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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mrs c on February 17, 2004, at 17:33:32
In reply to Re: Mrs C, posted by LynneDa on February 17, 2004, at 9:17:26
Hey Lynne, Thanks for your support. I have never been diagnosed with PMDD and wonder how it is different from PMS? Before starting Lex I used to have pretty normal PMS. Just a little crankiness and insecurity about 1 week before. A few months before I began my Lex my PMS got so much more extreme and it began 2 weeks before. It seemed like I only had 1 good week per month! It was one of the reasons that I consulted my doc. I say one of the reasons because as I have said, there were many more symptoms I was having besides PMS.
The vitamins I take are Omega-3, Calcium,E, C, and B Complex in addition to my multi. Bye for now. Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on February 17, 2004, at 17:50:28
In reply to Re: Mrs C, posted by mrs c on February 17, 2004, at 17:33:32
Hi! You probably have PMDD too - it's "just" a severe form of PMS that disrupts your life! There's probably a better definition in the DSM IV, but that's how I describe it. I used to have normal PMS, too, but it became increasingly worse over the last 4 years to where I only had one "good" week per month too! Not pleasant to be around us, was it?!?! Combined with some life circumstances and the increasing PMS symptoms as I approached pre-menopause, my somewhat controllable monthly depression, irritability and anxiety grew to an uncontrollable form.
I need to get on a vitamin regimen like you are, I'm very sporadic about it. Thanks for letting me know what you take. It has to help in some way.
Don't be afraid if you need to increase a bit. It may just be that you've plateau'd and need a boost or it could be temporary due to other circumstances in your life. Hang in there!!
~ Lynne
Posted by BobYuma on February 17, 2004, at 18:28:35
In reply to Re: Mrs C » mrs c, posted by LynneDa on February 17, 2004, at 17:50:28
> > Hi! You probably have PMDD too - it's "just" a severe form of PMS that disrupts your life! There's probably a better definition in the DSM IV, but that's how I describe it. I used to have normal PMS, too, but it became increasingly worse over the last 4 years to where I only had one "good" week per month too! .... Lynne
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
Geez .. when I say my prayers tonight, I'm just going to include a very special "Thank You" to God for the fact that guys don't have to go through all the P's and M's and S's and DD's and so forth.
I say, God Bless the Women of the world!BobYuma
Posted by LynneDa on February 17, 2004, at 18:35:29
In reply to Re: Mrs C -- Lynne, posted by BobYuma on February 17, 2004, at 18:28:35
Thanks Bob - I tell my husband that every night too. But, of course, I tell my daughters that it is all worth it just to be the ones that have the babies!
And thanks for your note earlier about my note about .... I can't remember! But, I appreciate your feedback about my posts. Have a great evening!
~ Lynne
Posted by sexylexy on February 17, 2004, at 20:08:27
In reply to Re: Mrs C -- Lynne » BobYuma, posted by LynneDa on February 17, 2004, at 18:35:29
Hey Guys,
Feeling pretty low today. I am not sure why, I had a pretty good weekend then started feeling bad on Sunday drank two glasses of wine Saturday night so I though this may have been why. However, its now Tuesday and I am still feeling low. Will I ever get better? I am so frusterated that I am sitting here in tears. I heard a lot of good things about week 8 but here I am angry and sad. Do things ever get better?
A not sexy lexy
Posted by mrs c on February 17, 2004, at 21:08:23
In reply to Re: Mrs C -- Lynne, posted by BobYuma on February 17, 2004, at 18:28:35
Lynne, I think you may be right about me and PMDD. I will look it up when I have time. Maybe that's why the Lex seems to poop out around this time of the month! Bob, I am happy to be a women, but thanks for your refreshing compassion towards PMS! Feeling that baby move inside of you makes it all worth while...most of the time! Hope to us all! Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on February 17, 2004, at 21:32:27
In reply to Re: Mrs C » mrs c, posted by LynneDa on February 17, 2004, at 17:50:28
Lynne, If I have not said this before: You are absolutely wonderful! Thank you for giving me the courage to keep my head held high and continue my journey out of this hole I have been in for ten years.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Lexy,
I hope that you have been reading all of our posts today. We all are experiencing the ups and downs of our illnesses. The important thing is to have hope and to know that you will get better. It may take more time, it may take an increase in your dosage, it may even take a different medication but you will survive this! I feel so sad for you and your pain comes through in your normally positive words. I truly feel your pain and know what you are going through. I have had many hopeless days and I am having a hard time myself right now. But I have hope and I pray that you can too. Reading about all of the experiences of the different lives on this board and the tales of courage and survival has really changed me and my outlook on my own life. Sometimes, things get worse before they get better. Which sounds really sappy but has a ring of truth to it.
