![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2373 to 2397 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 10:46:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight, posted by Okpolosi on March 20, 2003, at 18:20:05
hi -
i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
annlanka
Posted by Leo BoStar on March 22, 2003, at 13:37:24
In reply to atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 10:46:02
My personal experience is that medication (including Lexapro) and therapy do not work. When this happens, the patient is described as having "atypical depression." You can't blame the medical professionals for taking this approach. The alternative would be to describe themselves as "useless." Better to let the patient take the heat for being "atypical".
As far as MAOI antidepressants are concerned: even the medical folks advise caution here. They tend to characterise these medications as "very involved." That's face-saving jargon for "dangerous." Here's what this all means: the next time you're in a drugstore, check the warnings about drug interactions on various over-the-counter medications. Often you will find that the product should not be used if you are taking MAOI antidepressants. When there are so many contraindicated non-prescription drugs and other potential interaction problems with foods, such drugs earn the epithet "involved".
This web site has a very well-done grid of MAOI interactions:
http://holisticonline.com/Remedies/Depression/dep_interactions_MAOI.htm
Bottom line: unless you want to be constantly watching what you eat and/or what over-the-counter meds you take, steer clear of the dangerous MAOI drugs.
Another personal vent: be very careful in your dealings with mental health professionals, especially in the area of medications. When it comes to predicting the outcome of drug treatments, they really have no clue. They play the odds. If they're lucky, you win. If not, you lose, big time.
Good luck to you. Good luck to all of us. We need it.
Posted by Krissy P on March 22, 2003, at 15:13:14
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by Leo BoStar on March 22, 2003, at 13:37:24
Posted by daizy on March 22, 2003, at 16:19:24
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by Leo BoStar on March 22, 2003, at 13:37:24
> My personal experience is that medication (including Lexapro) and therapy do not work. When this happens, the patient is described as having "atypical depression." You can't blame the medical professionals for taking this approach. The alternative would be to describe themselves as "useless." Better to let the patient take the heat for being "atypical".
>
> As far as MAOI antidepressants are concerned: even the medical folks advise caution here. They tend to characterise these medications as "very involved." That's face-saving jargon for "dangerous." Here's what this all means: the next time you're in a drugstore, check the warnings about drug interactions on various over-the-counter medications. Often you will find that the product should not be used if you are taking MAOI antidepressants. When there are so many contraindicated non-prescription drugs and other potential interaction problems with foods, such drugs earn the epithet "involved".
>
> This web site has a very well-done grid of MAOI interactions:
>
> http://holisticonline.com/Remedies/Depression/dep_interactions_MAOI.htm
>
> Bottom line: unless you want to be constantly watching what you eat and/or what over-the-counter meds you take, steer clear of the dangerous MAOI drugs.
>
> Another personal vent: be very careful in your dealings with mental health professionals, especially in the area of medications. When it comes to predicting the outcome of drug treatments, they really have no clue. They play the odds. If they're lucky, you win. If not, you lose, big time.
>
> Good luck to you. Good luck to all of us. We need it.
>
>
>
>MAOI'S arent dangerous drugs if taken properly, as you'll see on this board a lot of people take them and have great results..... If you were faced with unbearable depression, would you not try taking these meds to get better? Isnt that what everyone wants?........ IMHO!
Posted by Krissy P on March 22, 2003, at 16:25:22
In reply to Re: atypical depression » Leo BoStar, posted by daizy on March 22, 2003, at 16:19:24
Posted by dragonfly on March 22, 2003, at 16:29:43
In reply to LEX day 9, posted by baracuda on March 21, 2003, at 18:49:47
Hi every one. It has been a while since I have posted anything. It has now been 3 months since I started taking lexapro. Everything is great so far.I sleep sooo much better and no moodiness. I have good days and bad, like everyone else, nothing extreme one way or another. I have way more energy now. Plus i have lost ten pounds!! My son who is 22 has recently been prescribed lexapro also. We both have problems with clinical deppression, moodiness, unable to sleep ect.He described his 1st week on it and understood exactly what I meant when I said it was like someone changed all the light bulb to a higher watt! and food tasted so good that you could eat half the amount as usual and be satisfied!
