![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3007 to 3031 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by lil' jimi on May 23, 2003, at 16:27:53
In reply to New guy with many questions needs direction, posted by jimbonicvette on May 23, 2003, at 10:50:05
hello jimbonicvette and welcome,
glad to have you here at the ol' lexapro thread!
you have had a lot more AD experience than i have .... only AD i've ever had is lex.
jimbo, looks like you got a lot on your plate there and i'm glad you want to share it with us here .... the folks here want to help .... they helped me and many others.
you sure have been through a lot ... .. good to hear your wife and daughter are well and good to you..... my wife of 17 yrs and our 4 yr old are my greatest blessing.
i have never had a psychiatrist nor a psychologist, so i don't know about them, but for as much as this board can help us, i don't think it makes up for in-person talk therapy .... although, i have read here from some who have had psych help and hated it, so they came here ..... i want to encourage you to give it a try anyway
of course i do understand that it is easier to type away to strangers than to talk to a doc face-to-face ..... so maybe you might get an understanding that you could like write it down before you go to a seesion? .... maybe not?
well, keep typing to us here and folks will try to help .....
it can take 4 to 6 weeks for the initial SEs to subside .... i had some heavy sweating episodes while i was adjusting to lex, but that only lasted about 3 or 4 weeks ..... i still have it some but very rarely and much lighter (less sweat).
post when you can!
TAKE CARE!!! (this is wayne's sign off that i like to borrow) (hi wayne!)
~ jim
Posted by blkvettes on May 23, 2003, at 16:28:54
In reply to Lexapro and Nausea, posted by theo on May 23, 2003, at 16:18:11
> I just weaned off 20mg Paxil and have been taking 10mg Lexapro for a little over two weeks. I've been experiencing slight nagging nausea, should this go away with more time?
Hi there it should go away in time. The cause could be from the paxil also. Always check with the doc though!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on May 23, 2003, at 16:36:50
In reply to Re: New guy with many questions needs direction, posted by jimbonicvette on May 23, 2003, at 16:02:24
> I also got a Vette a few years ago. It was my dream car I wanted since 1969. I can remember the exact moment in my head, I wanted one ever since then. In 2001 I finally got a brand new Navy Blue delivered at the Museum and everything. Loved washing it and driving it! Last six months I have a hard time doing either. Just don't have the get up and go. Sometimes I feel like I am just a lazy bum.
> >
Hi there, mine is black with all the chrome pieces I could buy. My dream car also. My daughter used to say I liked it more than people. I keep mine in the garage!!!! But like you I did not drive or wash it for 6 months. The good news is that I have gotten so much better and am driving again!!!!! I hope the lex gives you back that desire also. You are not LAZY, you are ill and will overcome this as I did. Itruly hope and pray you do!!!! Just remember that little girl you have for motivation!!!! It was not the car for me, it was my daughter that kept me going!!!
WAYNE
Posted by DC on May 23, 2003, at 16:54:06
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Nausea, posted by blkvettes on May 23, 2003, at 16:28:54
> > I just weaned off 20mg Paxil and have been taking 10mg Lexapro for a little over two weeks. I've been experiencing slight nagging nausea, should this go away with more time?
>
>
> Hi there it should go away in time. The cause could be from the paxil also. Always check with the doc though!!!!
> WAYNE
>
>
In the beginning I also had nausea, but it eventually
stopped. But, I did have really bad withdrawal
symptoms from the Paxil when I decided to quit it. I
didn't like the way it made me feel. I have been on
Lex for several months and really didn't feel much
of a difference. Just went to the doctor yesterday
and he is weaning me off the Lex and starting me on
Zorloft, along with my Wellbutrin. My brother is on
Zorloft and the doctor says that a lot of times that
the same medication works for family members. Something
about blood type or something. Has anyone else
heard of this?
Posted by Okpolosi on May 23, 2003, at 18:57:09
In reply to Re: New guy with many questions needs direction, posted by jimbonicvette on May 23, 2003, at 14:37:55
Welcome to the board.....hope our support and encouragement can be of help to you. I can tell you this board has been the only thing keeping me going at times.
The sweating problem usually goes away. I had terribly sweaty pits at first, now only occasionally and not as bad.
As someone else mentioned, there is a goldmine of info in previous periods of this thread if you have the time to go back and read. I still do, myself, and it even helps to re-read them!!
