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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Journeyman on February 20, 2004, at 22:31:56
In reply to For Mrs C, posted by Journeyman on February 19, 2004, at 20:47:27
Lynne,
I understand very well what you mean about the perfectionist/pleasing streak. My whole life, until very, very recently, I have labored to find my identity. Unfortunately, I looked for it in other people; that's to say, if they liked me or approved, then I was okay, and if they didn't, then there was something wrong with me and I had to adjust/change.
What an awful way to live. And how ironic that the more I tried to be something that other people wanted, the less I was myself. I was disappearing.
My new definition of being perfect is someone who fully accepts that they're not. And when they don't, they let that be okay too.
Came across a couple of good quotes today related to this and the last e-mail:
Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them. -- Brendan Francis
Life has no other discipline to impose, if we would but realize it, than to accept life unquestioningly. Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in the end. What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty, joy and strength, if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden one for him [or her] who has the vision to recognize it as such. -- Henry Miller
Accept everything about yourself - I mean everything, You are you and that is the beginning and the end - no apologies, no regrets. -- Clark Moustakas
Happiness can exist only in acceptance. -- Denis De Rougamont
May self-contentment be yours, as your embrace your scars, bruises, and foibles - as well as your beauty that's so evident here on the board.Journeyman
Posted by Bubbasmom on February 21, 2004, at 0:21:13
In reply to Re: Sounds like lots of ups and downs » tmhwrite, posted by LynneDa on February 20, 2004, at 15:01:40
Hello everyone. I went looking for info on Lexapro and I found all of you. I just wanted to say hello and thank you (already). I have learned a lot just reading your previous posts. You all seem to be very supportive of one another. It was a great surprise to find you. My pdoc put me on lexapro today. I am still feeling like a big failure that can't cope with her own life and had to resort to drug therapy. I had to do something, though, and I am trying to see this as a positive thing - I am still taking steps to try to make things better even though my previous attempts have all failed. This is my first experience with ad's and I am hoping that all of you will accept me as a contributor because I could really use all the additional support that I can get! I just thought I'd post a hello today. It is day one and I have been on Lexapro for about 6 hours now. I wish the results were immediate!
Posted by Hans on February 21, 2004, at 1:13:49
In reply to New to the board and to Lexapro, posted by Bubbasmom on February 21, 2004, at 0:21:13
Hi. My Dr put me on Lexapro because of a depressed episode that started about six weeks prior. I had been doing really good and was pretty upset with myself for having no motivation and sleeping a lot to escape the world. I've been on mood stabilizers for a while now but haven't been taking any anti-depressants for some time. It seemed too much of a coincidence but the day after I started taking (10mg)Lexapro, I started feeling hyperactive and actually really good. I saw my Dr. yesterday after taking the Lexapro for two weeks and had to admit I hadn't had a bad day since I started this med. I don't have any problems going to sleep at night because I just take my seroquil. I do find myself staying up much later, not taking naps during the day anymore, and rambling more than usual. I read on some other message boards from people talking about Lexapro side-effects that this was a horrible med but quite frankly, I haven't experienced any of the negative effects they were talking about except for difficulty ejaculating.
For some odd reason, I almost feel guilty for feeling so good and I'm a little concerned that this feeling will go away sooner or later. This is the first time it appears that a med is making a significant difference in the way I feel. I have to ask myself: "is this real or am I just really crazy?"
Posted by BobYuma on February 22, 2004, at 10:00:06
In reply to Re: New to the board and to Lexapro, posted by Hans on February 21, 2004, at 1:13:49
> Hi. My Dr put me on Lexapro because of a depressed episode that started about six weeks prior. I had been doing really good and was pretty upset with myself for having no motivation and sleeping a lot to escape the world. I've been on mood stabilizers for a while now but haven't been taking any anti-depressants for some time. It seemed too much of a coincidence but the day after I started taking (10mg)Lexapro, I started feeling hyperactive and actually really good. I saw my Dr. yesterday after taking the Lexapro for two weeks and had to admit I hadn't had a bad day since I started this med. I don't have any problems going to sleep at night because I just take my seroquil. I do find myself staying up much later, not taking naps during the day anymore, and rambling more than usual. I read on some other message boards from people talking about Lexapro side-effects that this was a horrible med but quite frankly, I haven't experienced any of the negative effects they were talking about except for difficulty ejaculating.
