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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 11:15:33
In reply to Increasing Lex Tonight, posted by KathrynLex on January 29, 2004, at 11:01:03
Hi Kathryn -
I went from 10 to 20 mg 5 weeks ago tomorrow. I did have a bit of nausea, "tired but wired" syndrome during the night and sleepiness/fog during the day. Right at 4 weeks, something literally popped and I started feeling better - sleeping a bit better and my day time sleepiness is dimishing more each day this week.So, the s/e's weren't as bad AT ALL :-). This is my "bad" week of the month - which is why I upped in the first place, the 10 mg wasn't taking care of my symptoms during this time. I would say my symptoms are 90% better during this week! But, it did take the 4 - 5 weeks, like it did the first time, to make a measurable difference.
Good luck, hope for the best and let us know!!
~ Lynne
Hi,
>
> I went to see my pdoc this morning who increased my lex dose from 10 mg to 20 mg. I'll be taking 15 mg over the next two weeks. My pdoc thinks a lot of my rougher days were caused by mild panic attacks that can be prevented by raising my dose and by taking lorazepam on an as needed basis.
>
> I'm scared about increasing. For those of you who have increased, what kind of side effects did you experience? Were they as bad as when you first started taking lex? Did it make you feel more "out of it" or more alert? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
>
> K.
>
Posted by Linda P. on January 29, 2004, at 11:15:54
In reply to Re: Brand New Lexapro User » Linda P., posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 9:51:23
> Hmmmm . . .that is very curious! I would think between a neuro, a psychi and a generalist they could come up with some reason for your reactions! It's good, in a way, that you had the same reaction before you were on the Lex, so you don't need to worry about discontinuing that. I loved the Protonix. My mother-in-law swears by it, too. Have you spoken to an endocrinologist - aren't they hormonally-related docs? I'd keep researching and pushing on this one! What you describe almost sounds like the physical reactions to an anxiety attack.
>
> I wish you good luck. Acid reflux is not fun and has such long-term consequences. There has to be something you can take to counter-balance the effects you're having. I hope you find it!! I am so happy to hear about your good luck on Lex. Isn't it nice to know you can feel good again?
> ~ Lynne
>
>
>
>
>
> To Lynne - My "adverse reaction" is what threw me into anxiety/depression originally 4 yrs. and two months ago. (When I was on only Prilosec prescription medication. No anti-depressants at that point.)It's a very sudden-onset sensation of burning in my abdomen, followed by nausea, shakiness, palpitations, weakness and an icy-cold feeling from about the middle of the back of my skull all the way down my back. My flesh remains warm, but the cold feeling is there - and two doctors have told me this is a hormonal reaction - to what, they didn't say. (I have nothing left to produce female hormones with.) (*:*) Since I'm a total "puke-phobic," I keep doctor-prescribed Compazine 5 mg. on hand, and I don't leave it to chance! The Compazine never fails to calm me down and take away the nausea. I used to have this experience when on Prilosec only, so I stopped the Prilosec and went to Tums, Rolaids, etc. However, the acid reflux has continued and gotten much worse over the course of the past four years. I started taking the Prilosec OTC back at the beginning of Nov., as the pharmacist said it is now in a time-release formula and might be "kinder" to me. I had two or three nausea/anxiety episodes in Nov. and Dec., so quit the Prilosec again. My primary care physician urged me to try this new Protonix, which was like a miracle - and his words were, "If you have a reaction to this stuff, you'll be written up in medical journals." We laughed. Well...I had another episode last night - very brief in duration, but nonetheless scary. My psychiatrist says there is NO way that one medication could have an effect on the other - but, please forgive me if I'm a little cynical about that. It seems more than coincidental that the only time I experience these episodes is when I'm on an acid inhibitor.
> > So that's my long story. I'm still curious about the balance of all these medications, which, by the way, I take 12 hrs. apart. Protonix at 9 a.m., Lexapro 10 mgs. at 9 p.m. I am a huge fan of Lexapro. It's been wonnnnderful for me! I feel ALIVE, physically, mentally and spiritually - have my sense of humor and joie de vivre back. It's the acid-reflux thing, I think, that's screwing things up!