Best of luck!
Posted by Okpolosi on May 23, 2003, at 18:59:40
In reply to Lexapro and Nausea, posted by theo on May 23, 2003, at 16:18:11
> I just weaned off 20mg Paxil and have been taking 10mg Lexapro for a little over two weeks. I've been experiencing slight nagging nausea, should this go away with more time?
The nausea from Lex should gradually lessen and go away, usually a couple of weeks at most.
Welcome to the board and best of luck!
Posted by McPac on May 23, 2003, at 19:06:38
In reply to Re: Thank You All -To Hell With This!, posted by stjames on May 21, 2003, at 21:57:27
"because depression & mental illness is not caused by a
chemical imbalance; we disproved this model for
mental illness some time ago, 10-20 years ago
this was the theory, long disproven".What is the current theory?
Posted by Okpolosi on May 23, 2003, at 19:07:52
In reply to Re: lil jimi thanks ... YOU! (ha! hee!) » Okpolosi, posted by lil' jimi on May 23, 2003, at 15:07:42
> Hey Okpolosi!
>
> i wrote you:
> > > if the opposite of depression is cheer, then wouldn't cheer be the anti-depression? ... and therefore, would a cheerleader be an antidepressant?
> > >
> > > i still wonder if i am over-medicating it here (?)
> > >
> > > peace to you and TAKE CARE!!!!!!!! (hey, wayne!)
> > > ~ jim
> >
>
> and you responded:
> > I hope this will last.....We're all doing SOOOO GREAT....when is the other shoe going to fall???
> >
> > The vacation was badly needed....work can be SUCH a downer!!!!
> >
> > MR. ANTI-Depressor over caffinated Cheerboy.....we need to come up w/our own "CHEER" to get us all MOTIVATED!!!! Anyone out there good at making up cheers???
> >
> > I sure hope this lasts....feeling great even though everyone keeps calling me here at work expecting me to be in 4 places at ONCE!!!
> >
> >
> > HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT DAY!!!!
>
> i am so glad you are doing well...... it warms my heart so much.
>
> great to hear your vacation went well ... yeah!
>
> hadn't thought about "the other shoe falling" .... yet!
> should we put the shout out to the long(er) time lex user and see if there's any reason to fear any "poop out" ?
>
> well, i like living this good life and i'll live with the come-what-may, but you are great encouragement to me. ... i appreciate it very much.
>
> i love your idea of our lexapro cheer: "Give a 'L'! .... Give me a 'E'! ... " Nah! gotta do better than that ...
>
> (a thought: besides the cheer; how about a song, too? say "the anti-depression blues"? HA!)!
> (say it hasn't already been done!) (!)
>
> "nurse! ...another cup o' java!"
>
> TAKE CARE !!! EVERYONE!! !! !! !!!
> ~ jimJava Junkie here...pass a pitcher!!!
If we continue to be so "SOCIAL" Dr. Bob is going to re-direct us, so we should make an effort to include some PSYCHO-BABBLE in our posts!!
I just know this can NOT last, I was not meant to be doing this, and I thought I was a different person...SERIOUSLY!!
So many of us have had such a hard time of it, I feel guilty for being in a good mood.
JUST HOPE IT IS INFECTUOUS (sp?) AND I CAN GIVE IT TO ALL OF YOU!!!
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on May 23, 2003, at 20:06:15
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Nausea, posted by blkvettes on May 23, 2003, at 16:28:54
Hello again, I'm in the middle of a shitstorm of sideffects (nausea,wicked headache,dizziness,crying uncontrollably,no appetite, and worst of all suicidal thoughts) my pdoc says, "wait it out, it should pass". I get the feeling he doesn't care, or take me seriously. Time to shop for a new pdoc, he's my 4th. Thanks for letting me vent, Happy Memorial Day Weekend To All...
Posted by sidney on May 23, 2003, at 20:32:07
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Nausea, posted by 2beornot2benuts on May 23, 2003, at 20:06:15
For anyone just starting Lexapro and experiencing uncomfortable side effects, I personally recommend trying the oral solution instead of the conventional pills.
The liquid solution tastes a bit like cough syrup and can be dispensed in subtherapuetic doses (aka "microdoses") of as little as 1 mg (or less) to start. As your body becomes accustomed to very small doses of the drug, you can gradually increase at your own pace.