For some odd reason, I almost feel guilty for feeling so good and I'm a little concerned that this feeling will go away sooner or later. This is the first time it appears that a med is making a significant difference in the way I feel. I have to ask myself: "is this real or am I just really crazy?"
--------------------------------------
Hi, welcome to the board. Don't worry about whether or not you're crazy ... we all are. It's fun. Anyway, just enjoy your time on earth as best you can. I hope you have more good days ahead.
BobYuma
Posted by BobYuma on February 22, 2004, at 10:11:09
In reply to New to the board and to Lexapro, posted by Bubbasmom on February 21, 2004, at 0:21:13
Hello everyone. I went looking for info on Lexapro and I found all of you. I just wanted to say hello and thank you (already). I have learned a lot just reading your previous posts. You all seem to be very supportive of one another. It was a great surprise to find you. My pdoc put me on lexapro today. I am still feeling like a big failure that can't cope with her own life and had to resort to drug therapy. I had to do something, though, and I am trying to see this as a positive thing - I am still taking steps to try to make things better even though my previous attempts have all failed. This is my first experience with ad's and I am hoping that all of you will accept me as a contributor because I could really use all the additional support that I can get! I just thought I'd post a hello today. It is day one and I have been on Lexapro for about 6 hours now. I wish the results were immediate!
---------------------------------------
Hi there, Bubbasmom, and welcome aboard.
First thing, if you don't mind, I'd like to tell you something, and that is; as far as the spirit is concerned, you're doing just fine, have done fine, and from what I've read from you so far, will continue to do fine.
I'll tell you why ... Let's take a look at your intentions. When you were growing up, was it your intention to use an antidepressant to get through even part of your adult life? Of course it wasn't. I'd say that most of us didn't start out with that intention, I know I didn't, and I actually believed it was possible to do so. So, you see, our "Intention" makes us a winner, all of us.Look at it this way, the mere fact that you're taking this medication means that you "want" to do better, you want to feel better so that you can "be" better. That's your intention, and God looks at our intentions - always - He looks at what we wish we could do -- what we want to do -- at what we would do if we were physically and mentally able, and certainly not at what we're unable to do because of some "earthbound" reason that we didn't see coming.
So, guess what ... that means you're a winner, to me, to everyone on this board, and most of all to God. And we don't want to hear the word "failure" from your keyboard again, ok?By the way, as far as the "immediate" results from Lex, it only took until about the third day for me to see an improvement in my depression. I also had some anxiety problems, so the doc gave me Lorazepam to help out in that area.
Take care, and please keep us informed in the days ahead.
BobYuma
Posted by tmhwrite on February 22, 2004, at 11:01:43
In reply to New to the board and to Lexapro, posted by Bubbasmom on February 21, 2004, at 0:21:13
Hey Bubbasmom,
Welcome to the board. I'm new to the board as of last week as well, although I am not new to antidepressants, been off and on them for 10 years. It's certainly a tendancy to look at this as a failure on your part -- I know I've done the same thing. You tell yourself you're strong and competent, everyone looks at you as a strong and competent person, so why can't you beat this on your own. Please remember it's like any other illness. You don't blame yourself when you get the flu, do you? This is an illness that you need medication for. And yes, it IS a positive thing. It means you're taking the first steps toward getting back to a happy, functioning, joyful life. It is not a failure. It's a success. You're brave to take that first step and I applaud you. Let us know how you're do on it. I'm rooting for you!!
Theresa
Posted by sexylexy on February 22, 2004, at 18:05:45
In reply to Re: New to the board and to Lexapro » Bubbasmom, posted by tmhwrite on February 22, 2004, at 11:01:43
Hey Ya'll
Just wanted to write and say hello. I went out of town to for the weekend to visit my friends. It was a nice weekend, I was pretty happy but am just not back to "me" again.
