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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by GaryRN on June 26, 2007, at 13:52:35
I started on 10mg of Lexapro 12 days ago for Anxiety/Depression. I have suffered from anxiety for years, but always under control with Klonopin and Serzone. I'm 38 and recently lost my brother to cancer who was 39. On the 7th day of Lexapro, I experienced the worst panic attack I ever had x 10 in severity with crazy crying spells out of nowhere. I became breathless which I never experienced. On day 8 and 9, the same thing happened. I went to the ER on day 8 thinking I had a pulmonary embolism, but nothing found. I skipped my 10mg dose on day 9 and decreased dose to 5mg on day 10. The severe anxiety continues but it is less and not making me so breathless. Can someone please tell me what is going on here and if this will let up and if so, when. I've quit SSRI's in the past due to severe flu like symptoms, Lexapro is the first one that hasn't caused this for me, but the anxiety is unbearable at times. I'm eating xanax like candy just to take the edge off, but even xanax is working that well, when it always has in the past. My mood is better right now, the crying spells are gone, but the anxiety persists and a little strange feeling in my head. One more thing, my pupils were almost as big as my entire eye on the bad days, and are now back to normal. I only took 2.5mg this morning an noticed the increased anxiety within an hour of taking it. ??????????????????? Help Please !!!!!!
Posted by lymom3 on June 26, 2007, at 14:59:48
In reply to Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by GaryRN on June 26, 2007, at 13:52:35
The more you think about the anxiety the worse it is too. It does go away if you give it the time. You can start at 2.5mg and go up very slowly. You might be overly susceptible to side effects right now. Many SSRI's will increase your anxiety for a bit before it gets better. I have had fantastic success with Lexapro.
Good luck.
Posted by BabyBunny on June 26, 2007, at 15:35:52
In reply to Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by GaryRN on June 26, 2007, at 13:52:35
Hi Gary. I am so sorry you had to go through this nightmare! I can really empathize as I too went through something almost identical from only 2.5mg of Lexapro a week ago. I hope and will say a prayer that you are better and continue to heal.
All I can say is discontinue the Lexapro immediately! If you're sensitive to SSRI's (or even other meds) or Bipolar, you can and likely will continue to get worse if you remain on this medication. I know this from experience as I have tried this med a few times and this last time literally pushed me over the edge and after experiencing 1 wonderful day on it, I relapsed the next day and had one of the worst days of my life and went pretty much crazy. No joke.
This happened the last time I took Lexapro too. Only last time the day after wasn't as bad. It took me a while to remember this, but I do now as I have stopped taking Depakote and I am regaining my memory and becoming "me" again. :)(Yea!)
Anyway, I would HIGHLY suggest discontinuing the Lexapro and seeking another medication. From what I have read, of the SSRI's Lexapro is the strongest (or maybe 2nd only to Luvox) and Prozac is the weakest.
Personally I liked Zoloft at 25-50mg BUT I couldn't cry on it and it was really weird! I have taken ALL the SSRI's, Trazodone, Effexor and Cymbalta and Prozac actually wasn't too bad just so long as I only took 10mg a day or less and was on plenty of Xanax.
I wouldn't suggest Effexor as it's hell coming off of (although I also found Zoloft and Paxil to be hard as well) and also I didn't ever want to do anything on Effexor. Absolutely NO motivation. But then again I have found most of these meds do that to me. And there's no way I can take the high doses they wanted me to take!
I can say the 1st time I tried Cymbalta was after the 1st time I tried Lexapro and I noticed a calm feeling right after taking it. It worked well except it did make me less motivated and I know I gained weight on it.
I'm sorry to ramble but I don't know if you've ever tried anything else and am just typing whatever is coming to mind. I feel like I've woken up from a long nap after being on Depakote for so long. All I can say is I will never take that again!