I've taken a little more than a month to work my way up to 5 mg, with zero side effects. This is quite an achievement for me, because I have had to stop taking other ADs due to wicked side effects that made me unable to function at work. I am slowly working my way up to 10 mg of Lexapro.
Under my insurance, Lexapro in liquid form costs the same as in pill form. It does usually need to be special ordered though, so give the pharmacy adequate time to fill the prescription.
Hope that helps some folks!
> Hello again, I'm in the middle of a storm of sideffects (nausea,wicked headache,dizziness,crying uncontrollably,no appetite, and worst of all suicidal thoughts) my pdoc says, "wait it out, it should pass". I get the feeling he doesn't care, or take me seriously. Time to shop for a new pdoc, he's my 4th. Thanks for letting me vent, Happy Memorial Day Weekend To All...
Posted by blkvettes on May 23, 2003, at 20:46:01
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Nausea, posted by 2beornot2benuts on May 23, 2003, at 20:06:15
> Hello again, I'm in the middle of a sh*tstorm of sideffects (nausea,wicked headache,dizziness,crying uncontrollably,no appetite, and worst of all suicidal thoughts) my pdoc says, "wait it out, it should pass". I get the feeling he doesn't care, or take me seriously. Time to shop for a new pdoc, he's my 4th. Thanks for letting me vent, Happy Memorial Day Weekend To All...
Hi there, are you taking lexapro and for how long if you are. Did all this start with lexapro. Most important, do you have family or friends that can stay with you until you see the pdoc. I know your in a bad place right now. Ive been there myself!!! Reach out to someone around you to get through the weekend!!!!! GOD BLESS!!!
WAYNE
Posted by lil' jimi on May 23, 2003, at 21:16:08
In reply to Re: lil jimi thanks ... YOU! (ha! hee!) » lil' jimi, posted by Okpolosi on May 23, 2003, at 19:07:52
hi sweet okpolosi!
> > Hey Okpolosi!
> >
> > i wrote you:
> > > > if the opposite of depression is cheer, then wouldn't cheer be the anti-depression? ... and therefore, would a cheerleader be an antidepressant?
> > > >
> > > > i still wonder if i am over-medicating it here (?)
> > > >
> > > > peace to you and TAKE CARE!!!!!!!! (hey, wayne!)
> > > > ~ jim
> > >
> >
> > and you responded:
> > > I hope this will last.....We're all doing SOOOO GREAT....when is the other shoe going to fall???
> > >
> > > The vacation was badly needed....work can be SUCH a downer!!!!
> > >
> > > MR. ANTI-Depressor over caffinated Cheerboy.....we need to come up w/our own "CHEER" to get us all MOTIVATED!!!! Anyone out there good at making up cheers???
> > >
> > > I sure hope this lasts....feeling great even though everyone keeps calling me here at work expecting me to be in 4 places at ONCE!!!
> > >
> > >
> > > HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT DAY!!!!
> >
> > i am so glad you are doing well...... it warms my heart so much.
> >
> > great to hear your vacation went well ... yeah!
> >
> > hadn't thought about "the other shoe falling" .... yet!
> > should we put the shout out to the long(er) time lex user and see if there's any reason to fear any "poop out" ?
> >
> > well, i like living this good life and i'll live with the come-what-may, but you are great encouragement to me. ... i appreciate it very much.
> >
> > i love your idea of our lexapro cheer: "Give a 'L'! .... Give me a 'E'! ... " Nah! gotta do better than that ...
> >
> > (a thought: besides the cheer; how about a song, too? say "the anti-depression blues"? HA!)!
> > (say it hasn't already been done!) (!)
> >
> > "nurse! ...another cup o' java!"
> >
> > TAKE CARE !!! EVERYONE!! !! !! !!!
> > ~ jim
>okay ....
> Java Junkie here...pass a pitcher!!!
>i bought the bargain refill mug from my close-to-work coffee place ... . i knew it was big .... but when i found out that it holds 34 oz. i realized it's more than a QUART !!! .... i really LIKE coffee.
> If we continue to be so "SOCIAL" Dr. Bob is going to re-direct us, so we should make an effort to include some PSYCHO-BABBLE in our posts!!
>oh, we need not worry this time .... we are offering support for our med-related issues, right?
.... for each other and for others ....> I just know this can NOT last, I was not meant to be doing this, and I thought I was a different person...SERIOUSLY!!
