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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mystic on February 25, 2004, at 20:43:17
In reply to Re: just started lexapro yesterday, posted by Kimburtly on February 25, 2004, at 19:50:23
Thanks Kimberly for your feedback...I'm really interested in the weight gain and the anxiety aspect of the Lexapro so all feedback is welcome..I have had some dizzy spells but they seem to be subsiding somewhat..mostly when I get up quickly which I think happens even without the meds...Thank you again and Take care Mystic...PS Kimberly how long have you been on Lexapro and at what dosage..thanks
Posted by tmhwrite on February 25, 2004, at 21:59:33
In reply to Re: just started lexapro yesterday, posted by Kimburtly on February 25, 2004, at 19:50:23
I have had a little bit of dizziness as well, and have been experiencing some ups and downs on it, but it hasn't even been two weeks for me yet. The nausea is gone away, but I think that was due to a stomach virus anyway. Just remember that even with the little irritating side effects we experience, it's better than being in that dark place where not even one single ray of joy can reach us. This gives us hope.
My best to all.
Theresa
Posted by mystic on February 25, 2004, at 22:05:34
In reply to Re: just started lexapro yesterday » Kimburtly, posted by tmhwrite on February 25, 2004, at 21:59:33
Theresa...You are so right..Lexapro has worked quickly for me to get me out of that very dark place...Side effects and all and they havent been as bad as the bad effects from the depression...To look back on the last 3 weeks and see how much better I feel is incredible..I have been on other antidepresants and they have taken much longer..I have been able to get back to work without struggling through the day and that is all I can ask for right now...Good Luck to all and thank goodness that there is a place to go to get support...Thank you....Mystic
Posted by shequinn on February 25, 2004, at 22:17:36
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
My husband wants to step down his Lexapro because he is having emotional flattening, jaw popping issues and intolerable nausea - plus, the sun is starting to come back, and that's usually when his depression wears off (he has SAD). He's at 7.5 mg now, and was plannin to take 5mg instead, starting tonight, for a week to ten days.
Any advice? Any ideas of what he might want to look out for, or things he can expect?
Posted by Sad and Blue on February 26, 2004, at 1:18:52
In reply to Re: to all novice lex-er, posted by linnie on February 23, 2004, at 11:27:32
Since I've been on lexapro, I've been feeling not so wonderful. I've experienced a racing heart, nervousness, upset stomach, can't sleep, the list seems endless. I'll stick to it because that day of gloom will pass and I can smile once again.
Posted by BobYuma on February 26, 2004, at 8:37:19
In reply to Lexapro step-down: thoughts, advice?, posted by shequinn on February 25, 2004, at 22:17:36
>> My husband wants to step down his Lexapro because he is having emotional flattening, jaw popping issues and intolerable nausea - plus, the sun is starting to come back, and that's usually when his depression wears off (he has SAD). He's at 7.5 mg now, and was plannin to take 5mg instead, starting tonight, for a week to ten days. Any advice? Any ideas of what he might want to look out for, or things he can expect?
------------------------------------Hello, shequinn.
I now exactly how your husband feels. I also decided to step down my dose because the headaches and jaw clinching were driving me crazy.
I was taking 10 mgs at the time, so I cut the pill in half and tried 5 mgs for a few days. 5 mg's didn't do it for me (everyone is different). I felt the stress strongly coming back within about three days, and I knew that the depression would soon follow, that's the way it works for me. I went back to 10 mgs long enough to get over the stress, then tried 7.5 mg's. This amount is and has been working fine for me, the SE's are all but gone, and my stress level is something I can easily live with.
If 7.5 mgs are already helping your husband, but the SE's are a bigger problem, then if it were me, I'd try 5 mgs for a few days. It won't take him a week or ten days to find out if this amount isn't enough, and if it isn't, he can up the dosage at once.
But it may take him a little longer to see much difference in the side effects. They will lessen rather slowly, at least mine did, I suppose because the Lex is already in our system at the high-dose level. So tell him not to give up on that small amount
helping to lessen the SE's, it will eventually.
