![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 5569 to 5593 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by Scribbler on December 24, 2003, at 14:11:28
In reply to Re: My six week check-up » Sapphira, posted by Journeyman on December 23, 2003, at 16:32:25
Greetings, Journeyman -- I'm the one who went to AZ over Thanksgiving and it was a great trip. No problems flying or dealing with relatives; everything was fine. Getting along wonderfully with Lexapro at 10 weeks and so relieved to be more relaxed...occasionally need 2.5 mg of Valium to deal with especially anxious moments but that's becoming less often, sometimes just a reaction to my old habit of depending on that to carry me through.
Happy Holidays to all who helped me get this far! I like this "new me," and could not have found her without your encouragement. May we all have a wonderful, peaceful New Year.
Posted by Forbidden on December 24, 2003, at 18:23:23
In reply to Re: Symptoms, posted by Mrs C. on December 23, 2003, at 21:32:27
Yes, it is good to hear from people in similar situations - that's for sure!
Every little symptom I get - upset stomach, lightheaded, etc.... I assume the worst, and go look it up on the Internet. This is a BIG mistake, because doing that can scare you even more - it's a horrible cycle.
I am on day 7 now of lex, and I think I am feeling a bit better, but still freak out sometimes.
Posted by Neatfreak on December 25, 2003, at 9:59:52
In reply to Re: Symptoms, posted by Forbidden on December 24, 2003, at 18:23:23
This is day 14 on Lexapro 10 mg, and somewhere beneath this fog of depression I see a ray of light
Posted by Sapphira on December 25, 2003, at 10:44:36
In reply to Re: My six week check-up » Journeyman, posted by Scribbler on December 24, 2003, at 14:11:28
thanks, scribbler, for clearing that up. i know i didn't go to AZ, but it would have been nice.
i haven't been posting lately as all of a sudden i quit getting posts. i had to confirm my e-mail addy and sort of re-register.
anyway, here i am. holding my own. i'm thinking that after the holidays i'll up my dosage to 7.5. life is too darn stressful. if it's not my mother, it's my husband!! when is someone going to take care of me!!??? instead i seem to be the caregiver and the person that is relied upon to be there. it's not easy.
hope everyone is enjoying their day.
sapphira
Posted by KathrynLex on December 25, 2003, at 15:40:51
In reply to Re: Lexapro side effects ? » LynneDa, posted by Neatfreak on December 24, 2003, at 12:23:01
I have found that it really helps to take lex at the same time every day. I still experience some weird side effects, but at least I know when they are going to hit me. For example, I know that 2 hrs after I take the drug is when I'll begin to feel light headed and that lasts for about an hour etc...
Posted by KathrynLex on December 25, 2003, at 15:44:01
In reply to Re: Symptoms, posted by Forbidden on December 24, 2003, at 18:23:23
I'm on day 6 of 10 mg of Lex and have found that I still freak out a little bit too. From reading other posts it sounds like that goes away within a couple of weeks. It sounds like such a long time to wait, but I keep trying to tell myself that the time will fly by!
Posted by BobYuma on December 25, 2003, at 18:06:31
In reply to Fog, posted by Neatfreak on December 25, 2003, at 9:59:52
> This is day 14 on Lexapro 10 mg, and somewhere beneath this fog of depression I see a ray of light
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hello, Neatfreak.
I read what you wrote three times, and it became a greater joy each time I read it.
I'm on day 21 with Lexapro, and you can trust that the fog of depression has a very bright light beneath it.
My sincere hopes that your brighter days will arrive very, very soon.
BobYuma
Posted by BobYuma on December 25, 2003, at 18:12:12
In reply to Re: Lexapro side effects ?, posted by KathrynLex on December 25, 2003, at 15:40:51
> I have found that it really helps to take lex at the same time every day. I still experience some weird side effects, but at least I know when they are going to hit me. For example, I know that 2 hrs after I take the drug is when I'll begin to feel light headed and that lasts for about an hour etc...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hello, Kathryn.
I've discovered the same thing about Lex. I've also noticed that if I take Lex at night, just before I go to bed, I don't feel the SE's as bad. Maybe it has something to do with sleeping through the worst part. At any rate, most of my SE's are now gone at the end of the third week.
Best wishes, and Good luck to you.