I think that you are maybe at the point where you need to speak with your doc about what's happening and maybe increase your dosage. I know that you wanted to wait it out because alot of us did not really show improvement until nine weeks. But I can tell you from my own experience that I did not feel so sad at eight weeks in. I felt like I was in limbo. Leaning towards happy one minute and scared and sad the next. Kind of how I am feeling now, by the way, at over 4 months into Lex.I think that I have gotten a little long winded. I'm sorry. I just couldn't let the night pass without replying to you and letting you know that you are not alone. Please check in in the morning. Mrs. C.
Posted by Simus on February 17, 2004, at 22:29:54
In reply to Re: Mrs C, posted by mrs c on February 17, 2004, at 17:33:32
"Studies have shown that nutritional factors can influence the severity of symptoms associated with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Foods high in calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and zinc may alleviate PMS-induced depression, breast tenderness, moodiness, headaches, abdominal cramping, and insomnia."
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/print/view/1,1560,FR_502,00.html
Mrs. C,
Adding 400mg of Magnesium a day has helped me a lot in many areas. It's worth a try.
Simus> Hey Lynne, Thanks for your support. I have never been diagnosed with PMDD and wonder how it is different from PMS? Before starting Lex I used to have pretty normal PMS. Just a little crankiness and insecurity about 1 week before. A few months before I began my Lex my PMS got so much more extreme and it began 2 weeks before. It seemed like I only had 1 good week per month! It was one of the reasons that I consulted my doc. I say one of the reasons because as I have said, there were many more symptoms I was having besides PMS.
>
> The vitamins I take are Omega-3, Calcium,E, C, and B Complex in addition to my multi. Bye for now. Mrs. C
Posted by kellieann7 on February 17, 2004, at 22:32:22
In reply to in tears tonight, posted by sexylexy on February 17, 2004, at 20:08:27
Lexy,
((LEXY)) I hope the hugs make you feel better! I also drank a little too much this weekend, and instead of feeling sad, I am very agitated. Hopefully this ends soon. I'll keep thinking about you, though, and hope you feel sexy again very soon!
Posted by mrs c on February 18, 2004, at 8:57:44
In reply to Re: Mrs C » mrs c, posted by Simus on February 17, 2004, at 22:29:54
Thanks for the tip Simus. I will try that, it sure can't hurt. Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on February 18, 2004, at 9:13:56
In reply to Re: LynneDa, Lexy, posted by mrs c on February 17, 2004, at 21:32:27
Thank you Mrs. C - I feel the same about you, your posts are always encouraging, concise and thoughtful! I hope things start improving for you very soon!!
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on February 18, 2004, at 9:22:40
In reply to in tears tonight, posted by sexylexy on February 17, 2004, at 20:08:27
Hi Lexy,
Well, it's Wed. morning now . . . how are you feeling today? Are you eating and sleeping okay, exercising a bit? Are there other things happening in your life that might be bringing you down? If your sad feelings persist and they are of that type where you know it's chemical and not just the blues (I can always feel the difference!), then I'd go ahead and call your doctor. No sense in being stoic if you don't have to, sweetie!Also, get on the trail to find a good therapist. I bet it will help you. Let us know your progress. {{{{{Lexy}}}}}
~ Lynne
Posted by sexylexy on February 18, 2004, at 9:44:01
In reply to Re: Mrs C » mrs c, posted by Simus on February 17, 2004, at 22:29:54
Hey Ya'll,
I am feeling a little bit better today. This morning was pretty bad again, I could not sleep last night because my mind was so full of thoughts. On the way to work this morning I had to fight back tears. I made it though my first client so I am glad for that only 4 more to go!
