![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 48. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by dstty on March 8, 2004, at 17:02:28
Does anyone on the chat page ever have anything good or positive to say? I was on prozac, 40mg, for 5 years before it started losing effect, 7 years total. My new doc has prescribed 10mg lexapro along with 50mg trazodone taken at night. From what I'm hearing on these chat pages is that I'm going to be a zombie. I want to hear something positive (PLEASE - NOT religious). I need a common-sense friend.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 8, 2004, at 17:31:12
In reply to new lexapro user, posted by dstty on March 8, 2004, at 17:02:28
Hi Dstty,
Welcome to the Lexapro family.
> Does anyone on the chat page ever have anything good or positive to say?
Yes! There are a lot of people on this board who have Lexapro success stories. If you scroll up to the top of the screen you'll see a lot of Lexapro posts clustered together. If you post a message up there, more Lexapro users will see it and respond. Ask about positive lexapro experiences...you'll hear from a lot of people who have good things to say about lex.
>I was on prozac, 40mg, for 5 years before it started losing effect, 7 years total. My new doc has prescribed 10mg lexapro along with 50mg trazodone taken at night.
I was on 40 mgs of Prozac for a few years too. For me, Lexapro feels fairly similar. Although, it seems to take longer to get results. But I can assure you that they're worth waiting for.
>From what I'm hearing on these chat pages is that I'm going to be a zombie.
You probably already know that meds effect everyone differently. I felt a little out of it or "Zombified" for 3 weeks or so when I started taking Lexapro. But, it's a side effect and it passes. Some of the side effects are uncomfortable, but tolerable.
>I want to hear something positive (PLEASE - NOT religious). I need a common-sense friend.
Lexapro has been very helpful for my depression/anxiety. I highly recommend it! Others here really like it too. As I said before, post where the other Lexapro users are and you'll hear more positive stories.
Good luck on Lexapro, please keep us posed on your progress. This is a great place to come if you ever have questions/concerns about a particular medication.
K.
Posted by Mariposa on March 8, 2004, at 20:22:00
In reply to new lexapro user, posted by dstty on March 8, 2004, at 17:02:28
Not sure where you are reading about *zombies*, I have read very few posts about Lex that say that, and if you do get this side effect, it will more than likely go away just like all the other Lex se's. I have been on Lex over 1 year with good results.
Good luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by kellieann7 on March 8, 2004, at 21:40:46
In reply to new lexapro user, posted by dstty on March 8, 2004, at 17:02:28
Hi, welcome to our little Lex family. I was very scared when I first came here and started reading posts, because I would focus on the negative side effects I read about, and would gloss over the positive stories. I have been taking Lex for just over three months, and my biggest concern at this point is when I follow up with my doctor next month, she will say, "Ok, you don't need this anymore" and I will go back to my pre-Lex Zombie state. I am my old self again. I do get tired during the day, but have started supplementing with Ephedra-free Metabolife (for my diet...) which is basically 200 mg of caffiene at breakfast and lunch. This helped a lot!
Posted by Sad Panda on March 9, 2004, at 8:02:58
In reply to new lexapro user, posted by dstty on March 8, 2004, at 17:02:28
> Does anyone on the chat page ever have anything good or positive to say? I was on prozac, 40mg, for 5 years before it started losing effect, 7 years total. My new doc has prescribed 10mg lexapro along with 50mg trazodone taken at night. From what I'm hearing on these chat pages is that I'm going to be a zombie. I want to hear something positive (PLEASE - NOT religious). I need a common-sense friend.
>
>
>Hi,
I take Effexor + Remeron. Remeron is ten times more zombifying than what you are taking but once you get use to it Remeron is fabulous for sleep. I think a lot of people don't give themselves enough time to settle down, they tend to think things should happen instantly like Benzo's or Amphetamines but Antidepressants aren't a quick fix.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by MarkD on March 9, 2004, at 9:04:45
In reply to new lexapro user, posted by dstty on March 8, 2004, at 17:02:28
Panda, i just started the same exact two drugs for GAD, the doctor also thinks that by getting my anxiety level down a bit that it will help my blood proessure which has been high for years. Doctor told me to take the 50mg trazodone at night only when restless or having anxiety symptoms that keep me awake. Im starting my 2nd week of Lex today and found that in the first week i had increased symptoms of anxiety such as, hand shakes, palpitations, hot flashes once in a while not all the time or at the same time, they have seemed to die down now after the first week.