However, from what I have heard it takes about 6 months to really feel "back". For me its really a lack of confidence. I used to be really secure, happy and confident. Now I just kinda feel like there is a shadow lurking around waiting to pounce and make me depressed. I am just ready to get some inner light and confidence back. Any one feel the same, anyone have any ideas? I would love to hear. Hope everyone else had a great weekend.
Lexy
Posted by ednababish on February 22, 2004, at 18:30:17
In reply to lex and confidence, posted by sexylexy on February 22, 2004, at 18:05:45
Lexy-I always had a big shadowy thing lurking behind me, too, only I mistakenly thought it was my unfinished dissertation. I used to say that without it done, it would follow me around lurking in corners and I would never get free of it, that it was like an episode of the X-Files (and not one of the funny ones either). Sometimes as we get older, and especially in a graduate school situation, our confidence wanes. Trust me, I know. I hope your still considering increasing your dosage, and I would suggest that you write out the circumstances of your developling depression.
Thinking of you,
Edna Babish
Posted by ednababish on February 22, 2004, at 18:35:36
In reply to Re: New to the board and to Lexapro » Bubbasmom, posted by tmhwrite on February 22, 2004, at 11:01:43
Hey Bubbasmom,
Just admitting to yourself that something needs to change says how brave you are. I went through three depressive episodes and was smack in the middle of a fourth when I said I'm sick of always feeling this way. I still can't say I have a depressive personality with feeling horrible. I still don't completely believe it. But I do know that I can write, drive a car, love my husband and myself when I take lexapro.
So I applaud you,
Edna Babish
Posted by sexylexy on February 22, 2004, at 18:48:43
In reply to Re: lex and confidence, posted by ednababish on February 22, 2004, at 18:30:17
Uhhhh,
Anyone spotted between periods on lexapro? I know this may be too much info but I do not know who else to ask, I have had brownish/pinkish discharge for a week now, I thought it was the old period coming on but no thus far. Anybody feel me?
Lexy
Posted by mrs c on February 22, 2004, at 21:07:16
In reply to Re: lex and a female question, posted by sexylexy on February 22, 2004, at 18:48:43
Sorry Lexy, I have had this happen many times in my life but not since taking Lex. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on February 22, 2004, at 21:21:11
In reply to Re: New to the board and to Lexapro -- Bubbasmom, posted by BobYuma on February 22, 2004, at 10:11:09
Hi Bubbasmom, Welcome to the board! I have been on lexapro for over 4 months now. It took about five weeks to feel improvement and nine weeks to feel happy again. That's just my experience. But coming here every night after putting the kids to bed got me through and still does. I have never taken any kind of medication long term before. At first the only people who knew that I was on an SSRI was my husband, my doc and the people here. I was worried about what others would think. I got up the courage to tell some of my close friends and realized that it's okay to need help. I was someone who tried to be everything to everyone. I gave the impression that I had this perfect life but inside I was a basket case. Constantly insecure, worried, anxious, and kind of miserable to live with. It was very hard for me to admit to friends that I actually wasn't perfect! Once I did I found a new strength and bond with my friends. I still have not had the courage to tell my family and probably never will. They look at mental illness as something that can be controlled. Something I know now, takes alot more than control! I'm learning everyday to overcome my issues. Thanks greatly in part to the wonderful and supportive people that come to this board. I wish you luck in this journey. You will be forever changed by it and you will be glad you took the first step. I promise. Mrs. C.
Posted by Journeyman on February 22, 2004, at 21:21:32
In reply to New to the board and to Lexapro, posted by Bubbasmom on February 21, 2004, at 0:21:13
Hi, and welcome. Feeling like a failure because you've chosen to use medication is not at all uncommon. There are many of us who post on this site who've had to make the necessary mental adjustment to allow that to be all right, and perhaps even a good thing. Accepting things as they are is the first step in working with the challenges we face. The meds., if they work for you, will help you get back to a place where you perhaps will be able to cope on your own.