I would give your body a break from the antidepressants and try to stabilize before trying a new med. Also is there a chance you're Bipolar? Because supposedly I am (starting to wonder whether or not I really am) and I reacted just like you to Lexapro. And I know how bad it is. I feel so bad for you! :(
Please take good care and just stick with your Xanax for a while. Also I would get back to the Doctor soon. I don't recall if you said you saw a General Doc or a Psychiatrist. But maybe you should see a specialist although personally I haven't had any help with them but then again I am a quote extremely difficult and complex case unquote. LOL
I hope you feel better soon! And I hope my rambling helped you in some way. I will also say a prayer for you. Take care of yourself!
Hugs,
Baby Bunny> I started on 10mg of Lexapro 12 days ago for Anxiety/Depression. I have suffered from anxiety for years, but always under control with Klonopin and Serzone. I'm 38 and recently lost my brother to cancer who was 39. On the 7th day of Lexapro, I experienced the worst panic attack I ever had x 10 in severity with crazy crying spells out of nowhere. I became breathless which I never experienced. On day 8 and 9, the same thing happened. I went to the ER on day 8 thinking I had a pulmonary embolism, but nothing found. I skipped my 10mg dose on day 9 and decreased dose to 5mg on day 10. The severe anxiety continues but it is less and not making me so breathless. Can someone please tell me what is going on here and if this will let up and if so, when. I've quit SSRI's in the past due to severe flu like symptoms, Lexapro is the first one that hasn't caused this for me, but the anxiety is unbearable at times. I'm eating xanax like candy just to take the edge off, but even xanax is working that well, when it always has in the past. My mood is better right now, the crying spells are gone, but the anxiety persists and a little strange feeling in my head. One more thing, my pupils were almost as big as my entire eye on the bad days, and are now back to normal. I only took 2.5mg this morning an noticed the increased anxiety within an hour of taking it. ??????????????????? Help Please !!!!!!
Posted by BabyBunny on June 26, 2007, at 15:49:26
In reply to Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by GaryRN on June 26, 2007, at 13:52:35
P.S. I am so sorry about your Brother. Gosh I can only imagine what you're going through. Please try to be strong!
Hugs,
Baby Bunny> I started on 10mg of Lexapro 12 days ago for Anxiety/Depression. I have suffered from anxiety for years, but always under control with Klonopin and Serzone. I'm 38 and recently lost my brother to cancer who was 39. On the 7th day of Lexapro, I experienced the worst panic attack I ever had x 10 in severity with crazy crying spells out of nowhere. I became breathless which I never experienced. On day 8 and 9, the same thing happened. I went to the ER on day 8 thinking I had a pulmonary embolism, but nothing found. I skipped my 10mg dose on day 9 and decreased dose to 5mg on day 10. The severe anxiety continues but it is less and not making me so breathless. Can someone please tell me what is going on here and if this will let up and if so, when. I've quit SSRI's in the past due to severe flu like symptoms, Lexapro is the first one that hasn't caused this for me, but the anxiety is unbearable at times. I'm eating xanax like candy just to take the edge off, but even xanax is working that well, when it always has in the past. My mood is better right now, the crying spells are gone, but the anxiety persists and a little strange feeling in my head. One more thing, my pupils were almost as big as my entire eye on the bad days, and are now back to normal. I only took 2.5mg this morning an noticed the increased anxiety within an hour of taking it. ??????????????????? Help Please !!!!!!
Posted by linkadge on June 26, 2007, at 16:00:23
In reply to Re: Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety » GaryRN, posted by BabyBunny on June 26, 2007, at 15:35:52
I am guessing that serzone is no longer an option for you?
You may have sucess with trazodone (cousin of serzone) plus a lower dose of SSRI.
Linkadge
Posted by chiron on June 26, 2007, at 20:34:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by linkadge on June 26, 2007, at 16:00:23
Sorry about your brother and your situation.
I have been depressed forever, but it seems like I only developed extreme anxiety after a brief trial of Neurontin. I know it is an unrelated drug to SSRIs, but it is weird how everyone is different.
It has been about 2 months, and my anxiety has improved somewhat. I think it helped when I started taking the long-acting xanax (in case you aren't already). And then I have the short-acting ones on hand for emergencies.