I am wondering if I am PMDDing? My cycle was really late last month and I am wondering if it is returning to normal or may be even early. That is kinda what if feels like, I feel hormonal and more sad that I have in quite a while.
My major problems with depression were the "voice" in my head that seemed very negitiave(that is still gone) and a heavy sadness in my heart which was almost gone but now has returned and this is making my anxiety about depression worsen as well. Does it ever end, will I ever see the day where I feel free and happy? YUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on February 18, 2004, at 13:09:27
In reply to Will it ever end?????, posted by sexylexy on February 18, 2004, at 9:44:01
Hi Lexy,
I'm glad to hear you're feeling a bit better today. I really think you should look in to an increase if you aren't feeling better by next week. You shouldn't have to live like this. No one should. You're in my thoughts.
K.
Posted by Kim B. on February 18, 2004, at 13:13:44
In reply to Will it ever end?????, posted by sexylexy on February 18, 2004, at 9:44:01
Hi Everyone,
I have not been on the site in sometime due to the fact that I was doing great on 10mg of Lexapro. But, recently I started to experience waking up at night every 2hours or so and then started with severe Tension Headaches. I just saw my Dr. this morning and he feels that I am still feeling alot of anxiety which is causing me to not sleep at night. I increased my meds today to 15mg and I am so dizzy I can hardly hold my head up. Is this normal and has anyone else experienced anything like this. Thanks for anyones help. Kim B.
Posted by LynneDa on February 18, 2004, at 13:57:02
In reply to Re: Will it ever end?????, posted by Kim B. on February 18, 2004, at 13:13:44
Hi Kim -
I have had these same symptoms along the way. I started at 10mg and went to 20 mg after 10 weeks. The first 2 weeks when I went up to 20 I felt dizzy, tired, nauseous. I only had headaches when I forgot to take my pill or took it later than normal! But, I think your symptoms are pretty par for the course. Mine went away in 2 weeks for sure. It also reduced the anxiety that had been creeping up on me.Hang in there, it'll get better!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi Everyone,
>
> I have not been on the site in sometime due to the fact that I was doing great on 10mg of Lexapro. But, recently I started to experience waking up at night every 2hours or so and then started with severe Tension Headaches. I just saw my Dr. this morning and he feels that I am still feeling alot of anxiety which is causing me to not sleep at night. I increased my meds today to 15mg and I am so dizzy I can hardly hold my head up. Is this normal and has anyone else experienced anything like this. Thanks for anyones help. Kim B.
Posted by Kim B. on February 18, 2004, at 14:10:06
In reply to Re: Will it ever end????? » Kim B., posted by LynneDa on February 18, 2004, at 13:57:02
Lynn,
Thanks for always responding. It does help ease the anxiety we all have from time to time when dealing with these kinds of issues. I hope you are doing well.
Kim B.
Hi Kim -
> I have had these same symptoms along the way. I started at 10mg and went to 20 mg after 10 weeks. The first 2 weeks when I went up to 20 I felt dizzy, tired, nauseous. I only had headaches when I forgot to take my pill or took it later than normal! But, I think your symptoms are pretty par for the course. Mine went away in 2 weeks for sure. It also reduced the anxiety that had been creeping up on me.
>
> Hang in there, it'll get better!!
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
> Hi Everyone,
> >
> > I have not been on the site in sometime due to the fact that I was doing great on 10mg of Lexapro. But, recently I started to experience waking up at night every 2hours or so and then started with severe Tension Headaches. I just saw my Dr. this morning and he feels that I am still feeling alot of anxiety which is causing me to not sleep at night. I increased my meds today to 15mg and I am so dizzy I can hardly hold my head up. Is this normal and has anyone else experienced anything like this. Thanks for anyones help. Kim B.
>
>
Posted by KathrynLex on February 18, 2004, at 15:25:33
In reply to Re: Will it ever end?????, posted by Kim B. on February 18, 2004, at 13:13:44
Hi Kim,
I recently increased from 10 mg to 15 mg because like you I was still suffering from some anxiety at 10 mg. It's been about 20 days since I increased and I'm feeling pretty good. The first week was difficult because I felt so tired all the time.