Hope this information helps. Take care and God Bless.
BobYuma
Posted by KathrynLex on February 26, 2004, at 10:25:04
In reply to Re: to all novice lex-er » linnie, posted by Sad and Blue on February 26, 2004, at 1:18:52
Hi Sad and Blue,
How long have you been on Lexapro? It should kick in by week 9 at the latest. If you're still feeling lousy at that point, you might consider increasing.
If you're still in the first couple of weeks, hang in there. You're body just needs some time to adjust. All your side effects will subside and you'll feel better soon.
K.
Posted by mrs c on February 26, 2004, at 10:26:19
In reply to Re: Marfaith, posted by marfaith on February 25, 2004, at 8:22:54
Marfaith, I started Lex in October and was really able to enjoy stress free holidays! For the first time since my children were born I really felt like I appreciated the holiday season. I loved shopping, baking, etc. If things didn't get done, I didn't care! Great feeling! I was still pretty anxiety stricken during Thanksgiving though. I was still experiencing the jittery feelings that came with the Lex. They subsided soon after that though. You are almost there, just hold on. Mrs. C
Posted by KathrynLex on February 26, 2004, at 10:29:20
In reply to Re: just started lexapro yesterday, posted by Kimburtly on February 25, 2004, at 19:50:23
Hi Kim,
Dizziness is very common with Lexapro. On the side of my lex bottle there is a big yellow sticker that says "May cause dizziness." I started taking my lex at night so I could sleep through the worst of the dizziness. That might work for you if your dizziness starts soon after you take it and subsides in 3 or 4 hours.
K.
Posted by mrs c on February 26, 2004, at 10:32:28
In reply to Re: just started lexapro yesterday, posted by mystic on February 25, 2004, at 20:43:17
Hi Guys, I still experience some dizziness after 4 months on Lex. It is very fleeting and doesn't bother me a bit anymore. Hang in there! Mrs.C
Posted by mrs c on February 26, 2004, at 10:38:31
In reply to Re: to all novice lex-er » linnie, posted by Sad and Blue on February 26, 2004, at 1:18:52
Sorry to hear that you aren't feeling well. I had all of your side effects but the insomnia. I slept really well for about 5 hours per night but only 5 hours and then I was UP! I do sleep through the night now and for as long as I want. As far as the heart racing and nervousness, I had those big time! Me being a very anxious person and prone to worrying anyway it was a very difficult side effect for me to handle. I spent the first weeks on lex worrying that something was wrong with me. Until I found this board and realized that I was not alone in what I was experiencing. You aren't either. These feelings will go away after about 3 weeks. You may experience them from time to time after that but very infrequently and they won't bother you as much anymore. I hope that you continue to look toward the future which I'm sure will be brighter. Mrs. C
Posted by tmhwrite on February 26, 2004, at 11:40:49
In reply to Re: to all novice lex-er » linnie, posted by Sad and Blue on February 26, 2004, at 1:18:52
Sad and Blue,
I had those same symptoms. Didn't think I was going to make it thru it, so the doc added Clonazepam. That's what got me through. Some sort of anti-anxiety med might help for the short term. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Theresa
Posted by shadows721 on February 27, 2004, at 1:18:26
In reply to Re: lex and a female question, posted by sexylexy on February 22, 2004, at 18:48:43
Yep, I have had that. I swear it shrunk the enjoyment personal part down there too. If it were not for viagra, I would feel nothing at all. This drug is merciless in the sex dept. If I wasn't so damn depressed, I would throw it in the garbage yesterday. Also, I think Lexapro makes you more wet, but with no sexual stimulation. I mean you are just a unsensitive wet vessel with this stuff. That isn't a good receipe for good sex either. I truly think most women are not as aggressive in checking out themselves and see what's really going on down there. They are too busy worrying about how to make sure they please someone else or looking sexy. I mean it's your body for Pete's sake. Women better look and see the real deal, because the ob/gyn and your partner is. GEES! As a previous medical professional, I was horrified to learn how so many woman are so ignorant of how their personal equipment looked and functioned. Furthermore, I get really piffed off when I hear women say oh my husband doesn't mind my lack of interest, since taking lexapro. Yeah, I guess so. He still can have sex with you and have an orgasm guaranteed. You will just not get a darn thing out of it with your Antisexapro. I always wonder how many pregnant women really had an orgasm with the conception of their child. Hmmm, well we can only tell one partner did. I guess I am not laying down on this horrible antisexual side effect from this med. DAMN! Stepping off my soap box. Whew!!