Best wishes. Anxiety f'n sucks!
Posted by Phillipa on June 26, 2007, at 21:44:26
In reply to Re: Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by chiron on June 26, 2007, at 20:34:56
Funny as I was just about to take the plunge into lexapro have tried serzone and on luvox now. The serzone wasn't so bad. Believe it or not what was bad was long acting xanax and I got the real one very exensive and 3mg twice a day. Got off it back to luvox and valium. Now I know someone on this thread is waiting for my response no I haven't changed my mind. So Mom are you happy . I told you I would try the lexapro and will.
I think the extream axiety you're experiencing is part of Elizabeth Kubler Ross's reaction to dying. I'm so sorry for you. Grieve and go through the process as your body dictates as there is no wrong or right way to grieve. And the stages switch back and forth. I'm so sorry for you and your Brother. I'm sure he was a fighter and I bet you are too. But right now let yourself just be. Love Phillipa
Posted by Fivefires on June 26, 2007, at 23:25:48
In reply to Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by GaryRN on June 26, 2007, at 13:52:35
I'm so sorry for your loss Gary.
All SSRIs have heightened my anxiety. I've had to take a benzo w/ them.
I had a grief that all spilled out huge a year later. I felt a calm, then a storm in the form of hyperventilating and lifelessness, the strength just leaving my body. Are u feeling a pressure sensation in the top back of your head? I got this w/ hyperventilating. It was finally relieved when given Valium.
I stayed on Valium for at least a year. I've switched to Xanax 2mg 3x a day. If I miss a dose, I'll begin to shake tremendously. Or, I'll have a severe panic attack.
I think there is some sense to having a fast acting benzo alongside a slow, like Klonopin and Xanax, or even Valium and Xanax, although my Pdoc will not allow me it. I switched to Xanax thinking it would be less sedating than Valium. But, currently I've become very depressed, needing to pick another drug as on only Xanax.
I've also heard the long-acting Xanax is good, but unable to try due to finances.
Whatever u do, stay on your benzo til see Pdoc and discuss the long ones and slow ones.
It's late and I might could have said more to help, but am feeling fatigued. Hope UR better and getting all the help you need.
Again, so very, very sorry for your loss.
5f
Posted by BabyBunny on June 27, 2007, at 9:47:29
In reply to Re: Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by Fivefires on June 26, 2007, at 23:25:48
Wow! Where is everyone finding Docotor's to give them more than 3mg of Xanax per day? I know I sure can't! :( I have a hard time even finding a Docotor who will continue me on that amount.
Posted by BabyBunny on June 27, 2007, at 9:49:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by chiron on June 26, 2007, at 20:34:56
I totally agree with Chiron. I have had good luck with Xanax XR and an "Emergency Stash" of regular Xanax for severe breakthrough anxiety/panic.
I hope and pray you're better! Please let us know how you are. I'm concerned as I'm sure we all are.
Take care and have a great week!
Hugs,
Baby Bunny> Sorry about your brother and your situation.
> I have been depressed forever, but it seems like I only developed extreme anxiety after a brief trial of Neurontin. I know it is an unrelated drug to SSRIs, but it is weird how everyone is different.
> It has been about 2 months, and my anxiety has improved somewhat. I think it helped when I started taking the long-acting xanax (in case you aren't already). And then I have the short-acting ones on hand for emergencies.
> Best wishes. Anxiety f'n sucks!
Posted by Fivefires on June 27, 2007, at 10:11:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by BabyBunny on June 27, 2007, at 9:47:29
Yeah .. It's quite a bit, I know. My P takes 'the breakdown I had' and 'repeated panic attacks' into consideration I think. For this I'm grateful, but yet, I wish he had time to look into my underlying depression. I wonder if it goes back to my appearance. I'm used to putting on this air of having it altogether. (I think I learned to 'behave as if' from my fam of origin.) Anyway, so, wonder if Pdoc doesn't see me as being as ill as I am? Should I not shower, leave the Payday stuck between my two front teeth, and go in my sweat pants, shuffling, to my appt, or what?
