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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KathrynLex on January 22, 2004, at 13:54:20
In reply to Re: Mariposer- Re: Getting desperate. What's the m, posted by gaza on January 22, 2004, at 13:32:02
Hi Gaza,
I'm not sure which drugs they are. When I discussed my fear of lex "poop-out" with my pdoc he said there were meds that can be added to lex to make it more effective. It hasn't come up again since the 10 mg I'm on is working fine. (knock on wood)
Has anyone else heard of combining other meds with lexapro to increase its potency?
K.
Posted by gaza on January 22, 2004, at 14:07:44
In reply to Re: Mariposer- Re: Getting desperate. What's the m, posted by KathrynLex on January 22, 2004, at 13:54:20
When will you be going back to your pdoc?
Can you ask him what those meds were?
Thanks.> Hi Gaza,
>
> I'm not sure which drugs they are. When I discussed my fear of lex "poop-out" with my pdoc he said there were meds that can be added to lex to make it more effective. It hasn't come up again since the 10 mg I'm on is working fine. (knock on wood)
>
> Has anyone else heard of combining other meds with lexapro to increase its potency?
>
> K.
Posted by Steve3211 on January 22, 2004, at 14:29:49
In reply to Lexoloading » Steve3211, posted by Journeyman on January 21, 2004, at 21:05:27
> Hi Steve,
>
> Knock on wood, I've found 5 mg to be sufficient. It has really lightened the black, oppressive, cloudy heaviness that I had been feeling. It has somehow done this without inhibiting my ability to think clearly or feel a full emotional range. Far from being numbed, I'm much more able to focus on issues, people, and thoughts and enjoy them more. My stomach currently hurts, but it's because I spent so much time today laughing with my 2.5-year-old daughter.
>
> You asked, "Did you find you lost weight at first?" If by at first, you meant when I was born, the answer is yes. Most babies lose a few ounces during their first week in the great outdoors. If, however, you meant since I began taking Lexapro, no. I have had neither loss of appetite nor loss of weight. I've gained quite a lot of weight, but I had been on an upward/outward trend for some time before I began taking Lex. Frankly, I'm not too concerned. I would much rather be a jolly Santa temporarily than an anorexic Grinch. Diet and exercise will deal with that over the longer term.
>
> I've wondered about the whole buildup in the system idea. That's the only reason I could come up with for a return of the symptoms I'd experienced early on.
>
> Re: your question about morning & appetite...I've found that my food yearnings are pretty consistent, it doesn't matter the time of day. I would fit into the eating regimen of a hobbit very well at the moment. Breakfast is still one of my three favorite meals (if you don't include snacks, elevenses, in-between meals, afternoon tea, etc.)
>
> I'm hoping I can keep the dosage on the lower side by using it as a supplement to an otherwise healty lifestyle, which includes therapy, exercise, socialization, reading, etc.
>
> Good luck with your own journey Steve - and if you're ever in the vicinity, let's do lunches.
>
> RichardRichard
Thanks for the great info. I am hoping 5 mgs is good for me too. I think my doc is going to be po'ed with me though. Will let you know how I progress. Best-Steve
Posted by Mrs C. on January 22, 2004, at 14:33:45
In reply to Re: scared and confused, posted by Gaza on January 21, 2004, at 15:51:26
I'm so glad you finally got help. Continued good luck to you and I'm sure we'll keep in touch through this board. Have a great day! Mrs. C
Posted by Steve3211 on January 22, 2004, at 14:37:03
In reply to Re: Lexoloading, posted by Mariposa on January 22, 2004, at 8:30:48
> Hi Steve, just wanted to comment on this also.
