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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Simus on March 6, 2004, at 23:51:57
In reply to RE; simus, posted by mystic on March 6, 2004, at 18:15:38
Mystic,
I have suffered from depression and OCD, undiagnosed though, since early childhood. (I am now 42 - wife and mom of two.) About 9 years ago, severe anxiety and panic attacks started and I had no choice but to get medical help. I have been on Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, and now Lexapro, along with Xanax.
In November, my doctor switched me from 300mg Effexor to 10mg Lexapro. It was soon clear that this was not enough, so I went to 15mg and then to 20mg. In the mean time, I went through withdrawal symptoms as I reduced the Effexor dosage. Also during this time, for insomnia my doctor tried me on Seroquel (?). After 3 days, I became virtually mentally disabled. It took almost two weeks to recover from that fiasco. Then my doctor wanted to try me on Xanax XR. (Why, I don't know, and I didn't even ask! I took Xanax nightly for sleep and didn't have any problems with it, other than it lost some of it's effectiveness with time.) So I took the Xanax XR, slept a lot, and walked around in a fog when I was up. I insisted that he put me back on the regular Xanax, but by the time I got it a month had passed and I realized I had become addicted to the the XR. So I had to break that addiction.
That was the long way around the block to tell you I am on 20mg Lexapro and 1mg Xanax. And I don't care how bad I feel (and I do feel bad), I told my doctor I WILL NOT be making any more medicine adjustments for a while.
I have had to take a medical leave because trying to work through this mess was proving impossible. If I was able to drag myself in, the chances of being able to concentrate or even remember what someone said a few minutes earlier was slim.
So, yes, I do understand bad days, and I wish I had answers to help you all on the board. The posts absolutely break my heart, because I have been and am there. And I do care, but I feel so helpless for either you or myself.
God bless you all,
Simus
Posted by KathrynLex on March 7, 2004, at 1:14:53
In reply to Re: RE; simus, posted by Simus on March 6, 2004, at 23:51:57
Hi Simus,
Your story is both tragic and inspiring. The nightmare of so many med adjustments must have been devastating and I'm sorry you had to go through it. You've had a very difficult time, yet managed to continue being a wife and mother. It must take a lot of strength and courage, I admire that. I genuinely hope you find some peace and happiness in your life.
K.
Posted by Simus on March 7, 2004, at 2:27:59
In reply to Re: RE; simus » Simus, posted by KathrynLex on March 7, 2004, at 1:14:53
>I genuinely hope you find some peace and happiness in your life.
Thank you. That is my prayer for all of you too.
Posted by wantinfo on March 7, 2004, at 7:50:21
In reply to Re: bad day here too :( » wantinfo, posted by KathrynLex on March 6, 2004, at 18:14:32
hi k...i have been feeling totally out of it and spaced for about a week...i actually won't get my period this month bc i accidentally started my birth control pills a week early but this would be the week i'd have it. as i said i was on paxil 20mg for about 8 years and it was working up until the very end...i am now in my 4th week of 10mg lex and still feel this way. i havent felt "normal" since i started lex but this week was noticeably worse...i felt like i was losing my mind! i do take .25 xanax once or twice a day but yesterday i was so bad it barely seemed to help. i did have a few drinks while i was out with my boyfriend last night and that did seem to make me feel better (great huh). i just want this to pass! it's like i don't trust my own mind.
Posted by wantinfo on March 7, 2004, at 7:52:05
In reply to Re: bad day here too :(, posted by sexylexy on March 6, 2004, at 19:00:34
hey lexy...your spacey, looking in feeling went away? after how long? like i said i am in my 4th week...i did weird things like i said, started my birth control pill packet accidentally a week early and wore those 2 diff shoes the other day last week. i feel like i'm losing it...i feel like i don't trust my own mind :( thank you for your support...i just want to be myself again...emily
Posted by mystic on March 7, 2004, at 9:31:25
In reply to Re: RE; simus, posted by Simus on March 6, 2004, at 23:51:57
Simus....First of all Thank you so much for sharing I do realize that was probably pretty hard to write...and you did it to help people...I'm so sorry that you are having such a hard time also..I know that reading the posts gives us all hope that someday this will work and we will feel better...and right now just a little better would be good...K was right you should be proud of the things that you are able to do..taking care of your children...as I mentioned in an earlier post I have started reading a book The Feeling Good Handbook by David Burns..and it does have some very intesting things in it that really make you think...Are you getting any therapy? I'm beginning to realize the two meds and therapy might go together..that is what I will be trying to find for myself on Monday that might help...You are definately in my prayers and I hope that today is a better day for all...Take good care of youself..and Thank you so much for sharing I sense that it isnt easy for you...Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 7, 2004, at 9:35:39
In reply to Re: bad day here too :( » KathrynLex, posted by wantinfo on March 7, 2004, at 7:50:21
Good morning Emily....I hope that you feel better today...I feel about the same but am hopeful..going to drag myself to the gym and work out then get out in the sunshine which happens to be making an appearance today...Just remember you are not alone we are all there with you praying and hoping that today will be a good day...Take care Mystic
Posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 11:13:02
In reply to Re: bad day here too :(, posted by wantinfo on March 7, 2004, at 7:52:05
Emily,
It took like 5 or 6 weeks for it to go away. A big thing I noticed is that some of the crazy things I was doing are things I had probably done before or would not have thought much of if I did not have this anxiety. Remember your mind is so consumed with a constant self check "how am I feeling" "how am I doing" "do i feel like hurting myself" "can other people tell I'm depressed" ect to infinity. Some of your craziness is due to the spacey feeling however, I know for me, looking back I am able to see that it was for the most part me being so hyper concerned about my feelings each second that I was not paying attention to the things that I used to, ie my makeup, my homework (Im in graduate school, and I would like forget my books for class). I promise there is nothing wrong with you. It will go away, try to keep yourself busy with other things so your not so self consumed (not in a concided way but in a self help way). You will get past this, and if it makes you feel any better, I was so worried that I was going nutts that I called my pdoc and she said that 40%/50% of people get that feeling...I guess we were the lucky ones. Emily, you will get though it!