(I'm afraid I'm going to get my feelings hurt today because I just read my horoscope. Oh dear.) Hope it's not going to be this new Pdoc seeing this morn'.
I hope there isn't someone here suffering from as much anxiety as I whom isn't being allowed enough relief.
bestwishes2all, 5f
Posted by Fivefires on June 27, 2007, at 10:33:46
In reply to Re: Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by Fivefires on June 27, 2007, at 10:11:52
I second the motion. Xanax-XR is better, I believe. I only tried because paid full price once.
Also, I think the brand name may be 'smoother'. The generic I have goes down hard, and, having taken the brand b4, I can feel 'the inferiority of the product' STS.
My Pdoc refuses two benzos, a slow and fast, as I inquired about the option. I think it can be a good one though.
Oh Jeez. I sound like 'a know it all'. Apologize. I think I'm nervous about my appt. No, I know I am. Whoops, I did it again!
Ok, I'm shutting up. Need to find some sweats(?) and get grounded.
My thoughts are with you Gary.
5f
Posted by BabyBunny on June 27, 2007, at 14:28:51
In reply to Re: Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by Fivefires on June 27, 2007, at 10:11:52
Gosh you and I sound like twins! LOL I mean about how I always go in acting all respectable and stuff when really I sit around all lazed out for days (although that's vastly improving since stopping Depakote and I upped my own dose of Xanax XR to 4mg a day - 1mg/4x day). I have accomplished more this week than I have in A LONG TIME!
And yes there are MANY of us not getting the treatment we need for anxiety. I happen to be one of them. I am going to see a Psychiatrist who doesn't take ANY insurance (which I do have) in hopes of getting help.
The thing is she does have a place where she does take my insurance, but since I have seen her associate and had NO LUCK with her, they said I can't see the other Doctor. Stupid. So now I have to pay $225 instead of $30 for my initial consultation this Friday. BUT there are ALREADY advantages...
For one her Private Practice is literally less than 5 minutes from my home. Secondly, I can get in this week instead of a month or more. But other than that, I have yet to see if there are any benefits. I just hope she's better than her associate at the other place! And also I had better get a true initial evaluation for that kind of money cuz I know I didn't when I went through insurance with her associate! It was a joke!
I am really sorry you are going through so much anxiety. I really am as I can really empathize. I've been going through this my whole life (I'm 34) and I'm so tired of trying to get help and getting half-*ssed healthcare! Forgive my french but it's ridiculous!
I hope and will again pray that you get the relief you deserve and need. Take good care of yourself and I hope your day improves.
Hugs,
Baby Bunny
> Yeah .. It's quite a bit, I know. My P takes 'the breakdown I had' and 'repeated panic attacks' into consideration I think. For this I'm grateful, but yet, I wish he had time to look into my underlying depression. I wonder if it goes back to my appearance. I'm used to putting on this air of having it altogether. (I think I learned to 'behave as if' from my fam of origin.) Anyway, so, wonder if Pdoc doesn't see me as being as ill as I am? Should I not shower, leave the Payday stuck between my two front teeth, and go in my sweat pants, shuffling, to my appt, or what?
>
> (I'm afraid I'm going to get my feelings hurt today because I just read my horoscope. Oh dear.) Hope it's not going to be this new Pdoc seeing this morn'.
>
> I hope there isn't someone here suffering from as much anxiety as I whom isn't being allowed enough relief.
>
> bestwishes2all, 5f
Posted by BabyBunny on June 27, 2007, at 14:31:38
In reply to Re: Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by Fivefires on June 27, 2007, at 10:33:46
I get My Xanax XR from My Psychiatrist of the moment (as I have yet to find a really good one) and the regular Xanax from My General Doctor, but I ONLY use that when I HAVE to. So it does last months.
Good luck everyone! Gosh I feel so bad for you all! :( I just ope and pray everyone gets some help!