I am just really ticked off with the choices or should I say lack of choices for an antidepressant that doesn't turn me into a totally nonsexual fat being. I guess I have a lot of pent up tension from NEVER having any pleasure without another drug on board. To tell the truth, I am thinking about sticking this trash down a toilet. I am just plain sick of it. It's enough to make me scream. Hmm, maybe, it isn't working on the depression that well after all.
*Believe it or not I edited this post to tame down the graphic nature of my complaints.*
Thanks sexylady for the post and to the other women who posted. At least, you are telling the truth.
Hope I haven't offended anyone. I have been in a bad way for a long time and I guess I don't think Lexapro has done the trick.
Posted by sexylexy on February 27, 2004, at 8:43:24
In reply to Re: lex and confidence » tmhwrite, posted by sexylexy on February 24, 2004, at 19:20:19
Theresa,
Hi~ I was reading over an older post you had written in reply to me. You said you had been here (depression) before and soyou knew you would get back to your confident self again. What were you taking and how long until you realized you were back on top. I am still not feeling all that great, thinking of upping my doseage but do not see the pdoc till the 18th. I would love to hear your story!! Thanks,
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on February 27, 2004, at 8:48:10
In reply to lex and a female question (more complaints), posted by shadows721 on February 27, 2004, at 1:18:26
Hey Ya'll
Just wanted to write to see how everyone was doing. I am ok. I am still thinking about increasing my dosage but not sure what to do, I am scared that I will feel flat, I guess that would go away though... hmmm. Mrs C, are you feeling any better, I have been thinking of you. LynneDa, I know you were having a few bad days as well. Kathryn, how is 15 treating you... are you feeling like you are getting back to yourself again?
As for me, I am alright, still thinking that 15mg my be better for me, its like I will be fine for a few days then be a sad sobbing mess for a day or so. Not good! Oh well, I flew home for the weekend, (thank the Lord for frequent flyer miles) so it is good to be around my boyfriend and family. Ok well just wanted to check in. Hope everyone is well!
Lexy
Posted by mystic on February 27, 2004, at 8:48:53
In reply to Re: lex and confidence » tmhwrite, posted by sexylexy on February 24, 2004, at 19:20:19
Lexy...Count me in for that party when we all beat this...I wish that there was some kind of magic pill that took care of this..I just try to think that everyone has there own things to deal with..ie cancer..sickness..homelessness..heartbreak ect and this is ours..sometimes that thought helps sometimes it doesnt...Take care and good luck..Mystic
Posted by mystic on February 27, 2004, at 8:52:29
In reply to Hey Ya'll Lexaproers, posted by sexylexy on February 27, 2004, at 8:48:10
Lexy...Me again..was just thinking and think I wrote the same thing...I was great for a couple of days then last night felt bad again..and today struggling with driving to the Drs alone after yesterday thinking I could do anything...I suffer from depression/anxiety..anxiety being the worst of the two...So you are not alone and that is what is great about these postings..you realize you are not alone and people are getting through it...So good luck and have a great weekend..Mystic
Posted by KathrynLex on February 27, 2004, at 9:36:54
In reply to Hey Ya'll Lexaproers, posted by sexylexy on February 27, 2004, at 8:48:10
Hi Lexy,
Have you considered moving home? It can be really difficult to combat your depression when you're so far away from your support network. I was in a similar situation to you about 2 years ago. (Living away from home, going to school out of state and becomming depressed.) I moved home, and it was the right decision...I just wish I'd done it sooner.