>you mean feeling well can not last? .... no real cause to be so pessimistic now .... is there?
what do we think you were meant to be doing?.... what kind of a different person? .... i would not doubt your sincerity .... am i a different person too then ?
> So many of us have had such a hard time of it, I feel guilty for being in a good mood.
>i AM So with you on this one..!
.... sometimes i ... feel like i stole the secret of joy from our suffering brethrern pobrecitos.... then, at other times, i feel i owe it, we owe ... to ourselves, to them .... to feel as good as we can.
we are supposed to recover aren't we?
so shouldn't we feel good about? ... or at least shouldn't we try ?> JUST HOPE IT IS INFECTIOUS AND I CAN GIVE IT TO ALL OF YOU!!!
now that's the spirit!! ... that's Your spirit!!!
.... and maybe lexapro has helped to allow you to let it shine through here ...... nowam i too optimistic for wanting to believe .... that it might be real ?
as always, you have inspired me .... infected me....
TAKE CARE ! !! !! !! ! ! !!!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on May 24, 2003, at 1:42:53
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Nausea, posted by 2beornot2benuts on May 23, 2003, at 20:06:15
hi 2beornot2benuts (what is short for '2beornot2benuts'?),
i am so sorry you are going through all that .... and worried by your suicidal thoughts,... this your pdoc said to "wait out"? !?! ....
.... thank you for writing to us despite such misery .... and injustice.
> Hello again, I'm in the middle of a sh*tstorm of sideffects (nausea,wicked headache,dizziness,crying uncontrollably,no appetite, and worst of all suicidal thoughts) my pdoc says, "wait it out, it should pass". I get the feeling he doesn't care, or take me seriously. Time to shop for a new pdoc, he's my 4th. Thanks for letting me vent, Happy Memorial Day Weekend To All...going from effexor to lexapro may make good sense for a lot of reasons, but one of them is not because of the ease of the transition .... effexor withdrawals compounded by lexapro adaptation SEs puts you in the center of your own SSRI "perfect storm" i'm sorry to say.
hope you can afford yourself some extra rest and some support taking care of your children ..... get yourself all of the support and comforting that you can to get you through this .... and write here as much as you need to ..... a lot of people on this board have been through this.... and a lot of us are parents too.
take good care of yourself!
~ jim
Posted by blkvettes on May 24, 2003, at 1:52:35
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Nausea » blkvettes, posted by DC on May 23, 2003, at 16:54:06
> In the beginning I also had nausea, but it eventually
> stopped. But, I did have really bad withdrawal
> symptoms from the Paxil when I decided to quit it. I
> didn't like the way it made me feel. I have been on
> Lex for several months and really didn't feel much
> of a difference. Just went to the doctor yesterday
> and he is weaning me off the Lex and starting me on
> Zorloft, along with my Wellbutrin. My brother is on
> Zorloft and the doctor says that a lot of times that
> the same medication works for family members. Something
> about blood type or something. Has anyone else
> heard of this?
>HI DC, CANT SAY YOU DID NOT GIVE IT A FAIR SHOT. ARE YOU STARTING THE ZOLOFT WHILE YOUR WEANING OFF THE LEX. OR ARE YOU WEANING OFF THE LEX FIRST. JUST CURIOUS BECAUSE I READ MANY PLACES WHERE IF YOU GET TO MUCH SEROTONIN IT CAN CAUSE DEPRESSION. IF YOUR WEANING OFF THE LEX FIRST, LIKE I SAID YOU MIGHT GET LUCKY AS YOU GO DOWN IN DOSE. BUT IF YOUR STARTING ZOLOFT AT THE SAME TIME WE ALL WISH YOU LUCK. BUT THE ZOLOFT QUESTION. MY HALF BROTHER SAME FATHER AND DIFFERENT MOTHER IS TAKING ZOLOFT. I TRIED IT AND HAD AN ALLERGIC REACTION. MY FATHER, BROTHER AND I LOOK A LIKE. BUT COULD NOT SAY OUR BLOOD TYPE IS THE SAME. BUT YOU WOULD THINK THAT IF YOUR BROTHER AND YOU HAD SIMILAR DNA AND BLOOD TYPE IT COULD BE POSSIBLE. BUT THEN AGAIN A LOT OF TIMES WHEN SOMEONE NEEDS AN ORGAN TRANSPLANT MOST OF THE FAMILY IS RULED OUT. I JUST WISH YOU THE BEST AND HOPE THE ZOLOFT ENDS YOUR DEPRESSION. CHECK BACK IN AND GIVE US DETAILS ON HOW YOUR COMING ALONG. GOD BLESS!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Okpolosi on May 24, 2003, at 6:36:06
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Nausea, posted by 2beornot2benuts on May 23, 2003, at 20:06:15
> Hello again, I'm in the middle of a sh*tstorm of sideffects (nausea,wicked headache,dizziness,crying uncontrollably,no appetite, and worst of all suicidal thoughts) my pdoc says, "wait it out, it should pass". I get the feeling he doesn't care, or take me seriously. Time to shop for a new pdoc, he's my 4th. Thanks for letting me vent, Happy Memorial Day Weekend To All...
