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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Patient on October 11, 2003, at 18:24:22
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Dr. Bob, posted by eebeshy on October 10, 2003, at 15:22:07
> Oops, sorry I'm new at this!!! Hi, I'm taking Lexapro @ 15mg a day (been 3-4 months now) and my Dr. started me on Wellbutrin (100mg) a week ago because although I was still able to get out of bed in the morning to go to work, I was still feeling low all the time all I wanted to do was sleep. Been battling depression now for over 12 years (mental illness runs bigtime in my family). I started feeling better right away, but I've had trouble sleeping at night. I put in a call to my Dr. and he said that low a dosage shouldn't be a problem. Anyone have any suggestions? I also take Klonopin....maybe should I take one right before going to bed? BTW, reading everyone's comments has made me feel better about the whole depression issue. Thanks!
> eebeshyHello,
Many doctors will add or augment Wellbutrin to SSRI's. The added boost from the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine from the Wellbutrin can be helpful if one isn't completely responding to an SSRI, or, as in your case, to counteract daytime somnolence, as well as some other side effects of SSRI's.
I have, unofficially, Borderline Personality Disorder-can be difficult to treat, especially anger outbursts have been a problem for me, as well as still getting depressed while taking SSRI's. I've been taking Lexapro since February of this year. I started out with 5mg daily in morning, and 250mg of carbamazepine(Tegretol, mood stabiliser) for the first month, then increased Lexapro to 5mg twice a day. (I couldn't tolerate 10mg at once on most days-it made me a bit on the anxious side.) After a month of this combination I couldn't take the severe somnelence-I was a walking and napping zombie. So, stopped the carbamazepine, only taking it a week or two before my period starts, since this is when I'm most irritable. After a couple months I reduced down to 5mg daily Lexapro, mainly due to affordability. For me, 5mg daily is just as effective as the twice a day dosage. As of recent, I no longer take Tegretol as it seemed to make the daytime sleepiness even worse, especially 12 or so hours after taking it. I really didn't notice any improvement with it anyway, though was taking a low dose.
Here is where I finally get to the part about my experience with Wellbutrin (I can be long-winded).
A couple of years ago I had been prescribed Wellbutrin SR and took 150mg a day. It made me relaxed, but I was quick to snap at my husband-it was a strange combination-to be relaxed and easily irritated at the same time. I tried increasing to 300mg a day and couldn't handle the "snappiness". That was my month+ experience with Wellbutrin by itself.
In the past couple of months I have been experiencing what I call, false hunger pangs. While eating I would feel hungry, but an uncomfortable hunger. Just recently I stopped drinking real coffee-my stomach said no more. I don't know if it is from the Lexapro, but someone else on this board said they experienced acid reflux after taking Celexa. I have some leftover Wellbutrin SR and for the past few days I've been taking 150mg once in morning, and 5mg Lexapro in mid-afternoon. Wow-what a difference! I thought the Lexapro was helping, but after a few days on the Wellbutrin I feel ten times better-more alert-able to fill out a crossword puzzle within a shorter period of time, do not feel lethargic or tired during the day (just as you mentioned). The best part is that I feel relaxed-a calm feeling-and an added surpise is that my stomach is no longer bothering me. I do know that Wellbutrin can supress the appetite. I no longer am aware of my stomach throughout the day-no more pangs. I've only been on this combination a few days, but I am happy with the results so far. I'm ashamed to admit that I usually drink a glass of homemade wine or beer in the evenings to help calm me, and this isn't good, especially if you are taking any medications. Since I've taken the Wellbutrin I no longer want a glass of wine to relax me in the evenings. I have Ativan (lorazepam) if I need it, but I try to avoid it as my doctor told me the benzos can disrupt sleep cycles-eveningtime was usually when I'd take Ativan-it's effects lasting well into the A.M. hours.
You are on a low dosage of Wellbutrin-make sure you take it as early in the morning as possible. Sometimes the insomnia-effect goes away after you've been on Wellbutrin a while.