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 11:20:42
In reply to Re: RE; simus, posted by Simus on March 6, 2004, at 23:51:57
Simus,
What a story, May the Lord bless you and keep you may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his conternence upon you and bring you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26.
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 11:25:07
In reply to Thank you Lexy, posted by mystic on March 6, 2004, at 16:46:21
Hey Mystic,
I have heard really good things about the Feeling Good Handbook, there is also a workbook that goes along with it which is supposed to be great. We just ordered the workbook for the counseling center where I work, I am really looking foward to using it with some of my clients ( I won't lie, I plan on copying some of it and using it on myself!). You may want to get the set...?
Lexy
Posted by mystic on March 7, 2004, at 11:59:38
In reply to Re: RE; simus, posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 11:20:42
May the Lord bless you and keep you may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his conternence upon you and bring you peace.
Lexy that is just beautiful..thanks for sharing...Your an angel....I think that I have the workbook it is very very long..and it has all kinds of things to do in it..I know that there was a book at first then he came out with the workbook and that is what I have...going to read some more today..but it is really nice out today so going to get out for a bit..went to the gym and knock on wood feel pretty good...thanks Mystic
Posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 12:57:40
In reply to RE: Lexy, posted by mystic on March 7, 2004, at 11:59:38
Great to hear mystic... it is wonderful to hear you feeling even the least bit better!
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 13:02:07
In reply to RE: Lexy, posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 12:57:40
Hey Guys!
I am starting to take my multi vitamin, fish oil and b complex. Have you all had any occurance of the vitamins making lex work not as well. I really do not know much about this. I want to take my vitamins so I can regain some energy.. I have been a sleeping fool this weekend. I just wondered if the vitamins could have an adverse effect on the lex and when you all take them.. together, before after whatever your lexapro.
Thanks guy!!
Lexy
Posted by BobYuma on March 7, 2004, at 14:50:17
In reply to Vitamins and Lexapro, posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 13:02:07
> Hey Guys! I am starting to take my multi vitamin, fish oil and b complex. Have you all had any occurance of the vitamins making lex work not as well. I really do not know much about this. I want to take my vitamins so I can regain some energy. I have been a sleeping fool this weekend. I just wondered if the vitamins could have an adverse effect on the lex and when you all take them.. together, before after whatever your lexapro. Thanks guy!! Lexy
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi, Lexy.
I was already taking lots of vitamins when I started on Lexapro, and as far as I could tell, they didn't have any adverse effects. I take the vitamins throughout the day, and the Lex I take at bedtime.
Of course, I wouldn't know if starting vitamins after you're already taking Lex would make a difference or not, but I honestly don't think it would.
Take care and God Bless.
BobYuma
Posted by mystic on March 7, 2004, at 14:59:37
In reply to Re: Vitamins and Lexapro - Lexy, posted by BobYuma on March 7, 2004, at 14:50:17
Hey guys...I was just wondering if anyone has a problem with energy on Lexapro and if this is a side effect that goes away in time...I have the hardest time just getting through the day not to mention an arobics class..went to the gym this morning and I had no energy to lift weights and noticed that the amount of weight is less than I usually do...Didnt know if this would go away with time...Been on the Lex for 5 weeks tomorrow....thanks Mystic
Posted by simus on March 7, 2004, at 16:57:51
In reply to Re: RE; simus, posted by mystic on March 7, 2004, at 9:31:25
Thank you for your kind words. No, I have never had therapy per se, but my Pdoc keeps close tabs on events in my life. But both he and I see this as purely a chemical imbalance, so he doesn't spend much time on talk therapy. Thank you for caring about me. :)
Posted by simus on March 7, 2004, at 17:03:12
In reply to Re: RE; simus, posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 11:20:42
> Simus,
> What a story, May the Lord bless you and keep you may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his conternence upon you and bring you peace.