*hugs*
> I second the motion. Xanax-XR is better, I believe. I only tried because paid full price once.
>
> Also, I think the brand name may be 'smoother'. The generic I have goes down hard, and, having taken the brand b4, I can feel 'the inferiority of the product' STS.
>
> My Pdoc refuses two benzos, a slow and fast, as I inquired about the option. I think it can be a good one though.
>
> Oh Jeez. I sound like 'a know it all'. Apologize. I think I'm nervous about my appt. No, I know I am. Whoops, I did it again!
>
> Ok, I'm shutting up. Need to find some sweats(?) and get grounded.
>
> My thoughts are with you Gary.
>
> 5f
Posted by Fivefires on June 27, 2007, at 19:32:25
In reply to Re: Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety » Fivefires, posted by BabyBunny on June 27, 2007, at 14:28:51
>Gosh you and I sound like twins! LOL I mean about how I always go in acting all respectable and stuff when really I sit around all lazed out for days>
>ROFL! It's funny because now when we see someone like us whom 'appears to have it all together', we can imagine them at home slouching on the couch stuffing in Pringles or Paydays!
But, no, the anxiety isn't funny. It is crippling. So best wishes w/ it and the finances involved.
TakeCare, 5f
Posted by ttee on July 1, 2007, at 10:07:26
In reply to Re: Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by Fivefires on June 27, 2007, at 10:11:52
I went through a year of similiar with various dose of Lexapro or Celexa. Lexapro is probably good for Depression and GAD, but I don't think it cuts the panic disorder as well as some of the other meds that are instead FDA approved for Panic Disorder. Lexapro failed clinical trials for Panic Disorder. From my personal experience, I can see why. For me, the increased side effects of some of the other Panic approved meds is worth it to keep the panic under control. It seems that the reason Lexapro is often used these days is that it is the only SSRI that is still in patent and has drug reps pushing it on the docs and buying their offices meals.
Posted by Phillipa on July 1, 2007, at 20:32:33
In reply to Re: Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by ttee on July 1, 2007, at 10:07:26
I've heard great things about lexapro. Soon as my thyroid gets straightened out I am seriously thinking of trying it again tried years ago but my chemistry is different now. Love Phillipa
Posted by Fivefires on July 2, 2007, at 14:50:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by ttee on July 1, 2007, at 10:07:26
When u say 'in patent' ttee, do you mean there haven't been any generics made yet?
tks, 5f
Posted by Phillipa on July 2, 2007, at 21:42:26
In reply to Re: Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by Fivefires on July 2, 2007, at 14:50:22
Five Fires they hold the name lexapro is theirs only and it's not available in generic as it is still patent covered for a certain amount of years then it will be generic like celexa. Love Phillipa
Posted by Fivefires on July 3, 2007, at 0:12:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety » Fivefires, posted by Phillipa on July 2, 2007, at 21:42:26
Tks Phillipa
5f
Posted by surviving on July 3, 2007, at 0:29:49
In reply to Re: Lexapro landed me in the ER...Need help on Anxiety, posted by Fivefires on July 3, 2007, at 0:12:56
Gary,
I'm sorry for your loss. Sometimes we don't even realize how much stress that can create.
I battled cancer 6 yrs ago ( and won, thank God) but ended up with acute anxiety. It took 3 anti's plus 6 ml daily of Xanax to get me intact. Recently my regular doc wanted me to switch from Xanax to Lexapro, so he tapered me down to 1 ml Xanax and added 10 mg Lexapro. I slept 24/7 for 6 wks. solid....could not function at all. Had to stop the lexapro...hated it. Round up back with my psych doc and he upped the Xanax and added wellbutrin, but I'm still having problems with anxiety. I start to shake all over when it's time for a Xanax. I'm supposed to start adding celexa tomorrow. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but we'll see.
Hope this was helpful. I think some people just don't do well on lexapro and there are plenty other benzos to try, so good luck to you. Hope you find one that works. Let me know when you do.
Have you tried Ativan? I've considered it.
surviving
This is the end of the thread.
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