As for being accepted as a contributor, that's already done. All who come are accepted.
The results ARE immediate; see how many people you've already connected with!
Here's to the beauty of acceptance and the strength of hope.
Journeyman
Posted by mrs c on February 22, 2004, at 21:24:26
In reply to Re: New to the board and to Lexapro, posted by BobYuma on February 22, 2004, at 10:00:06
Hi Hans, Welcome to the board. Congratulations on feeling better so soon. That's wonderful and nothing to feel guilty about. Let us know about your progress. Mrs. C
Posted by Journeyman on February 22, 2004, at 21:25:46
In reply to Re: Did remember to say I love you? » mrs c, posted by Jayslace on February 20, 2004, at 9:35:07
Ruthie,
How are you? Just wanted to check in.
Journeyman
Posted by Journeyman on February 22, 2004, at 21:33:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Thyroid Problems, posted by Mariposa on February 13, 2004, at 11:04:00
Hi,
How are you feeling? Any news on the thyroid? There are a lot of us thinking about you, wanting to know how you're doing.
Journeyman
Posted by lepus on February 22, 2004, at 21:53:56
In reply to Re: lex and a female question, posted by sexylexy on February 22, 2004, at 18:48:43
> Uhhhh,
> Anyone spotted between periods on lexapro? I know this may be too much info but I do not know who else to ask, I have had brownish/pinkish discharge for a week now, I thought it was the old period coming on but no thus far. Anybody feel me?
> LexyI feel ya. I spotted last month (first month on Lex) and this month I am not sure Aunt Flo is coming or if she is she is really late! Not sure what to do...
Posted by Simus on February 23, 2004, at 1:37:42
In reply to Re: lex and a female question, posted by sexylexy on February 22, 2004, at 18:48:43
> Uhhhh,
> Anyone spotted between periods on lexapro? I know this may be too much info but I do not know who else to ask, I have had brownish/pinkish discharge for a week now, I thought it was the old period coming on but no thus far. Anybody feel me?
> LexyYeah, most annoying SE for me. Spot for 3 1/2 weeks a month - no real period. I have been on Lex for three months now and this hasn't gone away.
Posted by Jayslace on February 23, 2004, at 8:12:55
In reply to Jayslace, posted by Journeyman on February 22, 2004, at 21:25:46
Journeyman,
Thank you so much for asking. I am doing much better! Taking things one day at a time, but truly, better. No crying, and even have enjoyed some laughs.My sister made a drive 3 hours down to see me, and then my brother came over and believe it not, it's been a year and a half since the 3 of us have been together like this! I've seen my brother and sister, but my brother and sister haven't seen each other. We had such a nice time. We then got on my computer, with my webcam, called our Mom and Dad and had them get on their computer and webcam. It was like a dream!! Our family together, though we are in Ohio and they are in Florida, it was great! We then used the speakers. LOL Memories galore!
We had a big dinner (My husband made the roast.. yummy too) and with my house full of people, I was in my glory! The best medicine ever!
But even last week, I did good too. I went grocery shopping and saved $129.00 with my coupons. That made it a 45% savings. (Yes, I am a coupon queen. LOL ) But the good thing about it,besides the savings, is, I was able to concentrate enough to shop, save, and handle all the crowd. I saw a few people I knew, and was able to smile and hold a conversation without my speech loosing to many words like I usually do.
I really hope that others are going to have good days like I do. Lex does work.
Health and friendship,
Ruthie
Posted by ednababish on February 23, 2004, at 8:35:10
In reply to Re: lex and a female question » sexylexy, posted by Simus on February 23, 2004, at 1:37:42
Lexy-did you say your depression was birth control pill related? Certain birth control pills, and even the adjustment after stopping birth control pills has resulted in lots of spotting for me.
