your intuition on it -- a lot of people tend to think that the doctor is right even when it doesn't feel right, and that's not good. Not every psychoanalyst is going to work well with you, just because they are human too.
>
> Good luck -- just remember that their job is to help you sort through all that is going on and has gone on and make sense of your issues, so that you can see more clearly who you are and what you need to do. It takes some time, and they sometimes bring out a lot of raw emotion (most of them keep tissues on hand!), but a good psychoanalyst won't leave you feeling abandoned or vulnerable, they will make you feel empowered and befriended.
>
> I hope that some of this makes sense -- and that any of it helps you. Just remember that you are the consumer, and they are providing you with a service, and that this is supposed to make you feel better.
>
> Good luck! Let us know how it goes.Nicely put, Ayuda, about feeling befriended and empowered not abandoned and vulnerable. I spent some time in psychotherapy (not analysis) and the therapist did exactly what you described. I left her feeling energized and with ideas and insights to put to work to feel better. Did use alot of Kleenex, too. I will be starting with a new therapist next week after being away from therapy for awhile. I have my doubts about her already since my sister has worked with her professionally. But I am going to keep your words in mind as I enter into this new journey. Thank you so much for your eloquence.
And to Annlanka, I used Wellbutrin for awhile and felt great, almost was able to quit smoking too, but spent most of the day in the bathroom :) Since it gets boring in there I had to switch meds....grin. Best of luck and health to us all.
Posted by blkvettes on March 26, 2003, at 10:48:30
In reply to Re: psychoanalysis, posted by annlanka on March 26, 2003, at 10:04:03
Hi, I am being treated for panic, anxiety and depression. It started about 6 months agao. I have been on zoloft and paxil with bad side effects. Before starting the lex, I could not be alone, leave the house, could not drive, had tremors, I was shaking, had trouble walking, wake up sweating, my stomach was a wreck, i lost 20 lbs. I cried everyday, I was suicidal etc. etc.etc. I am slowly getting back to my old self. The last 10 days I have had one crying spell and felt somewhat happy the rest of the time. The sweating has stopped, I stay home alone, I can drive, I can go into small stores, no more shaking and tremors but my teeth still chatter just a little bit. I am still a little wobbly which frustrates me. I have gained 10 lbs. and want only to gain another 5. My stomach does not hurt like it used to. But I do get like air in my stomach and it causes a lump in my throat which my panic side wants me to think I am having a heart attack. I take 7.5mg of lex and about .5mg xanax each day. I was up to 10mg of lex but was like a zombie. 7.5 made me tired but this has gone away. So I still have room to move up 10mg if need be. I guess I have come a long way but still have a way to go to be my old self again. EVERYONE TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!!
Posted by pumpkin on March 26, 2003, at 13:53:20
In reply to Tomorrow = Day 1, Lexapro, posted by leeran on March 25, 2003, at 1:40:23
Leeran
Read your post about natural hormones. Sounded
like me when I went off all anti-depressants.
I would read a book and cry! I couldn't figure
this out, so I started Lex. I've had people
tell me about perimenopause(they think I'm
starting), but the blood tests tell differently.
I wonder if your hormones could be messed up
while taking anti-depressant meds? I would love
to get an "accurate" count. What do you mean
by "natural" hormones? Better safe, than sorry!Meanwhile, guys, my doctor changed my Lex to mornings. What a "trip" I've gone on! My emotions are going everywhere! This is day
16 for me, and I'm hanging in there. Depression
is still bad, have some problems with anxiety,
and I'm tired. My appetite is bad, but my
motabilism is slow, so I haven't lost much weight.
I would like to get rid of these headaches too!After struggling for over two years with this-
I'm starting to think that something else is up!Thanks for the posts- they are an encouragement
to me!
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