BobYuma
Posted by Neatfreak on December 25, 2003, at 18:53:44
In reply to Re: Fog, posted by BobYuma on December 25, 2003, at 18:06:31
> > This is day 14 on Lexapro 10 mg, and somewhere beneath this fog of depression I see a ray of light
>
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> Hello, Neatfreak.
> I read what you wrote three times, and it became a greater joy each time I read it.
> I'm on day 21 with Lexapro, and you can trust that the fog of depression has a very bright light beneath it.
> My sincere hopes that your brighter days will arrive very, very soon.
> BobYuma
>Hi Bob:
Thanks for the words of support, I have learned much from these posts.
Thanks
Posted by Neatfreak on December 26, 2003, at 8:46:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro side effects ?, posted by KathrynLex on December 25, 2003, at 15:40:51
15th day on Lexapro and there are no side effects no head aches no light headiness not dizzy no upset stomach nothing. Not sure of the positive. Slept about 4 hours but it was a deep sleep, restful.. Could be the Lexapro or it could be the good conversation talked until midnight.
Posted by Mariposa on December 27, 2003, at 10:50:03
In reply to Lexapro side effects ?, posted by Neatfreak on December 26, 2003, at 8:46:21
Brief background - started Lex in Feb after years of fighting depression, PMDD, insomnia, and after a death in the family. We spent last Dec. moving into Mom-in-law's house to try to take better care of her, and then she went and passed away on my birthday as hubby and I tried to give her CPR while waiting on EMS...tuely TRAUMATIC! Currently @20mg. Work in retail, customer service.
X-mas time as we all know is the most hectic and stressful time for us in retail, VERY busy and lots of upset customers. And I got through it all with no customer complaints (on me). Was able to deal w/any problem with a smile and a good attitude, made a lot of people feel better, and got compliments on my *x-mas spirit*! What a difference when compared to last year when I had NO LEX and I was a miserable mess.
THANK YOU LEXAPRO for allowing me to get through this stressful time....I could NOT have done it without you!!!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everyone!~~~8|8
Posted by Neatfreak on December 27, 2003, at 11:22:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro - a TRUE test - and I passed!, posted by Mariposa on December 27, 2003, at 10:50:03
> Brief background - started Lex in Feb after years of fighting depression, PMDD, insomnia, and after a death in the family. We spent last Dec. moving into Mom-in-law's house to try to take better care of her, and then she went and passed away on my birthday as hubby and I tried to give her CPR while waiting on EMS...tuely TRAUMATIC! Currently @20mg. Work in retail, customer service.
>
> X-mas time as we all know is the most hectic and stressful time for us in retail, VERY busy and lots of upset customers. And I got through it all with no customer complaints (on me). Was able to deal w/any problem with a smile and a good attitude, made a lot of people feel better, and got compliments on my *x-mas spirit*! What a difference when compared to last year when I had NO LEX and I was a miserable mess.
>
> THANK YOU LEXAPRO for allowing me to get through this stressful time....I could NOT have done it without you!!!!
>
> HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everyone!~~~8|8Encouraging note that you posted i would say if you deal with unhappy customers and keep your attitude that positive,you are well on your way
Posted by Mrs C. on December 27, 2003, at 15:15:51
In reply to Re: Symptoms, posted by Forbidden on December 24, 2003, at 18:23:23
> Yes, it is good to hear from people in similar situations - that's for sure!
>
> Every little symptom I get - upset stomach, lightheaded, etc.... I assume the worst, and go look it up on the Internet. This is a BIG mistake, because doing that can scare you even more - it's a horrible cycle.
>
> I am on day 7 now of lex, and I think I am feeling a bit better, but still freak out sometimes.Hello, I was the same way, always thinking the worst. I seem better now but no strange symptoms have come up to worry about. We'll see when that happens. I feel much more relaxed though and that's a plus! Have a Happy New Year, you'll feel much better soon! You can always come to this board to help you through. Bye for now.
Posted by Mrs C. on December 27, 2003, at 15:17:38
In reply to Fog, posted by Neatfreak on December 25, 2003, at 9:59:52
> This is day 14 on Lexapro 10 mg, and somewhere beneath this fog of depression I see a ray of light
That's wonderful! That "ray of light" will get you to the other side.Hang in there.