Lexapro in general makes me a little dizzy right after I take it, so I take it at night and try to sleep through the worst of it. I'm guessing that you will feel better in about a week (I did). And I haven't had any anxiety since increasing! I hope you find that your anxiety goes away so you can start getting a good nights sleep.
K.
Posted by Samm on February 18, 2004, at 15:29:29
In reply to Re: Will it ever end?????, posted by Kim B. on February 18, 2004, at 14:10:06
Hi! Today I was searching the Internet for info. on Lexapro and stumbled upon this board. Just reading the support offered here is the most relief I think I've had for a while!
I'm 25 and have been suffering from severe GAD for about 8 years. It has been a miserable roller coaster. I'm not going to give everyone the tedius details, but recently, I've decided to quit acting like I can fight it on my own. I've been on Lexapro for almost three weeks and began counseling for the first time in my life. I'm feeling a little better, but I think it's mostly because I'm actually moving FORWARD, rather than staying still.
Anyway, I've been scared to death about taking medication. I tried Paxil last year and it gave me migranes. So, I went to my doc and he changed me to Lexapro. I filled the prescription, but nevery could get myself to swallow pill. The minute I would get it into my mouth, I immediately had a panic attack, because I hated not knowing what it was going to do to my body. So, I did the worst thing I could've--I STOPPED COMPLETELY. I fell into the worst depression!
This year, I thought I'd try it again. It's not bad. The first two weeks, I felt really jittery, but my doctor told me to expect it. Now, the SEs seem to be gone and I'm only noticing a small difference with my anxiety.
Anyway, reading the postings has been very good for me. I'd love to join in on the support--even if it's to offer an extra set of ears (or...eyes in this case). Thanks.
Posted by ednababish on February 18, 2004, at 17:07:55
In reply to Hello, from a novice Lex-er, posted by Samm on February 18, 2004, at 15:29:29
Dear Kim, I believe that you are anxious because you are taking medication and that is why you feel dizzy--I've been there and I have felt the same way, only it was my reaction to xanex which was prescribed for the anxiety I was feeling when I began to take Celexa 8 mos ago. The best way I've discovered to cope with the dizziness and the anxiety is to get busy and take care of all of the things I need to get done. I alway have dizziness with my panic attacks, and I always have panic attacks when I raise my dosage. I can trick myself into feeling better by getting involved in chores which divert my attention. At any rate, I hope this helps and doesn't sound callous--these feelings will pass. Good luck and God bless!
Edna
Posted by KathrynLex on February 18, 2004, at 18:10:04
In reply to Hello, from a novice Lex-er, posted by Samm on February 18, 2004, at 15:29:29
Hi Samm,
Welcome to the board. You'll find a lot of very supportive, helpful people here.
I know exactly what you mean about being anxious to take a pill. When I first started on Lexapro I sat with the pill in my hand for about 20 minutes before swallowing it.
Congratulations on moving forward in your life. Therapy and meds are wonderful tools that can really help with anxiety/depression.
Can I ask how much Lexapro you're taking? I started at 10 mg and have recently increased to 15 mg because I was still having mild panic attacks at 10 mg. You might consider increasing your dose if you still haven't seen an improvement in your anxiety after about 9 weeks. (Six weeks or nine weeks seems to be the magic number with Lexapro. That's when a lot of people seem to get the best results from the med.)
You might also want to talk to your pdoc (psychiatrist) or whoever prescribes your meds about getting a benzo to take on an as needed basis. Benzos are a family of drugs that can really help with anxiety/panic. Examples of Benzos are Xanax, Lorazempam and Klonopin. I've tried them all and they've been very effective.
I hope some of this advice is useful and once again, welcome to the board!
K.
Posted by Samm on February 18, 2004, at 22:21:01
In reply to Re: Hello, from a novice Lex-er, posted by KathrynLex on February 18, 2004, at 18:10:04
Thanks for your reply, K!
I am in fact taking 10 mg of Lexapro. I actually started with 5 mg, then moved up to ten (I think it's because my doc knows how scared I was to take the meds).