Please deffinitely talk to us, talk to family, talk to someone, to help you through this. Banish those "other thoughts" and think of good things.....we don't want anything to happen to you.
As for your side effects...BEEN THERE!!! I had a pretty bad time of it with just about every SE that's listed for Lexapro, and the first 3 weeks were HELL!!! But I managed to get through it with a lot of help from people here. It took 9 weeks before I felt "better" (meaning I could tell Lex was finally working). And it has made such a difference, as you can probably tell from my posts to lil' jimi in particular. So I kind of agree w/pdoc that you should give it some more time.
We are all here for you and willing to listen and help in any way we can.
Posted by Okpolosi on May 24, 2003, at 7:14:12
In reply to Re: lil jimi and Okpolosi: rapport!! » Okpolosi, posted by lil' jimi on May 23, 2003, at 21:16:08
HEY lil' jimi:
> > > > I hope this will last.....We're all doing SOOOO GREAT....when is the other shoe going to fall???
By "all" I guess I mean you, blkvettes, and myself?? I really hope our "up-beat" posts are and inspiration and NOT a "downer" for those who struggle still.
> > > hadn't thought about "the other shoe falling" .... yet!
> > > should we put the shout out to the long(er) time lex user and see if there's any reason to fear any "poop out" ?My BIGGEST fear....it's just temporary and I'll sink back into the pit when I get "used" to the Lex.
> > > i love your idea of our lexapro cheer: "Give a 'L'! .... Give me a 'E'! ... " Nah! gotta do better than that ...
> > >
> > > (a thought: besides the cheer; how about a song, too? say "the anti-depression blues"? HA!)!
> > > (say it hasn't already been done!) (!)
> >
The Blues...how fitting.....I'm sure there are a bunch of songs out there that would work quite well!> > > "nurse! ...another cup o' java!"
>
> > Java Junkie here...pass a pitcher!!!
> >
>
AAAAAHHHHHH!!!! CAFE!!!! I can always count on YOU to make me feel GOOD!!!!!!!> i bought the bargain refill mug from my close-to-work coffee place ... . i knew it was big .... but when i found out that it holds 34 oz. i realized it's more than a QUART !!! .... i really LIKE coffee.
>
A true Java Junkie!!!! What would we do without it???
> > I just know this can NOT last, I was not meant to be doing this, and I thought I was a different person...SERIOUSLY!!
> >
> you mean feeling well can not last? .... no real cause to be so pessimistic now .... is there?
>
Yes, I am afraid it will not last. Things are going somewhat better now, have no real reason to be down, have a good paying job, getting along w/hubby (no fights in months), health is good....> what do we think you were meant to be doing?.... what kind of a different person? .... i would not doubt your sincerity .... am i a different person too then ?
>
Different person - I have always had trouble here....I don't deserve to be happy, I SHOULD be miserable, I am not used to feeling this way, and keep expecting to go back.> > So many of us have had such a hard time of it, I feel guilty for being in a good mood.
> >
>
> i AM So with you on this one..!
> .... sometimes i ... feel like i stole the secret of joy from our suffering brethrern pobrecitos
>
> .... then, at other times, i feel i owe it, we owe ... to ourselves, to them .... to feel as good as we can.
> we are supposed to recover aren't we?
> so shouldn't we feel good about? ... or at least shouldn't we try ?