I would suggest you ask your doctor about trazodone (Desyrel). It's an older antidepressant that today is more commonly prescribed in a low dose to counteract insomnia caused by stimulating antidepressants. In my opinion, it works better than Ambien (zalpidem)or Sonata (zaleplon), as these only last a few hours, whereas trazodone helps one sleep the night through. Months ago my doctor prescribed 50mg trazodone taken at bedtime-he said it doesn't disrupt sleep cycles. It worked great at helping me sleep, but would cause stuffy nose and dry mouth, enough to keep me awake for the first two hours after taking it. Eventually I found 12.5mg worked fine without side effects. For me, it usually starts to make me sleepy in about thirty minutes to an hour.
Posted by Arrianna on October 11, 2003, at 18:29:49
In reply to Strange Weekend Thing, posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 17:47:27
Yep, I certainly do, too!! It is strange to think that this board may just be a "hoax" the way you put it!!
But, I'm certainly real as I'm sure the others are. Don't let your mind play tricks on ya'. I'm just thinking that it's the weekend and everyone is doing other things or taking a break to take care of themselves in other ways.
I'll be on the computer tonight working on my resume if you need to post. What med. are you on BTW??
Arrianna
Posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 18:44:07
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing » bruce_w6, posted by Arrianna on October 11, 2003, at 18:29:49
> Yep, I certainly do, too!! It is strange to think that this board may just be a "hoax" the way you put it!!
>
> But, I'm certainly real as I'm sure the others are. Don't let your mind play tricks on ya'. I'm just thinking that it's the weekend and everyone is doing other things or taking a break to take care of themselves in other ways.
>
> I'll be on the computer tonight working on my resume if you need to post. What med. are you on BTW??
>
> ArriannaJust went to 15 Lex from 10. It does work but I still have more up and downs than I like.
I don't think it's a total hoax, but I do think it's flavored.
As far as weekend goes, wouldn't people have more time to write during the weekend because they work during the week (most of them).
Posted by Arrianna on October 11, 2003, at 20:05:21
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing, posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 18:44:07
Bruce:
Up to 15mg? Can I ask how long you were on it before you increased and is it better now (besides the occasional ups and downs) that you've gone up?
Just wondering because my 10mg isn't working as it used to and am going to titrate up slowly. My neurons and everything else have been off lately.
It is curious as to the "deadness" of the board on the weekend. I have wondered about it before, too. But, some of us may actually have lives away from here. Anyway, I have too much to figure out already without trying to figure this out, too.
Keep postin'
From one weekend poster to another:
Arrianna
Posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 20:36:09
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing » bruce_w6, posted by Arrianna on October 11, 2003, at 20:05:21
> Bruce:
>
> Up to 15mg? Can I ask how long you were on it before you increased and is it better now (besides the occasional ups and downs) that you've gone up?
>
> Just wondering because my 10mg isn't working as it used to and am going to titrate up slowly. My neurons and everything else have been off lately.
>
> It is curious as to the "deadness" of the board on the weekend. I have wondered about it before, too. But, some of us may actually have lives away from here. Anyway, I have too much to figure out already without trying to figure this out, too.
>
> Keep postin'
> From one weekend poster to another:
> ArriannaHi
I went from 10 to 12.5 after 8 months. Now it is a year and I went to 15. Yes it definitely helps. From my experiences with these drugs that you will reach a level that will last a number of years, it just takes time and adjustment to find that level.
Posted by Arrianna on October 11, 2003, at 21:03:36
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing, posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 20:36:09
Posted by Mariposa on October 11, 2003, at 21:12:56
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing, posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 18:08:54
I wonder if it's also that many have access to computers at work and are sneaking onto the web-site while they are supposedly *working*. Once they get home for the weekend, the kids are hogging the computer, or the game is on, or something besides P-Babble is occupying their minds.~~~8|8
Posted by vandy on October 11, 2003, at 23:34:04
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing, posted by Diva Blue on October 11, 2003, at 17:58:35
Maybe you belong in the PsychoBabble Paranoia thread? <ducking>
I don't work for a drug company. And I get a slug of post notices every day. I created a rule in Outlook Express just to handle them. It seems to me that Saturday's posts were higher in number than Friday's.
> > I have noticed a sharp decrease in messages on the weekends (Saturday & Sunday). I would hate to think that most of the posts are from companies (9-5 Mon-Fri workers) that want us to keep going on the meds. Anyone else notice this drop off?