> Numbers 6:24-26.
> LexyOh, God bless you. That is absolutely one of my favorite scriptures! It always makes me smile.
Posted by simus on March 7, 2004, at 17:28:10
In reply to Vitamins and Lexapro, posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 13:02:07
Lexy,
Have you checked out the P-B Alternative section? They will be able to help you more. I don't think that any supplements will make Lexapro any less effective. However, you do have to be careful with adding supplements. If a chemical imbalance is the cause of the problems that originally caused you to take ADs, then you could potentially make the imbalance worse with the wrong supplements. For instance, if your body is too high in copper, and your multi-vitamin has copper, it could make you feel worse. Be careful with the B complexes too. Some people react negatively to folic acid.
I don't want to scare you away from supplements, because I really believe that the right ones for your body can make a night and day difference. Just be careful. I just got the book "Mood Cure" by Julia Ross (excellent), and I am in the process of figuring out which supplements will help me.
Good luck.
Posted by mrs c on March 7, 2004, at 21:04:22
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy » mrs c, posted by sexylexy on March 6, 2004, at 16:08:23
HI Lexy,
Ideally, I would like to become an elementary counselor. It seems out of reach for me though because of my age and needing so much more schooling. It's up in the air right now. I'm just taking it one credit at a time. I really enjoy working with children, especially special ed kids. I am lucky enough to be able to do that now in my job as a teachers aide but would like to take it further. Anyway thanks for your encouragement.Hope you are feeling well today. I plan to begin my 15mg dosage tomorrow night and will be looking for support. I know that you recently began that dosage. How long has it been now? Do you notice anything different?
I also have an appointment with a clinical social worker on Friday and can't wait! It's long overdue. Bye for now. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 7, 2004, at 21:15:09
In reply to Re: RE; simus, posted by Simus on March 6, 2004, at 23:51:57
Wow Simus, I feel really horrible that you are going through such rough times. I respect you for being so honest with all of us. I know that can be difficult. You don't have to feel that you need to have all the answers. I know for myself, just typing things that I am feeling helps alot. If I get a reply, great. If I can help someone else in the same boat, even better. Most of us on this board are going through similar transitions in our lives and it's good to know that we are not alone. Bye for now. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 7, 2004, at 21:17:43
In reply to Vitamins and Lexapro, posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 13:02:07
Lexy, I take all of the vitamins that you mentioned in the am with breakfast. I take my lex in the evening. I have absolutely no idea if it has any bearing on the effectiveness of lex. Let us know if you find out anything. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 7, 2004, at 21:22:49
In reply to RE: energy level, posted by mystic on March 7, 2004, at 14:59:37
Hi Mystic,
I really didn't notice an increase in my energy level until week 6. When it hits you will notice! I went on a cleaning and organization frenzy!As far as decreased energy in the beginning, I definetly had that! After work I would just sit in my chair and dose while watching TV. Many household chores suffered during those first weeks on Lex. The fact that you even have the energy to make it to the gym impresses the hell out of me. Good girl. You are well on your way to improvement. You have all the tools, you just need to be patient a little longer. Praying for you every night along with all of my other lex buddies. Mrs. C
Posted by mystic on March 7, 2004, at 22:07:51
In reply to RE: energy level, posted by mrs c on March 7, 2004, at 21:22:49
Mrs C...Good to hear from you...I will say an extra prayer for you tonight as you begin your 15mgs..I have decided to wait just a little longer...Was depressed tonight and very wired I'm just really scared to up the dosage...3 weeks until the baby shower let me just get through that..I am also calling tomorrow for some much needed help in the counceling area..got a name of someone that is supposed to be good and will try to get in soon..as for your journey in that direction I wish you luck...I will be thinking of you tomorrow and will look for an update on how you feel tomorrow night...I'm very proud of you and you should be proud of yourself for taking that extra step...and Take very good care of yourself...Mystic
Posted by mrs c on March 7, 2004, at 22:11:07
In reply to RE: mrs. c, posted by mystic on March 7, 2004, at 22:07:51
Thanks and I'll talk to you tomorrow. Mrs. C
Posted by vandy on March 7, 2004, at 22:59:17
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy, posted by mrs c on March 7, 2004, at 21:04:22
Sweetie, go for it! The only time it's too late is when you're in a pine box.
> HI Lexy,
> Ideally, I would like to become an elementary counselor. It seems out of reach for me though because of my age and needing so much more schooling. It's up in the air right now. I'm just taking it one credit at a time. I really enjoy working with children, especially special ed kids. I am lucky enough to be able to do that now in my job as a teachers aide but would like to take it further. Anyway thanks for your encouragement.
>
> Hope you are feeling well today. I plan to begin my 15mg dosage tomorrow night and will be looking for support. I know that you recently began that dosage. How long has it been now? Do you notice anything different?
>
> I also have an appointment with a clinical social worker on Friday and can't wait! It's long overdue. Bye for now. Mrs. C
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