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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 1:51:31
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » under the weather, posted by Snoozy on May 11, 2003, at 1:44:45
I am on Methimazole for the thyroid and have been on a few mos. Pharmacist said no neg interaction with lex. I contacted my endocrinologist about the depression 1st & asked for recheck of my levels. She declined until my appt in June and referred me back to the GP. Labs aren't in yet, but I couldn't wait. I needed help now. The yawning seems to be related to taking lex. It makes me wonder why? Oxygen, iron, just playing with my head? thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 1:58:27
In reply to Re: do the meds really work? my opinion, posted by blkvettes on May 11, 2003, at 1:45:48
You know, I can't believe I take all these medications. I really trust my psychiatrist, but I've still had more than a few moments of feeling really freaked out (only words to describe it) about my daily cocktail.
Then, this last week the dermatologist added an anti-androgenic medication for acne. Lovely.
But, the good thing (?) is that I'm feeling a lot better (most days) and I'm losing weight for the first time in several years (I've lost twenty seven pounds in the last two years but each pound seemed to take about a month to lose!)
I take it you're on the Lexapro alone? 7.5 mg. as I recall?
Posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 2:03:48
In reply to Re: do the meds really work? my opinion » blkvettes, posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 1:58:27
I've been taking 10mg of lex. But after finding this chat tonight, I'm considering cutting back to 5mg. I'll see how I am in the morning, I am a mom and can't be sleeping thru the day. I will also take the advice of taking it later in the day. Coming to terms with taking meds can be difficult, it can be even harder sometimes for family members to accept.
Posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 2:07:37
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 1:51:31
UTW (my acronym for your name :-),
I found the Lexapro alone (more accurately, the Lexapro without Wellbutrin) to be very exhausting. I don't recall yawning but I hardly felt able to function (I didn't realize that my psychiatrist wanted me to stay on Wellbutrin and add Lexapro, so I really messed myself up for about a month and it's taken quite a bit to get back on track).
Are you taking 10 mg. of Lexapro? I know that's the smallest dosage available without using a pill cutter to go down to 5 mg. or 2.5 (which I did a few times in the last few weeks).
I have noticed a headache at about 4:00 every afternoon since taking Lexapro, which is easily relieved with two Extra Strength Excedrin. Today was the first day I didn't need the Excedrin. I just realized that.
I really didn't start to feel a positive difference until day sixteen (and that's on 5 mg. per day). I've read of some people not seeing much difference until the four week mark.
Hang in there!!! Most of these anti-depressants (SSRIs) seem to take at least two weeks to really get in your system and make a difference.
Posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 2:14:07
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » under the weather, posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 2:07:37
Thanks a bunch. I feel better already knowing that I'm not alone on this. I'm going to try to get some sleep. Kids will be up in about 3-4 hrs. thanks again.
Posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 2:18:45
In reply to Re: do the meds really work? my opinion, posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 2:03:48
Are you taking the 10 mg. in the morning? That's what I was doing, and even with 40 mg. of Adderall, which is a pretty powerful stimulant, I was completely wiped out.
RE: family members. I think it was hardest for my mother back when I was diagnosed with depression by an internist (about seven or eight years ago). She has always battled depression and I guess she was hoping I had dodged the family bullet. I'm not sure if I had dodged it for all those years - or just ignored it. One thing I do know for certain is that "haywire hormones" have played a big part in my depression.
Luckily, my husband is very supportive and more or less begs me NOT to go off medication (for a long time it was Prozac alone). My M.O. is that start feeling better and think that I can "do it on my own."
It's hard adjusting to a new medication. I think it can be even more difficult when you have children/family to attend to throughout the day/night.
Ultimately, you're making a big step toward feeling better - which is for your benefit and for the benefit of your family. It might be rough at the beginning but the long-term effect should be well worth it!
Posted by blkvettes on May 11, 2003, at 3:18:15
In reply to Re: do the meds really work? my opinion » blkvettes, posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 1:58:27
> You know, I can't believe I take all these medications. I really trust my psychiatrist, but I've still had more than a few moments of feeling really freaked out (only words to describe it) about my daily cocktail.
>
> Then, this last week the dermatologist added an anti-androgenic medication for acne. Lovely.
>
> But, the good thing (?) is that I'm feeling a lot better (most days) and I'm losing weight for the first time in several years (I've lost twenty seven pounds in the last two years but each pound seemed to take about a month to lose!)
>
> I take it you're on the Lexapro alone? 7.5 mg. as I recall?