>
> huh??? I get new post emails to this thread daily....dont you? I havent personally noticed a difference. I, for one, do NOT work for a drug company.
> It seems to me that we are all just posting responses as needed. Some times we need each other more than others. Perhaps it is just more stressful for all us during the "work-week" and we need each other more then.....
>
> best wishes to all.
>
Posted by BLKVETTES on October 12, 2003, at 1:24:45
In reply to Strange Weekend Thing, posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 17:47:27
> I have noticed a sharp decrease in messages on the weekends (Saturday & Sunday). I would hate to think that most of the posts are from companies (9-5 Mon-Fri workers) that want us to keep going on the meds. Anyone else notice this drop off?
Hi, its like that on all the boards I go to. I know a lot of them!!!!!! Maybe its just break time and sleep time!!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Mariposa on October 12, 2003, at 6:44:53
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing, posted by Mariposa on October 11, 2003, at 21:12:56
> I wonder if it's also that many have access to computers at work and are sneaking onto the web-site while they are supposedly *working*. Once they get home for the weekend, the kids are hogging the computer, or the game is on, or something besides P-Babble is occupying their minds.~~~8|8
Just wanted to add that I am NOT a pharm rep, and I believe most if not all post are from real people, not made up by drug co reps. Not sure how you can be a regular reader here and believe we are all *made up* just to keep people taking drugs.~~~8|8
Posted by Arrianna on October 12, 2003, at 15:12:54
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031002/msgs/267181.html
Posted by sussus on October 12, 2003, at 17:47:36
In reply to Re: Lexapro kicking in » sussus, posted by Arrianna on September 23, 2003, at 20:41:19
Arrianna - Thanks for the words of encouragement - I really take a lot of strength from people on this board - it's kind of amazing. I do feel myself getting stronger and I have had some huge revelations lately about myself and my world. Realized for one that it's not all me and perhaps my sig other is depressed and needs help. His family has even commented on the change in him to me. I am not glad that he might need help - I'm just glad that I'm not crazy.....
How are you doing? I decided to stay at 10 mg of Lexapro for now, started to eat better, work out and go to the office every day. Feeling better.
Thanks again and keep in touch!
Sussus
> sus:
>
> Wow! You've had alot of huge changes in your life! Exciting, yet scary, it sounds. Hopefully, the depression will lift for you as well as your anxiety.
>
> Take it easy and keep us updated on the Lexapro.
>
> Hoping this passes for you,
> Arrianna
Posted by Mariposa on October 12, 2003, at 18:49:39
In reply to lil' jimi, posted by Arrianna on October 12, 2003, at 15:12:54
>
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031002/msgs/267181.htmlHave not had a chance to read the tread, yet. Have missed your words of encouragement and wisdom on this board.
~~~8|8
Posted by oldhand on October 12, 2003, at 21:29:09
In reply to Re: dutch, posted by dutch on October 10, 2003, at 15:41:39
> thanks kristen :) i really have lost hope for side effect improvement, as i have been on the med for 6 months now. in the last month or two, the memory loss thing has really gotten to me. i am tired of it but i do feel a heck of a lot better overall. i guess i have to learn to live with mild altzheimers basically.
Hi dutch<
Do you get enough exercize? My pdoc was telling me about studies that aerobic exercize can help regenerate brain cells. Mine are recovering from years of alcohol use/abuse. The other thing is that I feel much brighter and calmer on the days I get a good walk in or something. Also, as you probably know, depression itself can make one unfocused and unable to concentrate, thus perhaps a memory loss?
I also live with my "redesigned" brain. I have been on Lexapro for 11 months, now up to 20mg with Wellbutrin added at 150mg almost a month ago. I am feeling better now than I have in years and I always hope that people experience good results as I have. It seemes most of the side effects are gone and, like you, I can live with the rest. Best wishes for peace.
Shelley
Posted by Arrianna on October 13, 2003, at 16:44:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro kicking in » Arrianna, posted by sussus on October 12, 2003, at 17:47:36
> Arrianna - Thanks for the words of encouragement - I really take a lot of strength from people on this board - it's kind of amazing. I do feel myself getting stronger and I have had some huge revelations lately about myself and my world. Realized for one that it's not all me and perhaps my sig other is depressed and needs help. His family has even commented on the change in him to me. I am not glad that he might need help - I'm just glad that I'm not crazy.....