15 mgs of Lexapro has been great. There was an adjustment period (about 2 weeks) but it wasn't nearly as bad as what I went through when I started taking Lexapro. Really the only side effect I experienced was feeling tired ALL the time. Thankfully, that has subsided.
While I'm not "back to myself" yet I'm much closer than I was. (about 85% to 90% and rising) You'll get back to the point where you feel comfortable in your own skin again. You're in my thoughts.
K.
Posted by marfaith on February 27, 2004, at 10:00:21
In reply to Re: Marfaith, posted by mrs c on February 26, 2004, at 10:26:19
> Marfaith, I started Lex in October and was really able to enjoy stress free holidays! For the first time since my children were born I really felt like I appreciated the holiday season. I loved shopping, baking, etc. If things didn't get done, I didn't care! Great feeling! I was still pretty anxiety stricken during Thanksgiving though. I was still experiencing the jittery feelings that came with the Lex. They subsided soon after that though. You are almost there, just hold on. Mrs. C
Thanks Mrs. C, I am going into my second week so hopefully I am on my way. Mary
Posted by marfaith on February 27, 2004, at 10:13:06
In reply to Re: 1st week on Lex » marfaith, posted by tmhwrite on February 25, 2004, at 8:38:33
> If the Zanax works for you -- great! I tried Zanax but it made me so sleepy I couldn't function. I mean I took a half a pill and slept for 17 hours straight. I know it affects different people different ways. The Clonazepam seems to have less side effects for me. Helps me sleep and reduces the anxiety without the extreme need to sleep for hours and hours on end. Just remember that you're on your way to health and you always have an outlet here.
> Have a great day. //TheresaTheresa,
I don't have that problem with Xanax. It does help me sleep, but I don't have that hang over feeling. I get that if I take Ativan. It sure does help when I need it. The other day I was really edgy. I felt like I was on the verge of tears, irritated, and just low. I feel like I have gotten a little better and hoping I will continue to go up from here. I just want to feel normal.
Mary
Posted by LynneDa on February 27, 2004, at 10:32:24
In reply to Hey Ya'll Lexaproers, posted by sexylexy on February 27, 2004, at 8:48:10
Hi Lexy - Thanks for thinking of me :-).
I think I'm doing better, it's hard to tell because I'm so sleepy due to insomnia! I'm under some stress with my husband's job situation - actually he's under a lot of stress - so that is affecting me. I'd been waking up wired for 2 - 3 hours a night so my doctor prescribed Ambien. I took it for 8 nights and slept like a baby, which has really made a difference in my mental attitude. Because of it's addictive qualities, you can't take it for more than about 10 days. I've felt jittery and wired for the last 2 days after stopping it (withdrawal?) and only slept a few hours the last 2 nights! I gave in and took Benadryl last night, but at least I slept all night.
Anyway, I'm kind of rattling on here, still groggy from the Benadryl. The main point is that I've been on the 20 mg now for almost 9 weeks and it has taken this long for me to feel like I'm finally turning the corner. At 10 mg I was probably 50% better and I would say after a few weeks at 20 mg I was another 50% better than that. I feel like I'm now on the downhill slide of the last 25% of getting well!
If you are still struggling, I wouldn't hesitate to up a bit. The sooner you get started, the sooner you will know if it will help!
Be sure and do kind things for yourself! Have you tried meditation or yoga? Even if you don't do it totally right, it can help!! Renting a comedy video may give you a lift. There is nothing better than a good laugh!
Hang in there everyone and have a good weekend. We're supposed to have nice weather here in the Midwest and that is always cheering!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hey Ya'll
> Just wanted to write to see how everyone was doing. I am ok. I am still thinking about increasing my dosage but not sure what to do, I am scared that I will feel flat, I guess that would go away though... hmmm. Mrs C, are you feeling any better, I have been thinking of you. LynneDa, I know you were having a few bad days as well. Kathryn, how is 15 treating you... are you feeling like you are getting back to yourself again?