>
>
>
>
Yep, just about 7.5mg and take just a little xanax. I have been up to 10 on the lex and back down and under the 7.5 and back. I keep trying to find the perfect dose. I think what I need is to just leave it at one dose and just be patient. Attack all my fears and all the anxiety will pass. I have refused to give in on this illness. My last hurdle is the 1 hour drive to the beach by myself. Everything is not perfect, I have family problems still with my wife drinking. Dont know what I will do about that. It bothers me very much and I am surprised I have gotten this far with her passed out time to time. I guess I will deal with her last. Just cant keep watching her do this night after night. Many nights I need her and she is a vegetable. I know this holds me back a lot. Its enough to make anyone in the best of health to become depressed!!!!!! But I will keep up the fight for me and my daughter. GOD BLESS!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by vandy on May 11, 2003, at 4:12:39
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » blkvettes, posted by JaneB on May 10, 2003, at 15:17:15
I'm no expert. Having admitted that I believe that AD's are helpers. They get you to the place where you can function and you do the rest. Some people can then stop the AD. Many can not due to tricks their genetic make up played on their body chemistry. I'm sure grateful for the advance of science which lets us target an imbalance with more and more specificity so we can get on with our lives with fewer and fewer negative side effects.
Posted by lil' jimi on May 11, 2003, at 13:00:19
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by pumpkin on May 10, 2003, at 23:21:35
Posted by Okpolosi on May 11, 2003, at 14:47:27
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » under the weather, posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 2:07:37
> UTW (my acronym for your name :-),
>
> I found the Lexapro alone (more accurately, the Lexapro without Wellbutrin) to be very exhausting. I don't recall yawning but I hardly felt able to function (I didn't realize that my psychiatrist wanted me to stay on Wellbutrin and add Lexapro, so I really messed myself up for about a month and it's taken quite a bit to get back on track).
>
> Are you taking 10 mg. of Lexapro? I know that's the smallest dosage available without using a pill cutter to go down to 5 mg. or 2.5 (which I did a few times in the last few weeks).
>
> I have noticed a headache at about 4:00 every afternoon since taking Lexapro, which is easily relieved with two Extra Strength Excedrin. Today was the first day I didn't need the Excedrin. I just realized that.
>
> I really didn't start to feel a positive difference until day sixteen (and that's on 5 mg. per day). I've read of some people not seeing much difference until the four week mark.
>
> Hang in there!!! Most of these anti-depressants (SSRIs) seem to take at least two weeks to really get in your system and make a difference.
>
>Sometimes it takes longer than that...I did not actually feel the Lex working until my 9th week.
GOOD LUCK ANG HANG IN THERE< we're all pulling for you!!
Posted by Donia on May 11, 2003, at 17:05:46
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by pumpkin on May 10, 2003, at 23:21:35
Great post pumpkin, we have to do what we have to do to be able to live with this condition. I dont judge anyone for their decisions.
Posted by Donia on May 11, 2003, at 17:11:08
In reply to Re: do the meds really work? my opinion, posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 1:25:02
As far as I know almost all of the ADs have side effects at first. My doc told me the first month is generally side effects and that it takes that long usually for the med to work. I have felt worse on the ADs in the beginning but when they kick in and the side effects wear off, I feel so much better. The idea is whether you can handle the side effects long enough to get relief. I would say the time between side effects going away and the med starting to work is a month. Some side effects linger a little longer, but mine have subsided.
Posted by pumpkin on May 12, 2003, at 18:48:13
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Donia on May 11, 2003, at 17:05:46
Guys,
I had an appointment today with my doc.
After being "talked" to from my counselor, and
family- I decided that I had better tell my doc
that I went completely off my mood stabilizer.One thing that I share with you however, was that
I have felt pretty good- especially this last
week. I have felt like myself for the first time
in over two years! But----- I haven't slept
much, which isen't good.I came right out and told my doctor of what I
did, knowing that he would probably be somewhat
upset. On the contrary, he was understanding.
We had some conversation, and it turns out that
I have been alittle "manic" (no sleep was a good
clue, amoungst others). I am bi-polar (runs
in the family), but do not need as much med as
I was on before. I didn't know that a mood
stabilizer could also "add" to depression. This
is what has been happening to me. So... I am
back on the mood stabilizer (half of what I was
on before). I could actually feel it working
soon after I took it late this morning! I am
SO tired, and look forward to bed tonight.
I am looking forward to the med to reach it's
potential, plus my creativity is coming back-
which is a definate plus! It's been so long...