I've taken Xanax in the past and really liked the relief they gave me. But my doctor is very reluctant to prescribe them since they are so habit forming. I can sort his point, because whenever I feel anxious or panicky and I actually have the xanax, I'm so quick to pop one in my mouth. (I know--very surprising from someone who's scared to death to take medication). Now he gave me Lorazapam to help with the jittery side effects from the Lexapro. I'm actually sort of scared to run out because these are my security blanket.
Anyway, thanks for the welcoming words. I'm really glad I found this board.
Samm
> Hi Samm,
>
> Welcome to the board. You'll find a lot of very supportive, helpful people here.
>
> I know exactly what you mean about being anxious to take a pill. When I first started on Lexapro I sat with the pill in my hand for about 20 minutes before swallowing it.
>
> Congratulations on moving forward in your life. Therapy and meds are wonderful tools that can really help with anxiety/depression.
>
> Can I ask how much Lexapro you're taking? I started at 10 mg and have recently increased to 15 mg because I was still having mild panic attacks at 10 mg. You might consider increasing your dose if you still haven't seen an improvement in your anxiety after about 9 weeks. (Six weeks or nine weeks seems to be the magic number with Lexapro. That's when a lot of people seem to get the best results from the med.)
>
> You might also want to talk to your pdoc (psychiatrist) or whoever prescribes your meds about getting a benzo to take on an as needed basis. Benzos are a family of drugs that can really help with anxiety/panic. Examples of Benzos are Xanax, Lorazempam and Klonopin. I've tried them all and they've been very effective.
>
> I hope some of this advice is useful and once again, welcome to the board!
>
> K.
Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 11:59:21
In reply to Re: Hello, from a novice Lex-er, posted by Samm on February 18, 2004, at 22:21:01
Hello all -- thank you so much for all your comments. They've really helped. I started off on Zoloft, but got very sick to my stomach so the doc switched me to Lex (turns out I think I had a stomach virus). Anyway, I began having severe panic attacks, not sleeping, and feeling overall like I was going crazy with my heart pounding out of my chest. I tried Xanax, but then all I could do was sleep. Doc switched me to Clonazepam and for the first time in weeks I'm sleeping again and feel like I have some relief. I guess it just takes times to figure out what the right mix is. I'm still weak, not back on top of my game (missed an important interview, which I'm very upset about) but at least I feel like there's hope I'm going to be okay.
I've been off and on anti-depressants for years, but this was the worst reaction I've ever had getting back on. It makes me want to stay on this for the rest of my life so I don't have to go thru this again.
Theresa
Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 12:05:10
In reply to Re: Will it ever end?????, posted by Kim B. on February 18, 2004, at 13:13:44
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I have not been on the site in sometime due to the fact that I was doing great on 10mg of Lexapro. But, recently I started to experience waking up at night every 2hours or so and then started with severe Tension Headaches. I just saw my Dr. this morning and he feels that I am still feeling alot of anxiety which is causing me to not sleep at night. I increased my meds today to 15mg and I am so dizzy I can hardly hold my head up. Is this normal and has anyone else experienced anything like this. Thanks for anyones help. Kim B.Hi Kim,
I was having the same trouble, though without the headaches. I was up constantly through the night with heart palpitations and severe anxiety. The doctor added Clonazepam in addition to the 10 mg of Lex I'm on and I feel like a new woman. I'm finally sleeping and slowly slowly getting back into life.Hang in there.
Theresa
Posted by KathrynLex on February 19, 2004, at 12:43:12
In reply to Another novice lex-er, posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 11:59:21
Hi Theresa,
Wow, your initial reaction to Lexapro sounds awful! When I started taking Lexapro I noticed that my panic attacks came much more frequently. It was later that I learned Lexapro can actually cause panic attacks/anxiety for the first few weeks that you take it.
Like you, I've taken meds on and off for a couple of years and starting on Lexapro was the worst adjustment I've had to make. It's been worth it though. My depression has lifted and ever since I increased my Lexapro dose to 15 mg I haven't had a single panic attack. (Knock on wood!)
I'm glad that you've found the right combination of meds. You'll probably be back on the top of your game in a couple of weeks after your body has had time to adjust.
K.
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