Posted by Mrs C. on December 27, 2003, at 15:30:10
In reply to Re: Lexapro - a TRUE test - and I passed!, posted by Mariposa on December 27, 2003, at 10:50:03
Hi Mariposa,
I HAVE BEEN READING YOUR POSTS SINCE I BEGAN LEX ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. I AM SO HAPPY TO HEAR THAT YOU ARE FEELING BETTER. SORRY ABOUT YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW. MY HUBBY AND I ARE FACING A SIMILAR SITUATION WITH HIS MOM. SHE HAS HAD A STROKE AND CAN NO LONGER TAKE CARE OF HERSELF. SHE LIVES IN FLA AND WE LIVE IN NY SO TRYING TO TAKE CARE OF HER LONG DISTANCE HAS BEEN DIFFICULT. TO TOP IT OFF MY SISTER-IN-LAW IS IN A REHAB CENTER FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND IS FIGHTING US ALL THE WAY ABOUT WHAT IS RIGHT FOR MOM. IT REALLY HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE. IT'S THE STRESS FROM ALL OF THIS (ALONG WITH OTHER ISSUES THAT I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH FOR YEARS) THAT SENT ME TO MY DOC FOR HELP. LEX HAS REALLY MADE A DIFFERANCE IN MY STRESS LEVEL. THANK GOD! HOPE YOU DON'T MIND MY BABBLING ALONG BUT LEX HAS ALSO MADE ME MORE TALKATIVE. HA HA. BYE FOR NOW
Posted by Scribbler on December 27, 2003, at 16:16:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro - a TRUE test - and I passed!, posted by Mariposa on December 27, 2003, at 10:50:03
Mariposa, I couldn't have come this far without YOU! So glad you had a positive outcome from your Xmas "test." You have given incredible encouragement to so many of us on this board when we were crying out for help and daily support. Thanks for your little butterfly that faithfully gives us a smile and helps us find our own wings.
Posted by Anjul on December 27, 2003, at 18:03:35
In reply to Re: side effects of Lex, posted by Bali on December 20, 2003, at 9:03:46
I'll check it out. i can't take tylenol, but I'll look for the other. Actually, I went down to 5 mg lex, and have crashed really hard and low. I'm sleeping, tho! So, I went up to 7.5 and will try to hold here...its been 5 days on 7.5 and still no relief.
Anjul
Posted by Bali on December 27, 2003, at 18:51:14
In reply to Re: thanks, Bali, posted by Anjul on December 27, 2003, at 18:03:35
I'm sorry to hear of your distress, Anjul. I hope you find some relief soon. Bali
Posted by KathrynLex on December 27, 2003, at 19:24:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro - a TRUE test - and I passed!, posted by Mariposa on December 27, 2003, at 10:50:03
I am so glad to hear that you're making it through the holiday's because of Lex. How encouraging! If Lex can make it tolerable to put up with Christmas shoppers it really is a miracle drug.
Posted by KenK on December 27, 2003, at 20:46:41
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Bali on December 22, 2003, at 16:50:37
Hi all:
First, I want to thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I have been reading for quite a while and it is good to know that others are experiencing similar things.
I have been on Paxil and Prozac in the past for extended periods. Last summer I went off prozac because I had been doing so well for over a year. BIG MISTAKE. Since then, I have had 5 months of anxiety attacks and depression.From August to end of October I was on Prozac and Xanax. But the Prozac didn't seem to be working so, I switched to Lexapro. I have been doing better for the last two months and haven't had any major anxiety for over a month. However, I still am down for large chunks of each day - things just don't feel "right". My doctor suggested that this was because Lexapro was more of a downer/depressant than Prozac which has more stimulant in it. He suggested I add Wellbutrin to counteract the downer effects of Lexapro. I have now been on Wellburtrin (150mg a day) for 12 days and Lexapro (40 mg) a day for about 8 weeks (Actually have only been on 40 mg for about 4 weeks, before that 30 mg for 2 weeks).
Anyone have any thoughts on next steps? Should I just give the Wellbutrin more time? Take less Lexapro? Go back on Prozac?
Thanks for any insights.