The climb back isen't over, but improving
(thank the Lord).Watching my 14 month grand-daughter during the
day, and all my other responsibilities is a handful- but I've been so blessed!Staying at 20 mg. of Lex, .25 of Klonopin, and
250 mg. of Depakote. In the future, my doctor
and I are going to try to stop the Klonopin. If
it works fine, if not, I'm fine with that too.
For me- my course had to be taken to find out
EXACTLY what was what. Process of elimination as
painful as it has been... I am grateful!I still have those headaches, but we are thinking
now that it is allergies. Not another "pill"!
LOL.Please keep on posting. Reading is SO encouraging to me, and I feel like I've known
some of you for a very long time! Thanks again.
Posted by leeran on May 12, 2003, at 19:42:27
In reply to SCARED TO DEATH!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 10:15:24
Blkvettes,
Hi there!
I was just looking up the words following words on the internet ("muscle" "spasm" "Lexapro") and a link to one of your posts popped up on Google.
On March 7, 2003 you stated the following:
"I am tired of these muscles spasms, muscle pains, chest pains etc."
It sounds like you almost felt like you were experiencing a heart attack with this medicine at one point - right?
I'm sitting here becoming more and more agitated about this - which is probably making the sensation even worse (tightening of what I guess is the chest wall/pectoral muscle but started out as a lot of discomfort in the back of the neck).
Did you just wait these symptoms out? I'm assuming they eventually wane (hey, isn't your name Wayne?).
Thanks, in advance, for anything you might be able to confirm.
Best,
Lee
Posted by blkvettes on May 12, 2003, at 19:44:29
In reply to A step backwards? A step forwards!, posted by pumpkin on May 12, 2003, at 18:48:13
> Guys,
>
> I had an appointment today with my doc.
> After being "talked" to from my counselor, and
> family- I decided that I had better tell my doc
> that I went completely off my mood stabilizer.
>
> One thing that I share with you however, was that
> I have felt pretty good- especially this last
> week. I have felt like myself for the first time
> in over two years! But----- I haven't slept
> much, which isen't good.
>
> I came right out and told my doctor of what I
> did, knowing that he would probably be somewhat
> upset. On the contrary, he was understanding.
> We had some conversation, and it turns out that
> I have been alittle "manic" (no sleep was a good
> clue, amoungst others). I am bi-polar (runs
> in the family), but do not need as much med as
> I was on before. I didn't know that a mood
> stabilizer could also "add" to depression. This
> is what has been happening to me. So... I am
> back on the mood stabilizer (half of what I was
> on before). I could actually feel it working
> soon after I took it late this morning! I am
> SO tired, and look forward to bed tonight.
> I am looking forward to the med to reach it's
> potential, plus my creativity is coming back-
> which is a definate plus! It's been so long...
> The climb back isen't over, but improving
> (thank the Lord).
>
> Watching my 14 month grand-daughter during the
> day, and all my other responsibilities is a handful- but I've been so blessed!
>
> Staying at 20 mg. of Lex, .25 of Klonopin, and
> 250 mg. of Depakote. In the future, my doctor
> and I are going to try to stop the Klonopin. If
> it works fine, if not, I'm fine with that too.
> For me- my course had to be taken to find out
> EXACTLY what was what. Process of elimination as
> painful as it has been... I am grateful!
>
> I still have those headaches, but we are thinking
> now that it is allergies. Not another "pill"!
> LOL.
>
> Please keep on posting. Reading is SO encouraging to me, and I feel like I've known
> some of you for a very long time! Thanks again.
>
Hi pumpkin, I am so happy for you!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by leeran on May 12, 2003, at 19:47:47
In reply to SCARED TO DEATH!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 10:15:24
Blkvettes,
Hi there!
I was just looking up the words following words on the internet ("muscle" "spasm" "Lexapro") and a link to one of your posts popped up on Google.
On March 7, 2003 you stated the following:
"I am tired of these muscles spasms, muscle pains, chest pains etc."
It sounds like you almost felt like you were experiencing a heart attack with this medicine at one point - right?
I'm sitting here becoming more and more agitated about this - which is probably making the sensation even worse (tightening of what I guess is the chest wall/pectoral muscle but started out as a lot of discomfort in the back of the neck).
Did you just wait these symptoms out? I'm assuming they eventually wane (hey, isn't your name Wayne?).
Thanks, in advance, for anything you might be able to confirm.
Best,
Lee
P.S. Somehow, it always comes back to www.dr-bob.org. No wonder so many of us end up congregating here - this is the publisher's clearinghouse for psychopharmacological inquiries!
Posted by blkvettes on May 12, 2003, at 19:53:57
In reply to Re: SCARED TO DEATH!!!!!!! » blkvettes, posted by leeran on May 12, 2003, at 19:42:27
> Blkvettes,
>
> Hi there!