>
YES WE SHOULD....I keep telling myself that over and over, but it doesn't want to sink in. Seems the better I feel the worse it gets....feel bad for others and that I still don't DESERVE it.> > JUST HOPE IT IS INFECTIOUS AND I CAN GIVE IT TO ALL OF YOU!!!
>
> now that's the spirit!! ... that's Your spirit!!!
> .... and maybe lexapro has helped to allow you to let it shine through here ...... now
>
> am i too optimistic for wanting to believe .... that it might be real ?
>
> as always, you have inspired me .... infected me....
>
> TAKE CARE ! !! !! !! ! ! !!!!
> ~ jimMost DEFFINITELY....it's got to be the Lexapro.....have been miserable too long.... and now I'm not!!!
It's the holiday weekend and I have to work 2 10hr. days but I'm loving life and have a bounce in my step and I just want everyone to be as HAPPY!!!!
Thanks again for ALL your support, jim, and lets all have a GREAT DAY!!
Posted by Okpolosi on May 24, 2003, at 8:08:36
In reply to Re: lil jimi and Okpolosi: rapport!! » lil' jimi, posted by Okpolosi on May 24, 2003, at 7:14:12
I feel I have to expand on this topic......
I was used to being my old self, down on myself, feeling worthless and undeserving. My dear Father who has been gone 13 years now (and I still miss him and think of him often), God rest his soul, was a verbally abusive man to all of us (Mom included), but I can NOT blame him because his father was a true Ogre. His upbringing was far worse than mine, and I truely beleive he loved us all and was doing the best he could.
Regardless, I know where my problems come from, I understand how they work, and I should be able to deal with it all by now.....but it's never that easy, is it?
And now there's Lexapro......It's helped in so many ways, and yet there is still that little nagging in the back of my head saying...it won't last...it's not right...not for you, my little pretty!!
I have never enjoyed "talking" to someone about my problems, this is much easier!!!! And thanks for being there for me, if I can repay the favor....
I guess I shall TRY to enjoy it, this different feeling that seems so alien, because tomorrow may be the day it all comes crashing down.
Posted by cswife on May 24, 2003, at 8:48:06
In reply to Re: Dif person lil' jimi, posted by Okpolosi on May 24, 2003, at 8:08:36
Posted by Okpolosi on May 24, 2003, at 10:48:16
In reply to 'Nother newbie (nm), posted by cswife on May 24, 2003, at 8:48:06
Welcome to the Board....Hope we can hear more from you.....How are you doing?
Posted by cswife on May 24, 2003, at 11:07:22
In reply to Re: 'Nother newbie**cswife, posted by Okpolosi on May 24, 2003, at 10:48:16
Evidently my message did not post. My husband, age 50, has just started taking lexapro 3 days ago. This is the first time he has ever taken an anti-depressant. He had general depression, feeling worthless, no motivation. This drug is making him extremely nervous, agitated, can't sleep, sweating profusely. On top of all that, the doctor told him he has elevated bp, cut out sodium, cholesterol reading of 288, cut out all meat. So now, on top of being depressed, he can't eat anything! We called the doctor's office this morning about the way he is feeling and of course, this being a holiday weekend, the doctor is out until Wednesday. The lady in the office said for him to stop taking the drug. He is in pitiful shape and there's nothing I can do to help. What advice would you all give? Should he hang in there and give the lexapro more time?
He works with electricity, so I worry about his safety. I appreciate any insight you folks can give.
Posted by Okpolosi on May 24, 2003, at 11:36:22
In reply to Re: 'Nother newbie**cswife, posted by cswife on May 24, 2003, at 11:07:22
> Evidently my message did not post. My husband, age 50, has just started taking lexapro 3 days ago. This is the first time he has ever taken an anti-depressant. He had general depression, feeling worthless, no motivation. This drug is making him extremely nervous, agitated, can't sleep, sweating profusely. On top of all that, the doctor told him he has elevated bp, cut out sodium, cholesterol reading of 288, cut out all meat. So now, on top of being depressed, he can't eat anything! We called the doctor's office this morning about the way he is feeling and of course, this being a holiday weekend, the doctor is out until Wednesday. The lady in the office said for him to stop taking the drug. He is in pitiful shape and there's nothing I can do to help. What advice would you all give? Should he hang in there and give the lexapro more time?