> > Linda P.Lynne - Thank you so much for your encouragement. And I AM going to keep pushing on this one. Yes, nausea definitely brings on a full-blown anxiety attack for me. And I can't help feeling that it has something to do with the acid-inhibitor, (which DOES work like a dream!)Right now, I've got my pharmacist working on it to see if there is anything in the Protonix formula which could be provoking these episodes. It's the ONLY thing, I think, that can explain why I was three years on Paxil (with no acid-inhibitor), with NO anxiety attacks at all - and a year on the Lexapro with no problems - until I added the acid-inhibitor to the regimen. My psychiatrist wants to add another medication, and is aggravated with me for not saying 'yes.'(He thinks I'm suffereing mood swings, but I KNOW I'm not. I feel great, nothing's bothering me, sleeping well, exercising regularly, and am on top of the world - reasonably so.) I am reluctant to add another medication regimen until I get some answers! Your suggestion of an endocrinologist is excellent - and once I exhaust the pharmacological route, may pursue that angle. Thank you for your input - you are the ONLY person who has responded thus far, and your comments have been a source of comfort.
Linda P.
> >
>
>
Posted by vandy on January 29, 2004, at 11:15:56
In reply to To LynneDa » LynneDa, posted by Gator on January 29, 2004, at 10:49:44
Well, I for one really like your new self.
> Hi,
>
> It seems that you have been doing a lot of thinking lately. With everything that happened in my life over the holidays I had a lot of thinking to do also. As I said in a previous post I am seeing my old self more and more. But it is a different version of her. I am more mature and responsable than she was. I have done some wild and crazy and fun things in the last couple weeks that I wouldn't have had the guts to do before. I am really starting to enjoy life, my kids and my husband. I owe alot to Lexapro for giving me the courage to "rediscover" how fun of a person I can be!!!
>
> I hope for everyone on this board the inner peace and happiness that I have finally found again.
>
> ((hugs to all!!))
>
> Gator
Posted by Gator on January 29, 2004, at 11:44:58
In reply to Re: To LynneDa, posted by vandy on January 29, 2004, at 11:15:56
Vandy,
Thanks, your sooooo sweet!!!
Gator
Posted by KathrynLex on January 29, 2004, at 15:18:30
In reply to Re: Increasing Lex Tonight » KathrynLex, posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 11:15:33
Hi Lynne,
This is really good to hear. When you increased, did you go right to 20 mg or were you taking 15 mg for 2 weeks before going to 20 mg?
Dale
Posted by kellieann7 on January 29, 2004, at 15:22:00
In reply to Increasing Lex Tonight, posted by KathrynLex on January 29, 2004, at 11:01:03
Kathryn,
My doc increased my dose from 10 to 20 after two weeks. The only side effect I noticed an increase in was being more tired (normally around 11 am). When I came home for lunch, I would have this overwhelming urge to lie down for a 10 minute nap. Of course, I would then sleep for 2 hours. My body didn't feel tired, but it was like a compulsive thought (I thought I HAD to sleep). So, I stopped going home for lunch, and staying busy made me not think about napping.
Posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 15:37:03
In reply to Re: Increasing Lex Tonight » LynneDa, posted by KathrynLex on January 29, 2004, at 15:18:30
Hi - I went right to 20 because my initial s/e's were not that severe. I also did it over Christmas Break so the first week I stayed in my jammies all day (being so tired, etc.), and my 3 kids all thought that was pretty cool because then they could too!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi Lynne,
>
> This is really good to hear. When you increased, did you go right to 20 mg or were you taking 15 mg for 2 weeks before going to 20 mg?
>
> Dale
Posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:08:39
In reply to Re: Increasing Lex Tonight » KathrynLex, posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 15:37:03
Hi Ya'll
Today is day 40 on 10mg of lex. I really am not wanting to up my dose from 10 ever and was kinda hoping that I would be able to stay on 10mg till I got back home to my friend and family be on 5mg for a few months and then eventually taper off. I have gotten some good feed back from a few of you on and have decided to wait 9 weeks before I make any decisions. Are any of you doing well on anxiety and depression on 10 mg?
Thanks so much!
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:10:41
In reply to What about 10mg????, posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:08:39
Hey K!
Good luck tonight. Let me know how it goes! I have decided to stick around at 10 for a little while longer to see how it goes. I hope 20mg gives you all you hope for and that the girl you miss comes back in full swing! Let me know.
Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 16:33:21
In reply to What about 10mg????, posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:08:39
Lexy - The 10 mg did fine for me under normal circumstances. It's just that 10 days before my period when I am a crazy-woman that it didn't work as well so I wanted to up to 20mg. I asked if I could just take more 2 weeks of the month and of course my doctor said you wouldn't want to put your body through that :-). I bet you'll be able to work out your plan as you've described! Good luck!