>
> I was just looking up the words following words on the internet ("muscle" "spasm" "Lexapro") and a link to one of your posts popped up on Google.
>
> On March 7, 2003 you stated the following:
>
> "I am tired of these muscles spasms, muscle pains, chest pains etc."
>
> It sounds like you almost felt like you were experiencing a heart attack with this medicine at one point - right?
>
> I'm sitting here becoming more and more agitated about this - which is probably making the sensation even worse (tightening of what I guess is the chest wall/pectoral muscle but started out as a lot of discomfort in the back of the neck).
>
> Did you just wait these symptoms out? I'm assuming they eventually wane (hey, isn't your name Wayne?).
>
> Thanks, in advance, for anything you might be able to confirm.
>
> Best,
>
> Lee
>
>
>Hi Lee, yes the name is Wayne. Did that post come from this board or another board. I go on about 7 boards. But I think that may be describing my anxiety and panic attack symptoms. I had all those before lexapro. I felt like I was having heart attacks way before lexapro!!!! Neck pain is common with lexapro on this board!!!! I still get spasms where you are talking about. But if I feel them on the surface and not under bone, I ignore them. I hope this helps and makes sense. TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on May 12, 2003, at 20:11:02
In reply to Re: SCARED TO DEATH!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on May 12, 2003, at 19:53:57
Hi Lee, is this the post below!!!! I remember that day and night!!!! I think it had more to do with anxiety and panic more than anything!!!!! Gosh I hate reading that crap again!!!!
WAYNESCARED TO DEATH!!!!!!!
Posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 10:15:24In reply to Re: TEETH CLENCHING JAW CLENCHING?, posted by Tigger on March 7, 2003, at 8:11:42
Things were going pretty good until yesterday. Layed down to relax during the afternoon and fell asleep. I awoke to a flash going up and down my body. It happened so quick dont know if it was hot or cold. Of course this scared me, have not had anything like this in awhile. I get up and have what feels like heartburn and lump in my throat and chest hurts. Cant be heart trouble my heart has been checked many times. This goes on until nightime and I puke my guts out. I go to sleep and wake up every hour. I get up take a nexium and back to taking LEX in the morning. Took it at night for 6 days and sleep got worse. Take it during the day and I turn into a zombie. So we shall see what happens this time. I am tired of these muscles spasms, muscle pains, chest pains etc. One week on 5mg and 3 weeks on 7.5 or 10. I am so frustrated right now, this 1 bad day has wrecked confidence. I dont know whats physical and whats mental anymore. I have gotten some results but just dont know!!!!!!!!
Posted by leeran on May 12, 2003, at 21:24:43
In reply to Re: leeran and lexapro, posted by blkvettes on May 12, 2003, at 20:11:02
Blkvettes,
I'm so sorry to bring up a bad time (old post) for you! Please accept my apologies!
Believe me, an hour or so ago (when I found that link via Google) your post gave me some much-needed peace of mind! I was sitting here wondering if I was having a heart attack and reading your account helped me calm down a bit.
So, my apology is laced with a very sincere thank you!
Lee
Posted by blkvettes on May 12, 2003, at 21:35:43
In reply to Re: leeran and lexapro, posted by leeran on May 12, 2003, at 21:24:43
> Blkvettes,
>
> I'm so sorry to bring up a bad time (old post) for you! Please accept my apologies!
>
> Believe me, an hour or so ago (when I found that link via Google) your post gave me some much-needed peace of mind! I was sitting here wondering if I was having a heart attack and reading your account helped me calm down a bit.
>
> So, my apology is laced with a very sincere thank you!
>
> Lee
>
>Hey Lee, dont be silly!!!!!! No apology is needed!!!!!! I will go back and look at every post if it will help someone. It did make me realize how far I have come. I should maybe go back and read every one!!!!! I know you have said you did that. I just hope you feel better and put that worry behind you. If I can help you in any way please tell me!!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by oldhand on May 12, 2003, at 22:55:59
In reply to How does Lexapro affect sleep, posted by shoff on May 10, 2003, at 2:08:17
> I started Lexapro a few days ago (no real effect yet) and my sleep patterns seems to be terrible since. Is this a common side effect?
My experience with Lexapro is that it interferes with my sleep. It was worse at first and doc gave me Trazodone for bedtime. I contunue on 10 mg. of Lexapro but have cut from 100mg to 75 mg of the Trazodone as I seem to want to sleep in alot. (I have always been a night person and always love to sleep late.) Have been on Lexapro for seven months and it has helped alot.