> How are you doing? I decided to stay at 10 mg of Lexapro for now, started to eat better, work out and go to the office every day. Feeling better.
> Thanks again and keep in touch!
> Sussus
>
>
Sussus,Thanks for responding back. Sounds like things are getting alot better for you!! Don't you just love revelations? They bring about so much awareness which is huge in healing.
Also, glad that you're now realizing that everything isn't your fault - that both you and your significant other play a part in things. Do you think that you "see" that now because you are starting to heal?
I've been doing okay - actually, I've been feeling quite crazy and emotional lately. Have alot of stress and change in my life right now and there never seems to be enough time to process and get in touch with my feelings, etc. So, I'm starting to up my dose from 10mg to 15mg hoping that will help. 10mg just isn't working like it used to.
Have a 4-day weekend coming up so I'm just hanging on until then. Aaaah, I hope to be able to finally rest!!
Again, I'm really happy that you are feeling better!! It's a process, but keep your eye on the goal.
Arrianna
Posted by PHV on October 13, 2003, at 20:58:51
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi Arriana -
It's nice to see your posts again. You were so kind when I first posted several weeks ago - that I missed you while you were gone! From what I gathered reading your past posts, you and I started 10 of Lex around the same time. I started on 4th of July - wanted to get back my independence on Independence Day!
I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing some poop-out. However, it does seem that yours maybe likely to the new job - dealing with hours you're not used to. Congrats by the way. It takes a special person to be a teacher - let alone a special ed teacher!
I hope you're feeling better soon and your life can bring you comfort. Lord knows we've all got our battles to fight every day and we should find the joy in what we can. Thank goodness for this board which allows us to lean on each other for support.
Take care and you remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Patty
Posted by Scribbler on October 13, 2003, at 21:23:16
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing, posted by BLKVETTES on October 12, 2003, at 1:24:45
I took my first Lexapro today for anxiety and by tonight felt really weird, light-headed and nauseated. Threw up dinner. Tell me this gets better; how can I take another pill tomorrow?
Posted by JohnR on October 13, 2003, at 21:29:40
In reply to Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro, posted by Scribbler on October 13, 2003, at 21:23:16
Hi,
I started taking Lex two weeks ago tomorrow. My stomach was pretty upset for about a week. I wasn't very hungry at all. However, things have returned to normal now. Hopefully you'll be feeling better soon.-John
Posted by PHV on October 13, 2003, at 21:37:16
In reply to Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro, posted by Scribbler on October 13, 2003, at 21:23:16
Hi Scribbler -
I'm going on four months of 10 Lex. I, too, was overwhelmed with the quick effect the Lex had in my system with my very first dose. I just didn't feel quite right. I felt dizzy, nauseas, light-headed, etc. I was pleasantly surprised by day two - that the side effects decreased significantly.
As you read past posts, you will likely see that what you're experiencing has happened to someone else throughout various course of treatement. Unfortunately, since we are all different, our bodies react differently to these meds. If you seem to have extreme side effects, you might want to contact your doctor immediately for his or her take. Otherwise, you will have the support of this board behind you as you struggle. Some days are good - some are not so good. That's what we're all here to share with one another.
Keep us posted Scribbler. Write daily if you feel the need to. We'll be there right along side of you.
Best of luck.
Patty
Posted by Scribbler on October 13, 2003, at 21:43:40
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro, posted by PHV on October 13, 2003, at 21:37:16
I've never belonged to a group like this before, so your support and encouragement means really a lot to me! I want this to work (Lexapro); I'm so tired of feeling anxious all the time. So I'll hang in there tomorrow with day #2. Thanks, from my heart!
Posted by PHV on October 13, 2003, at 21:56:58
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro, posted by Scribbler on October 13, 2003, at 21:43:40
Just remember, if Lex is all you're on and you're experiencing unbearable side effects - call your doctor immediately. What my doc did several weeks in - was counter some of the other SE's by adding some new drugs to counteract the SE's. Seems as though that's the way of the board. It's certainly not a way that I ever invisioned my life - but it's working, I'm pleased to say. Make sure you stay in close contact with your doctor. What you think are SE's he/she might have an adjustment to make the difference in the world. I recently started keeping a diary of my SE's. It gave me a clearer picture to sit in front of my doctor with last weekend over what was really bothering me - and what was a one time thing. She was easily able to see where I needed some readjustments to my meds. Three days later, I'm already seeing significant relief.
