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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by vail on February 14, 2003, at 0:51:33
Hi,
Here is an introduction to myself: I think I have been depressed for the last 2 years. I always brushed it off as nothing much, nothing more than having the blues and I will start feeling better soon…This has been the cycle for the last 2 years…On the good days (which don’t happen very often anyways) , I wake up and I tell myself that there is so much out there and I should go out and make the most of my life….However, most of the time, I just feel so alone…like I’m disconnected from the world, disconnected from my family and friends who are trying hard to get to me…
2 months ago,I began having pretty severe insomnia. I just feel like I’ve turned into stone, I’m numb, nothing seems to affect me. I can’t even cry. I really want to have a good cry and be able to let it all out, but I just can’t. Does anyone feel this way?
The silly thing is that I can cry while watching movies on tv but I cant when it comes to my emotional issues.Then, I finally mustered up the courage to see a therapist and decided to seek help i.e. find out if I have depression or simply having a case of the blues? I spilled my guts out to her…it felt strange telling this total stranger all your most intimate thoughts but I forced myself to. She said it was my decision on whether to go for talk therapy, SSRIs or both and asked me to think about it. About a month passed, I was hesitant to go back as I felt a little better and read up a lot on depression (ie.. How it is over-diagnosed and the risks and effects of taking med…) . I decided to take a healthy approach to living. I started exercising and eating healthy. I did feel ok for a week or so. However, the insomnia still persists and I’m beginning to feel depressed again, almost like there is a cloud over me again. And so I decided to go back to see the therapist again.
I saw the therapist today.She gave me a 2 week sample of Lexapro 10mg. My question now is:…I’m sorry if this sounds like a stupid question but do you think I have depression or can I just snap out of this?
Should I go on Lexapro, do you think I need it? How does it compare with the other Ads I would really appreciate any advice. Thank you.Sincerely,
Vail
Posted by allnatural on February 14, 2003, at 17:24:51
In reply to Should I go on Medicaton (Lexapro)?, posted by vail on February 14, 2003, at 0:51:33
I began Lexapro about 2 weeks ago. I have found it to be very successful with one draw back - low energy. Remember, however everyone is different. It took me four medications to find this one and even with it my energy level is not as high as I think it should be.
I am beginning an exercise program in hopes of off-setting the low energy and would suggest you continue the exercise you've started. Our mind and body are marvelously made. It's striking the right balance in our daily lives that is the key. Only your doctor will no what is best for you.
Posted by Kathii on February 14, 2003, at 22:12:40
In reply to Should I go on Medicaton (Lexapro)?, posted by vail on February 14, 2003, at 0:51:33
Hi Vail,
Insomnia is a sign of depression. After 2 years I doubt it is something you can 'snap out of'. Personally, I would continue the talk therapy, to see if there were any events that brought the depression on. You probably won't see a change after only 2 weeks of Lexapro, so don't let that discourage you (and feel free to start with 5mg - 1/2 tablet - for a few days to start). I've been taking the Lexapro in the evening, and have been sleeping much better. I also take .5mg of Xanax before bed - you may want to ask if you can take something to help you sleep.
2 years is too long to be depressed. Please give the therapy and meds a chance, and let us know how you're doing.
Kathi
Posted by Questionmark on February 14, 2003, at 23:58:39
In reply to Should I go on Medicaton (Lexapro)?, posted by vail on February 14, 2003, at 0:51:33
You probably are depressed-- i mean, if you feel you're depressed then you probably are, right? But i would advise against starting the Lexapro. SSRIs like Lexapro usually make one more apathetic and unable to cry and feel emotion-- something you already seem to be having a problem with. Also, they might work for awhile and then gradually do nothing more than make you feel empty, and then by that time you're addicted to the drug and can't go off without a (sometimes long) period of withdrawal. Look into it. Withdrawal is very underestimated when it comes to SSRIs (and other antideps. probably). Sorry to be a pessimist, but i think i'm right. (i was on Paxil for 2 years, btw.) Good luck.
Posted by bozeman on February 15, 2003, at 0:28:38
In reply to Re: Should I go on Medicaton (Lexapro)?, posted by Questionmark on February 14, 2003, at 23:58:39
Then again, there are folks like me, who were numb, grey and apathetic, sleepless, depressed, and Lexapro sets us free, gives us our lives back. Once again, it's a situation of never knowing how an individual will respond to a medication.
Vail, talk to your doctor about your concerns. S/he is in the best position, knowing your medical history better, to judge what is the best course of action for you. Personally I sat and looked at the prescription bottle every night for a week before I took the first dose. My trepidation was genuine, like yours, but in my case, unfounded. After several weeks on the medication I was as well as I'd ever been in my life -- with the exception of my life-long insomnia being resolved, so what I thought was drug-side-effect sleepiness, is actually just a result of honestly needing seven or eight hours of sleep, instead of the four to five I'd been lucky to get (and my life was arranged to accomodate.) Some re-arranging of my life so I can sleep 7 uninterrupted hours, and I'm a very much improved, stable camper.
Best of luck to you. Your symptoms definitely sound like depression to me, but I'm not a doctor, just a fellow sufferer. Let us know how it goes, OK?
bozeman
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