Posted by Dysfunk on March 22, 2003, at 17:08:37
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight » Dysfunk, posted by handmemymidol on March 21, 2003, at 10:27:02
Ha! Very funny name....Yes, the cravings for carbs has gotten less controllable for me since I started the medicine. So far I am holding at a weight increase of 7 lbs. Unfortunately, I have hurt my ankle, which may limit my workouts (depending on the test results). I am afraid without that, I will definitely gain weight. That leads me to depression and here we are again...is the medicine working???
Posted by lil' jimi on March 22, 2003, at 17:10:19
In reply to atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 10:46:02
> hi -
> i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
>
> annlankahi ann,
sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
i do have a question for you though:
what makes a depression atypical?
how would i know if i was typical or not ?
Thanks, ~ jim
Posted by Dysfunk on March 22, 2003, at 17:12:22
In reply to Carb cravings, posted by Donia on March 21, 2003, at 20:05:06
That is funny-you with the Lucky Charms. All of a sudden, the top of my frig is filled with granola bars, nutri-grain bars, lo- fat cookies....I crave the carbs. I hope the side-effect lessens.
Posted by Dysfunk on March 22, 2003, at 17:58:20
In reply to Lex working? Not working for me? My update., posted by Dysfunk on March 15, 2003, at 13:52:22
Well, it appears the latest increase of Lexapro is working out. I am not ecstatic, but at least I can feel upbeat and laugh again. Why, though, would I increase the dose, then feel good, then bad again and good again? Doesn't make sense to me.
Let's hope it is working. I am facing some difficult situations now. One of which is finding out today that the cat I adopted in Sept. is gravely ill. I cried all day. I feel so exhausted. I am afraid I will dip into a depression and not be able to come back up now. I will try and keep everyone posted on my progress.
-Dsyfunk
Posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:28:36
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by Leo BoStar on March 22, 2003, at 13:37:24
> My personal experience is that medication (including Lexapro) and therapy do not work. When this happens, the patient is described as having "atypical depression." You can't blame the medical professionals for taking this approach. The alternative would be to describe themselves as "useless." Better to let the patient take the heat for being "atypical".
Hi.I was going to write a long reply to this post, but decided against it. Let me just say one thing: the author of the post is ignorant to the definition of the term "atypical depression".
- Scott
Posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:36:48
In reply to Re: atypical depression » annlanka, posted by lil' jimi on March 22, 2003, at 17:10:19
> > hi -
> > i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
> >
> > annlanka
>
> hi ann,
>
> sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
> i do have a question for you though:
> what makes a depression atypical?
> how would i know if i was typical or not ?
> Thanks, ~ jimHi Jim.
Here is a very simple answer to your question:
http://www.mhc.com/Algorithms/Depression/atypical.htm
- Scott
Posted by lil' jimi on March 22, 2003, at 19:42:35
In reply to Re: atypical depression » lil' jimi, posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:36:48
Posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 19:54:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight » handmemymidol, posted by Dysfunk on March 22, 2003, at 17:08:37
> Ha! Very funny name....Yes, the cravings for carbs has gotten less controllable for me since I started the medicine. So far I am holding at a weight increase of 7 lbs. Unfortunately, I have hurt my ankle, which may limit my workouts (depending on the test results). I am afraid without that, I will definitely gain weight. That leads me to depression and here we are again...is the medicine working???
I know how you feel. ITs like you are in a vicious cycle of questioning whether or not the medicine works, should you wait it out or swithch... if you switch you may have switched too early for the other one to have started working and are back to square one.
Posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 20:05:29
In reply to Re: atypical depression » lil' jimi, posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:36:48
> > > hi -
> > > i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
> > >
> > > annlanka
> >
> > hi ann,
> >
> > sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
> > i do have a question for you though:
> > what makes a depression atypical?
> > how would i know if i was typical or not ?
> > Thanks, ~ jim
>
> Hi Jim.
>
> Here is a very simple answer to your question:
>
> http://www.mhc.com/Algorithms/Depression/atypical.htm
>
>
> - Scotthey Scott-
Thanks for the post!
anne
Posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 20:38:06
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 20:05:29
Can anyone relate, I am starting to have some good days but they are mixed with bad days. In the last 7 days or so I have 2 good days and then 2 bad days on and on. It is like a light in my head is flickering but wont come on all the way. It is very frustrating!!!!!!! THANKS!!!!