You're not alone. So keep us posted.
Take care,
Patty
Posted by vandy on October 13, 2003, at 22:32:39
In reply to Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro, posted by Scribbler on October 13, 2003, at 21:23:16
I'll tell you....it gets better. Now to the real nitty gritty: how do you take a pill tomorrow? Here are some suggestions:
1. Put the pill on the counter top and leave the room. Put a handkerchief or a scarf over your nose and mouth and sneak in, grab the pill, stuff it in your mouth, rip off the scarf and laugh fiendishly as you swallow it with a soft drink of your liking.
2. Cut it in half, find two yummy morsels small enough to swallow easily but big enough to taste. Stuff the half a pill in each morsel. Swallow one. Wait a delicious interval. Swallow the other. You could laugh fiendishly here, too. But it would probably be better to grin.
3. Get a piece of salt water taffy, chocolate fudge or something that makes your mouth water. Take pill. Eat reward. Smirking is appropriate with this approach.
4. Get some green jello and use the powder on your face to look like Hulk. Snarl at pill. Curse it. Wolf it down.
I'm sure this is only a start. If you come up with better ones be sure to share. I can only think of these because I waited 84 days for the Lex to get me home. I could never do it when I felt like you do. I can't wait for you to join me.
Keep the faith..
Love and Kisses from Vandy> I took my first Lexapro today for anxiety and by tonight felt really weird, light-headed and nauseated. Threw up dinner. Tell me this gets better; how can I take another pill tomorrow?
Posted by PHV on October 13, 2003, at 22:43:14
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi all -
I went in for another visit w/ my doctor over the weekend. I wanted to follow up with her after 30 days of anxiety resulting from Lex. Since I'd seen somewhat of a significant decrease in the anxiety from 10 mg Busbar - she increased the dosage from 15 mg to 30 mg twice daily - topping out at no more than 60 mg daily of Busbar, if necessary. I initially thought 15 mg 2 x daily would suffice, but anxiety levels have risen greatly and I've been at 30 mg 2 x daily w/ effective results. I had to take .5 mg of Xanax yesterday - as it was just a bad day for whatever reason. Due to lack of sleep issues that I've been dealing with for years - she put me on 10 mg of Ambien to try to calm down my evening anxiety. Along w/ the hope the 60mg of Busbar daily will lower the anxiety levels too. Thought I'm starting to feel somewhat like a "junkie" I'd like to share some of my happier moments that I can now face in my life as having made some achievements.
I finally wake up every morning with a positive outlook on life. I am noticing the beauty of the simple things in my life that mean so much. I actually went to church today to thank God for the many miracles in my day to day life that I have overlooked for so very long.
But the best and most significant part of my Lex treatment is . . . I don't go to bed each night begging for God to take me during my sleep. I would wake up every morning so angry that I was forced to live another unwanted day. It just recently occured to me how long it's been since I've had those thoughts in my head. I hope that others can find that peace within themselves as well.
After reading others posts, I'm grateful that I have a doctor who is willing to listen to my body and work with me very closely until we find a treatment that works perfectly for me.
I hope you are all doing well.
Regards,
Patty
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 14, 2003, at 9:48:06
In reply to Strange Weekend Thing, posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 17:47:27
I don't have a computer at home anymore. Only internet access is at work. I don't work for a drug company or pharmacy.
KDi in Texas
> I have noticed a sharp decrease in messages on the weekends (Saturday & Sunday). I would hate to think that most of the posts are from companies (9-5 Mon-Fri workers) that want us to keep going on the meds. Anyone else notice this drop off?
Posted by Wildflower on October 14, 2003, at 11:42:04
In reply to Strange Weekend Thing, posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 17:47:27
I don't work for a drug company either. For me, it's much easier to post at work. After sitting in front of a computer all day, the last thing I want to do in my spare time is be online. :-)
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