> He works with electricity, so I worry about his safety. I appreciate any insight you folks can give.What you are describing (nervous, sweating, nausea, insomnia) are all initial side effects of Lexapro. I had all of these you mention plus more. I have posted quite a lot about my experiences w/SE's, if it will help, you can go back to previous periods (the section above) and read all about it. These SE's lessen with time and for most, they go away.
Suffice it to say, I had a rough time of it, but I stuck with it and am very glad I did. Have been on 10mg going into my 5th month, Lexapro IS WORKING for me!!
Please do not get discouraged right away, give the meds a chance to do their work (for some, myself included, it can take 6 to 8 weeks before you can feel the difference.
Hope I have been of some help and we are all here for you and are all pulling for you!!!
Posted by Okpolosi on May 24, 2003, at 11:43:46
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by okpolosi on March 2, 2003, at 9:47:30
> I have been reading posts here for a month or so and decided I should share my Lex experiences, too. What I have read has been so helpfull and thank you all for sharing.
> I'm in week 5 on 5mg and I take it late morning, around 10:00AM. Female 47, diagnosed with PPMD and depression, have never taken any meds before. Just haven't felt like my usual self for a couple of years it seems. Thought I was peri-menopausal, but Dr says it's PPMD. Was having terrible fights w/husband and fits of rage at work, while having to deal with customers, NOT good! Recently lost Mother-in-Law, we were pretty close, and both me and husband were hit pretty hard. Inherited a big house that needs a lot of work.
> Week 1 - Nausea for a few hours after taking, mild diahrea, REALLY bad Headaches in the evening. Felt tired and foggy headed in the afternoon. Noticed some mild anxiety. No trouble sleeping. Towards end of week started feeling like I was getting the flu. Noticed my teeth hurt and realized I was clenching. Didn't want to eat at all, no appetite.
> Week 2 - People at work have the flu, I called in sick all week, really felt terrible and don't know for sure if it was Lex or flu, had no fever, but had headaches, congestion, runny nose, chills, diahrea, slept A LOT, day and night. Eat like a pig but actually lost a pound or two, realy crave carbs ( Potatoe chips, Chex mix, etc. ). Occasional anxiety. Got an itchy rash all over my back and top of my arms. Head feels "big" and spacey. Have to tell self not to clench teeth.
> Week 3 - "Flu" symptoms going away, feel very tired, no energy, short of breath if I do anything. Head still feels funny - spacey. Sweaty armpits on some days, blurry vision, a few mild night sweats, but in general no trouble sleeping. Still have mild diahrea. Had one day of bad lower back pain. Anxiety seems to occur less often. Gained back the pounds I lost.
> Week 4 - Feel better physically, not mentally - still very angry and irritable, period is coming. A little trouble sleeping, want to blame husband for keeping me awake. Sweaty pits seem to have gone away, head doesn't feel funny any more, still have mild diahrea (not really a problem, just different than usual). Energy returning, able to do a lot more at work without feeling out of breath. Still clenching some but not as bad.
> Week 5 - Actually haven't finished week 5, only half way through. Got a customer complaint at work because I was such a BITCH! Supposed to be having period but hasn't actually started yet. Snapped at husband for no reason. Blurry vision improved slightly. Still don't want to get out of bed in the morning. Am starting to wonder if I should take 7.5mg or even 10 as I don't feel "better", but then figure I should still give it another week or 2, not sure I have given Lex long enough to help.
> I will update, and again want to thank everyone for your input, it helps to know you are not alone!!!This is one of my old posts. Save you some trouble, hope it helps
Posted by lil' jimi on May 24, 2003, at 11:44:39
In reply to Re: Dif person lil' jimi, posted by Okpolosi on May 24, 2003, at 8:08:36
hi okpolosi,
you have impressed me again ... you should be proud of yourself ... i feel soooo .......
...... HAPPY! that you are doing so well!!!!
> I feel I have to expand on this topic......
>
> I was used to being my old self, down on myself, feeling worthless and undeserving. My dear Father who has been gone 13 years now (and I still miss him and think of him often), God rest his soul, was a verbally abusive man to all of us (Mom included), but I can NOT blame him because his father was a true Ogre. His upbringing was far worse than mine, and I truely beleive he loved us all and was doing the best he could.
>
> Regardless, I know where my problems come from, I understand how they work, and I should be able to deal with it all by now.....but it's never that easy, is it?
>
> And now there's Lexapro......It's helped in so many ways, and yet there is still that little nagging in the back of my head saying...it won't last...it's not right...not for you, my little pretty!!