~ Lynne
Posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:35:50
In reply to Kathrynlex, posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:10:41
Hey Ya'll
Please answer this for me. Did you all gain weight on Lexapro. I have worked hard to keep a small size. I can handle gaining like 8-10 lbs but I cannot handle gaining a ton of weight, I think it would make me more depressed than ever. If I am just going to be more hungrey but thats ok but if its going to make me gain weight whatever I do please tell me so I can start trying to figure something else!!! Thanks
Posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 16:38:47
In reply to Increasing Lex Tonight, posted by KathrynLex on January 29, 2004, at 11:01:03
Kathryn - Going to 20 mg did reduce my anxiety and depression during my "bad week" of the month. I feel certain it will get rid of your last bit of panic attacks too. Good luck, I know you'll keep us posted :-)
~ Lynne
Posted by KathrynLex on January 29, 2004, at 17:07:11
In reply to What about 10mg????, posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:08:39
Hi Lexy,
I'm a little disappointed at having to increase my dose to 20 mg, but my pdoc explained that everyone needs a different level of medication because we all respond to the meds so differently. I asked him if it's true that lexapro is most effective at lower doses and he said it really depends on the person. Keep this in mind if you get to the end of week 9 and still aren't feeling well. (But I'm hoping you'll start getting better VERY soon.)
I also talked to my pdoc about how long I would have to be on lex. Like you I would prefer to taper off of it at some point in the future. He said that the longer I stay on it, the less likely it is that the depression/anxiety will come back. I was told that with each recurrance of depression, your chances of becomming depressed again in the future are greatly increased. That's why it's better to stay on the meds for at least a year, to ensure that the depression/anxiety won't return. (Although, that does sound a little like a sales pitch for anti-depressants doesn't it?)
I think there are a lot of people on the board who have had success at 10 mg...sometimes lower. Maybe you're body has just been adjusting slowly. (Whew! Sorry for the long winded post.)Again, I really hope you start feeling better in the next few days.
K.
Posted by Linda P. on January 29, 2004, at 17:07:37
In reply to Please answer !! please please, posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:35:50
Hey Kathrynlex - No. Have been on Lexapro a year, and have lost 14 of the God-knows-how-many pounds I'd gained in three years on Paxil. Have a diminished craving for carbos, have much more energy, and I really feel like my old (changed) self. So relax, and enjoy. It's better than having squirrels playing tag in your head - right?
Linda P. (*:*)
Posted by Laree on January 29, 2004, at 17:18:16
In reply to WILL I GET FAT?, posted by sexylexy on January 28, 2004, at 11:42:01
I have a history of eating disorders. I have been on Lexapro a few diff. times & am currently on it. Saw no (visible, at least) weight gain related to the lex that i know of. My friend is on it with no weight gain, and a friend's little sister was on it and she was skinny, no weight gain. If u were on paxil or elavil etc., then gaining weight might be more of a concern, but lex is supposed to be more weight-neutral than many anti-depressants.
> Hey Ya'll
> I just read a post that said someone had gained 25 lbs from lexapro. One thing I like about myself is that I am small and work to stay that way. I could deal with 5 lbs but like 20 is out of the question. Have you all gained weight and if so does it come off with diet and excercise?????
> Loving my size 2
> Lexy
Posted by Jayslace on January 29, 2004, at 18:16:22
In reply to Please answer !! please please, posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:35:50
No weight gain here, and trust me I can't afford to gain it. I gained 60lbs on the Depakote I was on, and then the Effexor didn't help either. Once off both of those, I was put on Topamax for my epilepsy, one of the side effects being, weight loss. Down 31 lbs so far. But since on Lex, I haven't gained any weight. My appetite is still down as it has been.
Good luck with it everyone!
Ruthie
Posted by Mrs C. on January 29, 2004, at 18:48:03
In reply to What about 10mg????, posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:08:39
Hey, I know that you know that I am doing really well on 10 mgs. I am going on 4 months now at that dosage. So far so good. The only trouble I've had was around my time of the month. I felt very anxious and started to worry about all of my old worries again. It passed. I'm fine now. Hope some others can make you feel comfortable about staying with 10 mgs. I've told myself that if symptoms return I will wait at least a week to see if they subside before I call the doc. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 29, 2004, at 18:49:20
In reply to Kathrynlex, posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:10:41
I ditto Lexy! We'll all be here for you, good luck! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 29, 2004, at 18:52:10
In reply to Please answer !! please please, posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:35:50
Lexy, I did gain about 6 pounds. I do not believe that it was from the lex though. Just me eating too much around the Holidays. I've sinced lost it all and more. Hope you aren't too concerned about this because I really don't think it will be a factor for you. You've been small all of your life and probably will continue to be. Mrs.C
Posted by Simus on January 29, 2004, at 23:09:00
In reply to Re: dosages? » Mrs C., posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 10:42:39
>I think I just got tired of doing for everyone and forgot to look out for my own needs and so was at a deficit - I had nothing left in my emotional bank account when things got tough. I guess I'm now in the process of finding balance - not feeling guilty for not carrying the rest of the world on my shoulders!