Posted by Donia on March 22, 2003, at 21:07:59
In reply to 5 WEEKS HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 20:38:06
My first attempt with meds was with zoloft. It took about 3 to 4 months for a constant feeling good. I am now on lexapro, it has been a little over two months and I am less anxious and less depressed but also have the good and bad days. I am waiting a while to see if everything evens out. Also whoever posted about the MAOI's being dangerous. I was afraid of meds. I always wait until I cannot function anymore to take them. I am at the point now where quality of life is becoming more important than the side effects of these meds. If the only thing that will work for some are the MAOI's than its a factor of is the depression worse than the side effects and being careful to watch labels.
Posted by pumpkin on March 22, 2003, at 21:33:17
In reply to 5 WEEKS HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 20:38:06
Hey guys,
I haven't been on for the last couple of days.
I was "diagnosed" with major depression,
anxiety panic-over 10 years ago. Today- the
"diagnosis" seems to change- possible Bi-Polar!
(Although I get "hyper" only when I'm on anti-
depressants-very depressed when off!) So, what
am I? They don't know! It's what the world
is going with at the time! I've come to this
conclusion- I don't care! I just want to be
stable!My husband is labeled or diagnosed as atypical.
But- he shows "other" signs too! Never had a
problem with panic- now going to sleep, his legs
are "full" of adrenaline, and he's contantly
"shaking" to get this "rushing" out of him!
My one daughter called him "compulsive" today
again. What's up? I don't know! He told me
that he is now having problems with anxiety!
Oh Lord! He's gone through this for over 10
years too! But, his doctor says "atypical"!
What's the difference? Who cares again!My oldest daughter, and half sister are on meds
too. The doctors make a guess? They don't know!
My mom (she's now in the hospital for serious
problems right now) has been depressed for years.
They don't know! My husbands side....Get what I mean? If I sound like I'm coming down
on doctors- I'm not meaning too. I'm blessed that
the Lord provides them, but there are many
"symptoms", many "sicknesses", many "stressors",
etc...It's good for sites like these- you aren't
"alone", and I have found alot of support! I've
just gotten to the point that if a med works- it
works, if not-move on! I'm just talking medically! I just get tired of the "labels"
and "diagnosis" part!Have a great week! I pray for it-despite our
gloomy "circumstances"!
Posted by KrissyP on March 22, 2003, at 22:02:19
In reply to 5 WEEKS HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 20:38:06
Posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 22:15:29
In reply to Are you on Lexapro?? (nm) » blkvettes, posted by KrissyP on March 22, 2003, at 22:02:19
Hi there, yes I am on lexapro
Posted by lil' jimi on March 23, 2003, at 0:20:00
In reply to Re: atypical depression » lil' jimi, posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:36:48
> > > hi -
> > > i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
> > >
> > > annlanka
> >
> > hi ann,
> >
> > sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
> > i do have a question for you though:
> > what makes a depression atypical?
> > how would i know if i was typical or not ?
> > Thanks, ~ jim
>
> Hi Jim.
>
> Here is a very simple answer to your question:
>
> http://www.mhc.com/Algorithms/Depression/atypical.htm
>
>
> - ScottThanks again, Scott.
in response to Anne, these web sites read to me like atypical depression would be treated with SSRIs unless they failed, then MAOIs would be indicated, then tricyclics last.... sorta.
i also found this interesting:
http://www.biopsychiatry.com/atypicaldepression.htm
(anyone ever heard of biopsychiarty.com ? "hedonistic imperative" ?)and http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html was informative.
peace,
~ jim
Posted by Leo BoStar on March 23, 2003, at 11:41:33
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:28:36
Scott,
Please don't post anything that would make me feel
accused or put down. In your message you suggested
that I am ignorant.I forgive you. Dr. Bob, please don't take action
against Scott for this violation of posting rules.
Posted by annlanka on March 23, 2003, at 12:30:05
In reply to Re: atypical depression » SLS, posted by lil' jimi on March 23, 2003, at 0:20:00
> > > > hi -
> > > > i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
> > > >
> > > > annlanka
> > >
> > > hi ann,
> > >
> > > sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
> > > i do have a question for you though:
> > > what makes a depression atypical?
> > > how would i know if i was typical or not ?
> > > Thanks, ~ jim
> >
> > Hi Jim.