>
> I have never enjoyed "talking" to someone about my problems, this is much easier!!!! And thanks for being there for me, if I can repay the favor....
>
> I guess I shall TRY to enjoy it, this different feeling that seems so alien, because tomorrow may be the day it all comes crashing down.
>
>
>i find this all very very encouraging and hopeful .... the inspirational thing for me is your struggle, over which you've managed to survive and grow to this point where you can be so positive and constructively analytical.
i read this as you making progress .... real progress!
on the one hand, you suffered your symptoms so long and on the other, you suffered such bad SEs ..... shouldn't that serve to validate that you deserve to get to feel good ?.... finally!
analogy: you had been down so long you hadn't realized you'd been holding you breath ... and 'under water' (depressed) .... so that when you manage to find the surface, it's disorienting .... and when you get to break the surface and finally breathe, it seems alien, because it's so unfamiliar.
so now it is almost too fantastic to imagine that that much suffering could really be gone forever .... that we could be so blessed ...... why us ?
and this change is so great that that suffering person we know does not even seem to be related to this new alien breathing person .... ..
hey, what's that sound? there! There it is Again! ...it's ... laughter (!) ... and it's so close! ...it's ..... coming....from ....
...
.......me!
Impossible!!!
HA!and yes, ms okpolosi, i'd say we are rapporting here alright .....
as you have broached your issues with your dad, you have opened me up to considering my issues with my mom ..... aye, indeed there's work to be done there ..... she died june 3rd 2002 ..... you'll likely be hearing more about this, thank you in advance for that ..... and for all of this.and, No, it has never been easy ... i guess important things never are ..... but with lex it at least seems possible now.
i say we save our energy we'd waste worrying about deserving our new-found advantages, and instead use the advantages and that energy to steel ourselves for this anxiety about possible poop out ...... because worrying about our success is something which isn't rational but which we may control, whereas the risk of poop out is real, and it is rational to try to anticipate it and prepare a beneficial response ..... since we can have this much anticipation and its lead-in time and the strength and sanity to be able to prepare ....
what have people done when the other ADs have pooped on them? (oo, sorry for the bad mental picture) my gp mentioned effexor, but i'd hate to go there.
would a benzo supplement make sense? ... or maybe wellbutrin supplement? ....... i suggest these things Just in case we must see our paradise begin to melt .... never hurts to have back-up plans and the plans should help lessen the anxiety ... anxieties.Okpolosi, you're alright! you hang in there and just tough it out that we are goin to have to feel good now. Okay?
more later,
TAKE CARE!!!
~ jimp.s. my prayers to 2bornot2bnuts, in her time of suffering: May she find refuge from misery
~ j
Posted by Okpolosi on May 24, 2003, at 11:49:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by okpolosi on March 6, 2003, at 8:04:54
> Oops! Made a mistake in my initial post, not sure if it matters but I have PMDD (Pre-Menstrual Dysfunction) and not PPMD (Post Partum?)
>
> Today is the first day of Week 6, period should be ending today, but the anger has not gone away. Two days ago I was flaming mad at work ( the place drives me nuts!! ) and I decided to go up to 10mg of Lex, have been taking 5mg.
> Felt slightly better yesterday, but diahrea increased, my back itches some, and jaw clenching. Other than that, have not noticed any of the other side effects that I experienced previously.
> I am still optimistic that the Lex will help me, I think I feel better, not quite as angry as before, but still not totally "well" yet. Depression is still there lurking around, and don't feel "good".Thought I should include this one as well. You can see that even at my 6th week I was still having trouble. I'm glad to say I improved steadily from there and I'm doing much better.
Again I hope this is of some help.
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on May 24, 2003, at 14:20:50
In reply to Lexapro comments, posted by wally on January 9, 2003, at 2:22:56
Hello, I'm still here, Thanks to all for your advice and concern. It really helps! I got to rest alot today, my son and husband helped take care of my 2yr old daughter. Side effects aren't so bad today, they must be worsened by stress. I think the effexor is loosening it's grip too. I'm not so dizzy, and no freaky brain zaps. I'm glad a few of you actually respond and get (better?} relief from these AD's. I'm still fighting the fact that I need them, whether there helpul or hurtful. I really wish I never took them in the first place. Gotta go... TAKE CARE!!! 2B
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