>
> My pdoc explained that Lex does take a while for your body to adjust. The liver makes enzymes that break down Lex. At first when you just start, the liver is producing at a lower rate. You keep taking the same dose, and the liver *ramps up* (his words) production until it can handle the Lex dose. That's when you start to feel like the med isn't working so well anymore. So you increase the dose of Lex and the liver goes through another adjustment, and on and on. I guess some peoples livers are more obstinate than others, thats why a 10mg dose will work for one person but another person needs 30mg.Thanks Mariposa,
Isn't the goal however to find a dosage that sticks. We can't just go on increasing dosage every couple of months. How are you doing? Best-Steve
Posted by Mrs C. on January 22, 2004, at 14:37:18
In reply to What and When of Lexapro, posted by sexylexy on January 21, 2004, at 16:50:49
Lexy, It was about eight weeks for me before I really began to feel the full effects. My anxiety and depression lifted after about 4 weeks but I only started to feel "great" several weeks later. Give it some more time. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 22, 2004, at 14:45:36
In reply to Lexoloading » Steve3211, posted by Journeyman on January 21, 2004, at 21:05:27
Richard, I would agree that 5mgs seem to be enough for you! You are totally cracking me up daily. I could use a little help today, it hasn't been a good one. Some of those old worries about my health creeping into my brain. Hope it's just temporary and related to my...sorry, female issues...monthly cycle. Anyway talking to all of you makes me feel so much stronger. Thanks everyone! Mrs. C
Posted by SJ on January 22, 2004, at 15:00:51
In reply to scared and confused, posted by Yogi on January 21, 2004, at 5:37:00
One of the hardest decisions I had to make was whether or not to start my 10 year old daughter on Lexapro. We started her on 5 mg and then 4 days later bumped her to 10mg. She had a few weeks where she was sick to her stomach and complained of headaches, but that seems to have stopped. She also seemed jumpy. But, she felt almost immediate relief from most of the anxiety and thanks us every day for helping her and putting her on medication. She has a long road ahead of her. I look at his board often while thinking of my daugther and take the suggestions, advice, and messages of hope and store them for our future use. I hope your results are as positive as ours have been. She's been able to get back to living her life. I'll put you, along with all others hereon the board, in my prayers.
Posted by Mrs C. on January 22, 2004, at 15:09:03
In reply to Re: scared and confused, posted by SJ on January 22, 2004, at 15:00:51
SJ, your message really touched me. Do be experiencing those feelings at such a young age must have been so difficult for your daughter as well as you. Thank goodness she has such a great Mom who recognized a problem and is getting help for her child. God bless you and your family and I hope for continued success for your daughter. Keep us "posted" ( a little board humor). Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on January 22, 2004, at 15:16:12
In reply to Re: scared and confused, posted by SJ on January 22, 2004, at 15:00:51
SJ - Thanks for posting about your daughter. My sister went through the same thing with her 9 year old last year and it was indeed an agonizing decision!
There are several older teens who post to this board who are afraid their parents won't understand, so don't go to them about their emotional/mental health issues. Bravo to you for advocating and supporting your little girl! Our kids are so precious! Good luck & God Bless!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
One of the hardest decisions I had to make was whether or not to start my 10 year old daughter on Lexapro. We started her on 5 mg and then 4 days later bumped her to 10mg. She had a few weeks where she was sick to her stomach and complained of headaches, but that seems to have stopped. She also seemed jumpy. But, she felt almost immediate relief from most of the anxiety and thanks us every day for helping her and putting her on medication. She has a long road ahead of her. I look at his board often while thinking of my daugther and take the suggestions, advice, and messages of hope and store them for our future use. I hope your results are as positive as ours have been. She's been able to get back to living her life. I'll put you, along with all others hereon the board, in my prayers.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 22, 2004, at 15:21:34
In reply to Re: Lexoloading, posted by Mrs C. on January 22, 2004, at 14:45:36
Hi Mrs. C,
I might have mentioned this to you before, but like you, I have a bit of trouble with my anxiety/depression increasing around the time of my period. Chances are very high that what you're experiencing is temporary and you will feel better soon.