> As for me, I am alright, still thinking that 15mg my be better for me, its like I will be fine for a few days then be a sad sobbing mess for a day or so. Not good! Oh well, I flew home for the weekend, (thank the Lord for frequent flyer miles) so it is good to be around my boyfriend and family. Ok well just wanted to check in. Hope everyone is well!
> Lexy
Posted by Cathrina on February 27, 2004, at 10:32:58
In reply to lex and a female question (more complaints), posted by shadows721 on February 27, 2004, at 1:18:26
> Yep, I have had that. I swear it shrunk the enjoyment personal part down there too. If it were not for viagra, I would feel nothing at all. This drug is merciless in the sex dept. If I wasn't so damn depressed, I would throw it in the garbage yesterday. Also, I think Lexapro makes you more wet, but with no sexual stimulation. I mean you are just a unsensitive wet vessel with this stuff. That isn't a good receipe for good sex either. I truly think most women are not as aggressive in checking out themselves and see what's really going on down there. They are too busy worrying about how to make sure they please someone else or looking sexy. I mean it's your body for Pete's sake. Women better look and see the real deal, because the ob/gyn and your partner is. GEES! As a previous medical professional, I was horrified to learn how so many woman are so ignorant of how their personal equipment looked and functioned. Furthermore, I get really piffed off when I hear women say oh my husband doesn't mind my lack of interest, since taking lexapro. Yeah, I guess so. He still can have sex with you and have an orgasm guaranteed. You will just not get a darn thing out of it with your Antisexapro. I always wonder how many pregnant women really had an orgasm with the conception of their child. Hmmm, well we can only tell one partner did. I guess I am not laying down on this horrible antisexual side effect from this med. DAMN! Stepping off my soap box. Whew!!
>
> I am just really ticked off with the choices or should I say lack of choices for an antidepressant that doesn't turn me into a totally nonsexual fat being. I guess I have a lot of pent up tension from NEVER having any pleasure without another drug on board. To tell the truth, I am thinking about sticking this trash down a toilet. I am just plain sick of it. It's enough to make me scream. Hmm, maybe, it isn't working on the depression that well after all.
>
> *Believe it or not I edited this post to tame down the graphic nature of my complaints.*
>
> Thanks sexylady for the post and to the other women who posted. At least, you are telling the truth.
>
> Hope I haven't offended anyone. I have been in a bad way for a long time and I guess I don't think Lexapro has done the trick.
>Hi Shadows
I completely understand your frustrations and complaints. Sex has always been a very important part of my relationships and to go without it and the desire for it is unacceptable. For me, Lexapro has been such an incredible asset to my life... my relationships, right now I can't imagine giving it up just to ease the sexual problems I'm experiencing. The reconnection my husband and I are once again experiencing is so much more important to me then being multi-orgasmic during our lovemaking sessions. However, I also will not give up on becoming multi-orgasmic again. There is tons of exploration we can do with devices, movies, gadgets and you name it. All kinds of kink to explore to create more desire and hopefully stimulation. If and when we've exhausted all those possibilities then I'll consider other options... other pills or maybe by that time I'll be at a point in my life where I'm able to go off Lexapro. Maybe I'm out of touch with reality when I say this, but I don't see Lexapro as being a lifelong medication for myself.
Cathrina
Posted by modeljenn on February 27, 2004, at 10:54:23
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi,
My doctor just gave me these samples of Lexapro 10mg and I'm on the 3rd day of taking them. I've noticed that I'm a little nauseaous and I keep yawning all day. I feel a little dizzy and I keep waking up at night with tons of thoughts going on in my head and then having anxiety attacks.
I've been depressed as long as I can remember and it's been getting worse lately. I sit around the house all day and do nothing, I don't feel motivated at all. I'm also having a hard time with my marriage right now (I feel as I don't love my husband and I've fallen in love with this guy at work but it won't work cause I'm 21 and he's 17 and I don't want to hurt anyone).