Posted by Neatfreak on December 28, 2003, at 7:04:11
In reply to Re: Fog, posted by Mrs C. on December 27, 2003, at 15:17:38
I feel as if I am boring people with my daily posts, but want to see if others have the same results.
this is day 17 lex10mg still no negative side effects.. but the mood swings are still here at one time I want my wife back with no questions from me. the next minute I am hating her, would love to just stick with either emotion
Posted by ednababish on December 28, 2003, at 10:34:02
In reply to Nobody has experienced this but me???.., posted by tiredman on December 23, 2003, at 14:13:31
Can anyone tell me about symptoms they have had while switching from Paxil CR to Lexapro? I went from 25mgs of PCR to 10mgs Lex two and a half weeks ago. I am being treated for chronic depression and panic disorder and my internist, who sent me to a psychiatrist because of medication issues: Paxil made me forgetful and really did not mix well with the 25-50mgs trazadone for sleep problems--and I was knocked out. The switch was also made because I not only had NO sex drive but I also had no response either. But now the trazadone is not working very well and I feel a great deal more depressed than I was on Paxil--although my drive and response are already better. I also feel nauseated, nervous, and like I am going to have a panic attack. I have had a lot of stressers this year, and especially in the last few weeks--a new baby, a new class prep (I teach college), a late exam week and beginning of Christmas Break, in-laws for four days, and a sinus infection that will not go away (and two prescritpions for it that total $330 until I asked if there were any less expensive treatments). When will this stop? Will I need more? Is the fact that the psychiatrist informed me that she believes I am a great deal more depressed than I am admitting to myself a factor here?
Posted by nicky847 on December 28, 2003, at 13:53:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro - a TRUE test - and I passed!, posted by Mariposa on December 27, 2003, at 10:50:03
Mariposa-
First of all thank you for all of your posts..your updates on your progress are a great comfort and inspiration to me!I have a question for you though can you please outline what the "timetable" for your progress on Lexapro has been? I took 5 mg for one week..and have been taking 10 mg for 3 1/2 weeks since...I notice that I feel better kind of in fits and starts..kind of a 2 steps forward one step back kind of thing..like I feel better and then kind of plateau for a while..get frustrated and feel a little worse...but then move to a new and better plateau..what was your experience like in your first couple of months on Lexapro?
A second question at my point in where I am I kind of look at it as the "halfway there" point (4 1/2 weeks)...is that an accurate assessment?
Nick
> Brief background - started Lex in Feb after years of fighting depression, PMDD, insomnia, and after a death in the family. We spent last Dec. moving into Mom-in-law's house to try to take better care of her, and then she went and passed away on my birthday as hubby and I tried to give her CPR while waiting on EMS...tuely TRAUMATIC! Currently @20mg. Work in retail, customer service.
>
> X-mas time as we all know is the most hectic and stressful time for us in retail, VERY busy and lots of upset customers. And I got through it all with no customer complaints (on me). Was able to deal w/any problem with a smile and a good attitude, made a lot of people feel better, and got compliments on my *x-mas spirit*! What a difference when compared to last year when I had NO LEX and I was a miserable mess.
>
> THANK YOU LEXAPRO for allowing me to get through this stressful time....I could NOT have done it without you!!!!
>
> HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everyone!~~~8|8
Posted by Journeyman on December 28, 2003, at 14:21:07
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by KenK on December 27, 2003, at 20:46:41
Hi KenK:
Glad to hear there's been some improvement lately.
There's lots of helpful anecdotal information here. If you read through a few weeks of postings, you'll see that people have vastly different reactions to various medications.
I think the best approach for you to take, if you're considering switching/modifying medication(s), would be to discuss it with your doctor.
Doctors, as infallible as they are, are the only ones legally qualified to help you with those decisions.
Good health to you now and in the new year.
Journeyman
Posted by Journeyman on December 28, 2003, at 14:31:17
In reply to Lexapro, posted by Neatfreak on December 28, 2003, at 7:04:11
Neatfreak:
Those up and down feelings about such an important relationship really take a toll on your energy and psyche. I hope you find peace soon.
A couple of thoughts: you've been on Lex for a very short time - give it a chance (at least two months) to do its work.
Also, feelings such as those you're having are very serious and have lifelong consequences. They probably didn't come into being in a very short time, and if they go away, they won't go away in a short time either. You're probably already seeing a counselor. If not, there's lots of evidence that indicates you're more likely to find the relief you so badly want, if you have some talk therapy to help, along with what the Lex might achieve.
Good luck with your situation. It's a really good sign that you're taking care of yourself enough to get help from Lex and this wonderful on-line community.
Journeyman
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.