Do me a favor and go do something nice for yourself. It takes a lot of personal strength to combat mental illness, and you have done an impressive job of that. Not only do you deal with your own issues, but you help other people cope with theirs. For that, I think you should reward yourself. (It might also distract you from worrying about health issues.)
I wish you the very best, and hope you are feeling better soon.
K.
Posted by Steve3211 on January 22, 2004, at 15:30:04
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by Marietta on January 21, 2004, at 16:40:38
Hi Marrieta,
I actually take mine at 6.00 pm. It seems that I experience most of my s/e's the following day and not in the evening after I take it. I take 15mg of Restoril in the evening at bedtime around 11pm and now seem to be sleeping a lot better. I think the first 4-5 hrs of slow wave sleep are the most important however and they seem to be good. I am going to try to taper off the Restoril soon. Let me know how it is going. Best-Steve
Posted by Gator on January 22, 2004, at 16:01:18
In reply to Re: scared and confused, posted by SJ on January 22, 2004, at 15:00:51
SJ,
I know alot of people say that society is just drugging our kids for all the little problems but I am glad to see a concerned parent that wants to help her child! I wish my parents would have seen the signs in me and would have done something. My life would have been alot happier growing up. My prayers are with you, your daughter and your family.
Take care,
Gator
Posted by KathrynLex on January 22, 2004, at 16:08:49
In reply to Re: Mariposer- Re: Getting desperate. What's the m, posted by gaza on January 22, 2004, at 14:07:44
Gaza,
I go back to the pdoc in a couple of weeks. When I do I'll ask him what the meds are.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on January 22, 2004, at 20:47:13
In reply to Re: scared and confused, posted by Gator on January 22, 2004, at 16:01:18
Hi Ladies,
Again I want to thank all ya'll for your wonderful support.
I have a lady question... I seem to be late for my period at this point only a day. It is very unlikely that I am pregnant. Did any of you have problems with your cycle on lexapro. I have also been on two rounds of antibiotics in the past month??? Just a little worried.
Thanks 1,000,000
Lexy
Posted by poddy j. fries on January 22, 2004, at 21:02:32
In reply to Re: gout as side effect Lexapro?, posted by KathrynLex on January 22, 2004, at 13:03:24
> Hi Poddy,
>
> Lexapro can definately effect your taste buds. Water has a new flavor for me since I started on lex. It's an odd side effect, but not unheard of.
>
> K.Just wondering... same with me on the water too. The gout aspect has me really bothered though. Was put on allupurinol and developed severe rash. Had to stop the gout rx...may have to switch the lexapro too if this is the cause. thanks for reply-poddy
Posted by Missy K on January 22, 2004, at 21:27:50
In reply to Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by sexylexy on January 22, 2004, at 20:47:13
Hey,
I have only been on 2 weeks, but my period was 2 days early (my cycle is usually like clockwork). I asked the doc about this, he said this drug does mess with body chemistry, and that it was common for these things to happen.
-Missy
Posted by Mariposa on January 22, 2004, at 22:37:17
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by Missy K on January 22, 2004, at 21:27:50
I missed one entirely, late for 2, then things went back to normal.~~~8|8
Posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 0:11:52
In reply to Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by sexylexy on January 22, 2004, at 20:47:13
Hi Lexy,
Since I've only been taking lex for about month I've only been through my menstrual cycle once while on the med. My period came early and left quickly. Not only that, but I felt very out of sorts just before it started - almost like some of the lex side effects were coming back. I'm hoping my period will go back to normal after my body adjusts to lex. Prior to taking it my period was on a very predictable schedule.
Give it some time...you'll probably get your period in the next few days. Or, it's possible you will skip your period this month but don't let it concern you too much. It sounds like your body is trying to get settled again after having been through 2 rounds of antibiotics on top of a new med.