I just want to get past all this and be happy. My mom told me that taking antidepressants is bad and when I go off of them I will be real sick and start hallucinating. I was wondering if that's true? What should I do?Jenn =)
Posted by LynneDa on February 27, 2004, at 10:59:50
In reply to Re: 1st week on Lex, posted by marfaith on February 27, 2004, at 10:13:06
Hi Mary -
Just wanted to chime in here on your concerns in general. I've been on Lex about 4 months - 2 at 10 mg and now 2 at 20 mg. The improvements are a gradual thing. It may be good to keep a brief journal of your days so you can chart the changes over time. I used to grade myself daily on crying, anxiety attacks and irrational angry outbursts!Please hang in there and look for the little improvements each day. One thing to remember: depression changes you, just as all major life events do, and you may never be the same "normal" as you were in the past. Depression took off my rose-colored glasses for good & I'm still mourning that loss & trying to figure out who this new person is. But there are other positives that I've gained, I just had to look for them to realize it!
I hope this doesn't sound too preachy, because I don't know your history, but I do know how it feels at the beginning of the Lex journey! You will feel much better in just a few weeks, I can guarantee you that. You may even have moments where you forget that you were ever depressed or anxious :-).
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
If the Zanax works for you -- great! I tried Zanax but it made me so sleepy I couldn't function. I mean I took a half a pill and slept for 17 hours straight. I know it affects different people different ways. The Clonazepam seems to have less side effects for me. Helps me sleep and reduces the anxiety without the extreme need to sleep for hours and hours on end. Just remember that you're on your way to health and you always have an outlet here.
> > Have a great day. //Theresa
>
> Theresa,
>
> I don't have that problem with Xanax. It does help me sleep, but I don't have that hang over feeling. I get that if I take Ativan. It sure does help when I need it. The other day I was really edgy. I felt like I was on the verge of tears, irritated, and just low. I feel like I have gotten a little better and hoping I will continue to go up from here. I just want to feel normal.
>
> Mary
Posted by LynneDa on February 27, 2004, at 11:17:32
In reply to Hi everyone =), posted by modeljenn on February 27, 2004, at 10:54:23
Hi Jenn ~
I'm glad you found this website, it is full of very supportive and helpful folks! You've taken the first step in taking care of yourself and changing your life by talking to your doctor and starting meds.Your side effects are very normal and will probably start subsiding in one to three weeks. I noticed an improvement in my depression the first week! I had the yawning thing really bad at first!! When you stop taking ADs, you have to wean off gradually or you will have very uncomfortable side effects. My doctor told me that if I agreed to start taking meds, I needed to commit myself to a 6 - 18 month period. Jenn, don't ever stop them cold turkey!!
There are lots of myths and rumors about antidepressants. Everyone reacts to them differently and the more sensational situations get the most press. Rarely, in those articles or TV shows, do you get to hear the person's whole mental health history, so you really don't know what other factors were involved.
In reading many, many posts here, ADs seem to be safe & very effective in allowing people to become less depressed and giving them their life back. I know it has worked for me.
Maybe you should look up some info on the web to educate your Mom and take away some of her fears. I'm sure she wants the best for you and doesn't want you to get hurt.
As for your other issues, now is not the time to make big life decisions! Wait til you feel less depressed and more stable. Things will become more clear to you as the weeks go by and the medication takes effect.
Good luck, hang in there and let us know how you're doing!!! You are not alone in this, believe me!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi,
> My doctor just gave me these samples of Lexapro 10mg and I'm on the 3rd day of taking them. I've noticed that I'm a little nauseaous and I keep yawning all day. I feel a little dizzy and I keep waking up at night with tons of thoughts going on in my head and then having anxiety attacks.
> I've been depressed as long as I can remember and it's been getting worse lately. I sit around the house all day and do nothing, I don't feel motivated at all. I'm also having a hard time with my marriage right now (I feel as I don't love my husband and I've fallen in love with this guy at work but it won't work cause I'm 21 and he's 17 and I don't want to hurt anyone).
> I just want to get past all this and be happy. My mom told me that taking antidepressants is bad and when I go off of them I will be real sick and start hallucinating. I was wondering if that's true? What should I do?
>
> Jenn =)
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