Edna Babish
Posted by linnie on February 23, 2004, at 10:13:41
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by Samm on February 20, 2004, at 10:22:10
>How long have you been on lex and what dosage? I have been on 10mgs for little over a month and am feeling only a little improvement. In fact anxiety has seen to increase sometimes, especially in the early morning. Some people have said that it can take up to 6 to 9 weeks.
linnie
In response to feeling "flat", I went to see my doctor this week and he said the main thing he is trying to avoid is giving me a dosage of Lex that will make me feel no emotion at all or "flat". (Just to remind you, I'm the new member of the "Lex club" and taking it for my anxiety and panic attacks). Anyway, he told me that too much "Lex" can often do it. Just something to keep observing I guess.
>
> I haven't hit the magic numbers yet of when the Lex will start taking full effect, but I have a question for everyone...are headaches a common side effect? I've been having SO MANY headaches lately. I really like what I've heard about the Lex so far, so I don't want to stop taking it. Has anybody else had this problem and does it go away?
> Thanks!
> Sam
Posted by linnie on February 23, 2004, at 11:27:32
In reply to Re: to all novice lex-er, posted by Samm on February 20, 2004, at 10:34:22
Need Help
I am going on week 5 of 10mgs of lexapro. I think I am feeling better but sometimes I am not sure. I feel a little more unsure of myself and lost at times but I want to give this a chance. Some people say that it can take from 6 to 9 weeks to work and I hope that they are right. I am enjoying these posts and find them encouraging and supportive. Thanks to all who are part of this. Another question I have is how can you get a conversation going with someone on these boards?
linnie
Posted by TexCuz on February 23, 2004, at 11:56:02
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by linnie on February 23, 2004, at 10:13:41
> >How long have you been on lex and what dosage? I have been on 10mgs for little over a month and am feeling only a little improvement. In fact anxiety has seen to increase sometimes, especially in the early morning. Some people have said that it can take up to 6 to 9 weeks.
> linnie
>
>
> In response to feeling "flat", I went to see my doctor this week and he said the main thing he is trying to avoid is giving me a dosage of Lex that will make me feel no emotion at all or "flat". (Just to remind you, I'm the new member of the "Lex club" and taking it for my anxiety and panic attacks). Anyway, he told me that too much "Lex" can often do it. Just something to keep observing I guess.
> >
> > I haven't hit the magic numbers yet of when the Lex will start taking full effect, but I have a question for everyone...are headaches a common side effect? I've been having SO MANY headaches lately. I really like what I've heard about the Lex so far, so I don't want to stop taking it. Has anybody else had this problem and does it go away?
> > Thanks!
> > Sam
>
>All these messages about Lexapro - ye Gods! I didn't like Zoloft, Celexa, Effexor and then Lexapro. My doc said "STOP taking the Lexapro right now" and started me on Carbatrol for BiPolar Disorder/Mild -to-Moderate symptoms. This is after 3 years of treatment with SSRI's. I am also on Klonopin and Neurontin which are ALL anti-seizure drugs. I am a MESS. Withdrawal from SSRI's? Side effects of Carbatrol? I'm anxious, crying, dizzy, unsteady, horrible dreams, etc. I'm 6 days into Lexapro withdrawal...but how much longer? ALL I want is to feel NORMAL....not happy, or joyous, just NORMAL!!
Posted by KathrynLex on February 23, 2004, at 14:13:37
In reply to Mariposa, posted by Journeyman on February 22, 2004, at 21:33:45
Richard,
I just have to ask...much of what you write is very centered and seems to come from a very calm, clear mind. What's your secret?
K.
Posted by BobYuma on February 23, 2004, at 14:29:33
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by linnie on February 23, 2004, at 10:13:41
> > > ... I have a question for everyone ... are headaches a common side effect? I've been having SO MANY headaches lately. I really like what I've heard about the Lex so far, so I don't want to stop taking it. Has anybody else had this problem and does it go away? Thanks! Sam
-----------------------------------
Hi, Sam.
Unfortunately, the headaches are a nuisance that most of us had to put up with at least for a while after starting Lexapro. They will finally go away, meanwhile, I would be prepared to take the pain killer of your choice.
I always like to hear other's experiences and compare them to my own. So, my question is, which part of your head usually hurts the worse - or does it just hurt "all over"?
Take care, and please keep us up to date on your progress.
BobYuma
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