I'm curious, have you noticed any other signs that would indicate your period is about to arrive such as PMS or cramps? Another possibility is that you will have an entirely new cycle on lex. Wait to see what it is, I don't think it means there is anything wrong with you...rest assured that your period will show up soon.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 0:24:08
Hi,
Since starting lex my attention span has gotten worse. I was having a conversation with a friend today and realized half way through that I had no idea what she was talking about. This happened occasionally before I was on lex, but since starting on lex it's occuring much more often - at least once a day. I'm also having trouble focusing on tasks at work and leisure reading has become more difficult because my mind wanders very quickly...way more quickly than it used to. Is this a side effect of the lex that will go away, or could it be something else? This is fairly disconcerting, any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
K.
Posted by Simus on January 23, 2004, at 4:56:09
In reply to Could use some advice about Lex and Attn Span, posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 0:24:08
> Hi,
>
> Since starting lex my attention span has gotten worse. I was having a conversation with a friend today and realized half way through that I had no idea what she was talking about. This happened occasionally before I was on lex, but since starting on lex it's occuring much more often - at least once a day. I'm also having trouble focusing on tasks at work and leisure reading has become more difficult because my mind wanders very quickly...way more quickly than it used to. Is this a side effect of the lex that will go away, or could it be something else? This is fairly disconcerting, any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
>
> K.I agree. I have noticed that my short-term memory isn't as good on Lex as with other SSRIs either. This has been very embarrassing. Any ideas on this also???
Posted by Mrs C. on January 23, 2004, at 7:44:48
In reply to Re: Lexoloading, posted by KathrynLex on January 22, 2004, at 15:21:34
Thanks K,
I really do appreciate your support. You have been a nice addition to this board. One of the biggest lessons I have learned through all of this is that I need other people. I am not one of those women who can get along on her inner strength. Yes, it plays a very important part in my day to day functioning but it's the encouragement and support of others that really make the difference for me. How funny that complete strangers can provide more comfort to me than my own family members and close friends. I will do something nice for myself, thanks! There will be some major shopping this weekend! Have a great day! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 23, 2004, at 7:50:33
In reply to Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by sexylexy on January 22, 2004, at 20:47:13
Lexy, I am two days late for mine as I write this to you. I have been experiencing some PMS symptoms though. Up to now my cycle since starting lex has been normal. I remember reading some of Mariposa's old posts and I think she experienced some changes in her cycle too. I am sure that we will be hearing from her on this subject..I hope. For now I am just waiting and hoping that it will be today and I will be relieved of this hormonal pressure I am under. Yuck! Let me know how you are feeling and I hope everything comes out okay (pun intended). Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on January 23, 2004, at 9:23:47
In reply to Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by sexylexy on January 22, 2004, at 20:47:13
Hi Lexy,
My first period on Lex was practically non-existent and yes I was worried. Then, my second one made up for it by being really heavy & looong! So, who knows if it was the Lex or just stress? I"m usually very regular and consistent in my patterns where that's concerned. Try not to worry :-)
~ Lynne>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi Ladies,
> Again I want to thank all ya'll for your wonderful support.
> I have a lady question... I seem to be late for my period at this point only a day. It is very unlikely that I am pregnant. Did any of you have problems with your cycle on lexapro. I have also been on two rounds of antibiotics in the past month??? Just a little worried.
> Thanks 1,000,000
> Lexy
Posted by SJ on January 23, 2004, at 10:36:12
In reply to Re: scared and confused, posted by Gator on January 22, 2004, at 16:01:18
Gator - Actually, we were worried about "drugging" our kid up too. We spent a year and a half seeing a therapist who tried to help her, but my daughter's life was still miserable. She'd cry herself to sleep every night and was so mad at herself because she couldn't stop. She always complained up a lump in her throat and she worried all the time. We feel we gave it our best effort to try and help her without medication, but we couldn't, and she couldn't live like that any longer. I feel bad for kids and teens who have parents that don't want to face this. I know my husband and I struggled with the idea that our child had these types of disorders. Now looking back, we both wish we had gotten her some help sooner.
Take care.
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