You are helping me learn a lot about myself just by reading this board. Thanks.
Posted by Simus on January 29, 2004, at 23:24:42
In reply to Re: Brand New Lexapro User, posted by Linda P. on January 29, 2004, at 11:15:54
My psychiatrist wants to add another medication, and is aggravated with me for not saying 'yes.' I am reluctant to add another medication regimen until I get some answers!
I think this was a wise decision on your part. And it does sound like the physical symptoms could be caused by a "panic" reaction to the nausea.
Posted by LynneDa on January 30, 2004, at 9:04:28
In reply to Re: dosages? » LynneDa, posted by Simus on January 29, 2004, at 23:09:00
Simus - I'm glad my thoughts are ringing some bells with you too! My husband says I think too much and complicate matters more, but I really believe you have to dig through all the sludge to get to the bottom of what's really bothering you. Sometimes healing doesn't require that your situation change drastically - just having that "a-ha" moment of identifying what's making you feel uncomfortable and out of sorts can be a helpful experience. Good luck and glad you posted!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> You are helping me learn a lot about myself just by reading this board. Thanks.
>
Posted by Linda P. on January 30, 2004, at 10:39:22
In reply to Re: dosages? » Simus, posted by LynneDa on January 30, 2004, at 9:04:28
LynneDa - Been following the exchange between you and Simus. First of all, I think it's safe to say most husbands think we wives think too much. (*:*) Secondly, sometimes there is NO "ah-ha" moment. When I had my first anxiety episode, my life was almost 100% perfect: we were building our dream home, both newly retired, three wonderful kids and their spouses, and seven gorgeous grandchildren. I have searched and searched and searched my conscience, my soul, my life events - and there were NO un-healed memories, no loose ends. NOTHING was bothering me. And wham! I got hit with this anxiety/depression/nausea thing that lasted three weeks - this was a little over four years ago - lost thirty pounds, terrified to go anywhere, and my outlook was utterly bleak. In retrospect, (maybe my "ah-ha" moment), I suspect good old female hormones. I was 56 years old at the time - well into menopause (tried all kinds of HRT, but they were utterly useless - gave up. We tend to underestimate hormones - but they are pretty powerful, as most of us know.) All my medical tests came back normal-normal-normal at the time, and that's when I started on the psychiatric route. Began with a mix of Paxil and Depakote, dropped the Depakote after a year, and then made the switch to Lexapro a year ago. I think the tendency to get busy-busy with the needs of others (spouses, family)is a sort of defense mechanism to stave off the sense of oncoming foreboding and gloom that comes hand-in-hand with anxiety/depression. It's as if, "If I run fast enough, it won't catch me." But all in all, I am convinced that what is/was wrong with me was hormone-based - and whatever it is in Paxil and then Lexapro have restored me to me, for which I'm intensely grateful.And if I have to take it for the rest of my life, so be it. It beats the alternative! Linda P.
Posted by LynneDa on January 30, 2004, at 11:13:41
In reply to Re: dosages? » LynneDa, posted by Linda P. on January 30, 2004, at 10:39:22
Linda - I totally agree with you - for some there are no issues to be resolved at all; it's purely chemical! Also I agree with the thought that if I have to be on meds the rest of my life, it's fine and so much better than the alternative!
I know I have issues to work out in my life, but whether they caused my depression, exacerbated it or were exacerbated by it I'll never know and I guess it doesn't really matter. The main thing is that I forgot how to make myself happy and to occasionally put myself first - because I was so down in my pit. Taking Lex has given me back the ability to work out the issues that I do have control over and I am grateful for that!
I will be so glad to go through menopause, maybe this will ease up? Do you think being on Lexapro will help me get through that time more easily? Thanks for writing, I really appreciate your input!
~Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 30, 2004, at 11:18:14
In reply to Re: Whoa! Took double dose by accident!, posted by thib on January 28, 2004, at 21:22:13
Hi! I forgot to respond and say thanks! I have Outlook on my email. It has a calendar with a reminder system. I get meeting reminders all the time. So, I put a recurring message to remind me to take my pill. So far, it's worked!
Taking the 2 wasn't so bad - I did have a higher heart rate for awhile, was a bit nauseous, wired feeling but so sleepy I thought I'd have to ask my husband to drive me home. I certainly slept better that night than I ever had before!
Thanks for everyone's replies, it's nice to feel so taken care of!
~ Lynne
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