> >
> > Here is a very simple answer to your question:
> >
> > http://www.mhc.com/Algorithms/Depression/atypical.htm
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
>
>
> Thanks again, Scott.
>
> in response to Anne, these web sites read to me like atypical depression would be treated with SSRIs unless they failed, then MAOIs would be indicated, then tricyclics last.... sorta.
>
> i also found this interesting:
> http://www.biopsychiatry.com/atypicaldepression.htm
> (anyone ever heard of biopsychiarty.com ? "hedonistic imperative" ?)
>
> and http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html was informative.
>
> peace,
> ~ jimHi Jim-
Thanks for the info- im sure i will find it interesting if not helpful. I have been on lexapro for about 4 months now and still am feeling only a little better than when i first started them. The only thing that has really changed is that i am able to get out of bed. My mood, fogged up states and crying spells are the same.. blah, blah. you know, just basically down. I guess maybe i should try an MAOI but dont really know- has anyone switched from lexapro to another SSRI and had any luck? Lexapro is the only thing i have been on.
annlanka
Posted by lil' jimi on March 23, 2003, at 15:10:34
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 23, 2003, at 12:30:05
> > > > > hi -
> > > > > i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
> > > > >
> > > > > annlanka
> > > >
> > > > hi ann,
> > > >
> > > > sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
> > > > i do have a question for you though:
> > > > what makes a depression atypical?
> > > > how would i know if i was typical or not ?
> > > > Thanks, ~ jim
> > >
> > > Hi Jim.
> > >
> > > Here is a very simple answer to your question:
> > >
> > > http://www.mhc.com/Algorithms/Depression/atypical.htm
> > >
> > >
> > > - Scott
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks again, Scott.
> >
> > in response to Anne, these web sites read to me like atypical depression would be treated with SSRIs unless they failed, then MAOIs would be indicated, then tricyclics last.... sorta.
> >
> > i also found this interesting:
> > http://www.biopsychiatry.com/atypicaldepression.htm
> > (anyone ever heard of biopsychiarty.com ? "hedonistic imperative" ?)
> >
> > and http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html was informative.
> >
> > peace,
> > ~ jim
>
> Hi Jim-
> Thanks for the info- im sure i will find it interesting if not helpful. I have been on lexapro for about 4 months now and still am feeling only a little better than when i first started them. The only thing that has really changed is that i am able to get out of bed. My mood, fogged up states and crying spells are the same.. blah, blah. you know, just basically down. I guess maybe i should try an MAOI but dont really know- has anyone switched from lexapro to another SSRI and had any luck? Lexapro is the only thing i have been on.
> annlanka
>
>
hi Ann(e),
what doseage are you on?
would an increase be an option?i feel for your suffering and my heart goes out to you.
i hadn't any idea how much about depression is available on the web: measure of my cluelessness; shouldn't have been a surprised.
but ever since i was prescribed lex, i found this place and it's been my primary source of data and i got obsessed with reading the posts: they are fascinating!
i have learned a lot.
but i am only in my 3rd week of 5mg, so i haven't experienced all that much.
that said, here's this amatuer's idea of a good time, as if i were you: ask pdoc to maybe double my doseage and then give that maybe 6 or 7 weeks to settle in.
may be not feasible doseage-wise;
may be painful with the expected SEs from restabilizing the neurotransmitters levels;
worse,
maybe it won't work.acclimating to higher levels of lex should be less traumatic than acclimating to something new, but that may be small consolation.
before the advent of these medications, we were all at the mercy of our neurotransmitters;
they told us how to feel and what to do;
and we obey(ed).
with medication, now, we can tell our neurotransmitters what to do.
we are the early survivors from these first volleys fired by our side, in the war against neurotransamitter disease... up until now our side put up no defense ... neuroscience is still in its infancy.
we are blessed to live when these meds are possible.
there is hope.
hang in there.
we are with you.
post when it moves you.
we'll be here.~ jim
Posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 17:43:36
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 23, 2003, at 12:30:05
Hi Ann and everyone else, especially the females (sorry guys) when I think about this stuff, crying spells etc, I have to wonder how much of it might just be hormonal changes? Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Maybe it is just me in denial that there is something wrong with my BRAIN, that I would rather think that it is a haywire uterus. lol
Any input would be appreciated :)
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.