For all you newbies, hang in there and give it the best try you can.
Posted by oldhand on May 12, 2003, at 23:13:32
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 1:02:03
> I'm new to all this and don't know that I understand everything said, but depression runs in my family and so I think that would be chemical. I just started lex 3 days ago, noticed a lot of yawning during the day, and now I'm up at 12am, alert with nausea. Was on Wellbutrin but had severe head aches. Has anyone come off of lex and not had to start something new? I expect this to be a "get me balanced again" thing and then let my body take over, but I'm hearing a lot of what sounds like long term meds talk. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. Also, I'm newly hyper thyroid and wondering how this depression may be related. Any comments?
If I am not mistaken, thyroid problems can include depression. If memory serves, my docs did a battery of thyroid tests to rule out a disorder of that type before prescribing anti-depressants. So which came first for you, the depression or the thyroid problems?
In terms of a balance and then letting your body take over, I am not one of those lucky folks who have been able to do that. I guess that those who can are not posting here to let us know, either. Wish we could hear from some of them.
Best wishes and keep us posted.
Posted by leeran on May 13, 2003, at 1:37:21
In reply to Re: leeran and lexapro, posted by blkvettes on May 12, 2003, at 21:35:43
Thanks Wayne!
I was feeling so odd earlier today when I posted that message. I really think it's the Lexapro chest clenching phenomenon. Actually, this evening it seems to be around my left jaw as well (which, as I recall, is even more common).
The dermatologist has recently added Spironolactone to the mix, so I suddenly found myself feeling more than a bit paranoid that everything I'm taking was resulting in one big late afternoon cardiac arrest. Plus, my husband is leaving tomorrow for two days for work - and I always feel stressed out when one of my two "guys" (son or hub) are out of town.
Thanks for your words of encouragement. You are SO HELPFUL on this board.
Best regards (and YOU take care :-)
Lee
Posted by blkvettes on May 13, 2003, at 2:18:17
In reply to Re: leeran and lexapro » blkvettes, posted by leeran on May 13, 2003, at 1:37:21
> Thanks Wayne!
>
> I was feeling so odd earlier today when I posted that message. I really think it's the Lexapro chest clenching phenomenon. Actually, this evening it seems to be around my left jaw as well (which, as I recall, is even more common).
>
> The dermatologist has recently added Spironolactone to the mix, so I suddenly found myself feeling more than a bit paranoid that everything I'm taking was resulting in one big late afternoon cardiac arrest. Plus, my husband is leaving tomorrow for two days for work - and I always feel stressed out when one of my two "guys" (son or hub) are out of town.
>
> Thanks for your words of encouragement. You are SO HELPFUL on this board.
>
> Best regards (and YOU take care :-)
>
> LeeHi Lee, as you always hear the side effects go away in time. But for peace of mind never fear going to a doctor and having your heart checked!!! Its always a good thing to have a complete physical when you reach a certain age anyway!!!! It could be some anxiety because you fear a problem. Do you constantly rub that area until it is sore. If you do you might get some aspercream. It does not irritate the skin. I am so use to spasms and pains I just ignore them anymore. But I know how you feel and its hard to do!!!!! Hang in there we can all do this!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!
WAYNE
>
>
Posted by leeran on May 13, 2003, at 3:22:33
In reply to Re: leeran and lexapro, posted by blkvettes on May 13, 2003, at 2:18:17
Aspercream! Yes, I do have a tube of that upstairs (along with two tubes of Theragesic).
I thought I was possibly having a heart attack last fall and drove myself to the hospital (first time I've ever done such a thing) and felt thoroughly foolish as I sat there waiting for the test results, painting my nails and cleaning out my purse. All the tests came back normal and later that day I had a stress test - which they recommended at the hospital. I passed it with flying colors.
I was doing Bill Phillips' Body for Life program at the time, and I think I must have strained those muscles doing pullovers on a weight bench - BUT - because I have a slightly leaky heart valve (which may or may not be due to a short run on the phen/fen combination) I felt like I should acknowledge the pain and have it checked out.
I think today was probably a Lexapro moment . . . (or series of moments). Typically I feel very nervous before one of us travels, but it just occurred to me, maybe the Lexapro is helping a lot of that anxiety that I usually feel mentally (it's like I know I should be very anxious - and I feel it somewhat, but not in my usual "chicken with its head cut off" manner).
Aspercream is a good idea. Thank you once again, Blkvettes/Wayne. The fact that you (and so many others) still post your experiences/suggestions for the newcomers is so kindhearted.
Lee
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