Many others have had these symptoms when first starting Lex but not all, just a side effect that is said to disappear after a few weeks of taking the Lex, the 50mg trazodone has helped me sleep and is not a narcodic like Valium or Xanax, Doctor felt that since i have a few beers each evening he did not want me to start taking narcodic based drugs, over all i do feel a little bit calmer after my first week of Lex...hope this helps... 8)
god bless
Mark
Posted by MarkD on March 9, 2004, at 9:08:43
In reply to Re: new lexapro user, posted by MarkD on March 9, 2004, at 9:04:45
Sorry my last message post was meant for Dstty 8)
Posted by LynneDa on March 9, 2004, at 12:21:03
In reply to new lexapro user, posted by dstty on March 8, 2004, at 17:02:28
Hi! I'm sorry you've not seen any positive posts! Here is one I just wrote yesterday and I've copied it for your reading pleasure :-) Lexy wanted to know how I knew the Lex was working and that I'm improving so I came up with a few examples for her:
Hi! This is going to be long, but I want to give you several specific examples. This was very therapeutic to write. So, I want to hear some back from all of you too :-)It is indeed a very slow process. I too thought it would be a quick 4 - 6 months on Lex, then I could just taper off and be my old self!!
I'm into my 10th week on the upped dose of 20mg. This weekend was a good example. I had so much to get done and even though I didn't get to everything on my list, I felt energetic and happy to get even half of it done. I could look back and feel okay about it. I didn't beat myself up for not doing more. Also, I felt pleasant and almost light in my heart for most of the weekend.
Last week, I was able to go over to a very good friend's house and help her with her divorce agreement. I never could give emotionally to anyone else in the past couple of years cuz I was so tied up in knots. It was a great relief to be able to do that and not stress about time I was losing with my family, what is my husband doing to get the kids ready for bed, what about the dinner dishes I left, etc. It left me energized to be able to help her - which is the OLD ME!!!!
Another really good example is that my husband and I are laughing more and more over dumb things and really talking about issues (local politics, things we're interested in outside of work and family) like we used to. I actually have the mental energy to think outside of my small world and I have a better attention span so I can keep up with the conversation!
I don't sweat the small stuff as much. If the kids don't pick up their rooms perfectly, I don't go off on them (poor things!). I don't get as annoyed as easily and can blow things off better. I can tell my husband more directly when I need things from him and I don't feel guilty or like I'm asking too much (one of my personal issues). That feels NORMAL (so of course it feels a little weird, but I'll get used to it!).
Here's a big one Lexy . . . I can dream about the future and know I will have a happy one. I think I am starting to count on that - the old me always knew I'd be okay and NEVER worried about the future - I always felt blessed, lucky, charmed, protected . . . whatever - and not because of another person, just due to the goodness that surrounded me. I am starting to trust that again and that is HUGE. I am tearing up as I write this cuz it is such an important realization :-).
I know this is long and thanks for reading it, but these things are how I know it's working. I'm not all the way there yet and I'll never be 100% back to my old self. I've been changed permanently. But, the fog is lifting and the energy is returning.
Love, peace and God's blessings to all of you. I think about you all each day and keep you in my prayers. Please hang in there everyone, it does get better!!!!!!!!!!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Does anyone on the chat page ever have anything good or positive to say? I was on prozac, 40mg, for 5 years before it started losing effect, 7 years total. My new doc has prescribed 10mg lexapro along with 50mg trazodone taken at night. From what I'm hearing on these chat pages is that I'm going to be a zombie. I want to hear something positive (PLEASE - NOT religious). I need a common-sense friend.
Posted by declaring grace on March 9, 2004, at 13:16:17
In reply to Re: new lexapro user, posted by MarkD on March 9, 2004, at 9:04:45
Several months ago my doctor prescribed me lexapro, but I didn't take it because of all the side effects I read about. However I have been very depressed for some time over a relationship with my girlfriend that didn't work out. I am feeling suicidal and have been going for counseling but feel as if I need help from medications. Do I start taking the lexapro ?? is it worh it ?? What can I expect and how long before I would feel better ? The Lexapro site says you can begin to feel better within a week ?is this true ?
Posted by LynneDa on March 9, 2004, at 13:33:32
In reply to Should I take Lexapro... ????, posted by declaring grace on March 9, 2004, at 13:16:17
Hi! Yes, you can feel results that quickly! If you have a serotonin deficiency, as soon as your serotonin levels get pumped up (& for everyone that's different), you will start feeling better -anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks for most people. If you are so far down into depression, you may not have the energy to heal and make the counseling work. Meds will help with that. For me, the side effects were not as bad as the pain I was living with!
Go ahead and start, but once you commit to it, you can't go off and on it - not good for your chemistry! Take it at the same time each day. You will need to be on it for awhile for it to take full effect.
Good Luck and keep us posted as to how you are doing. We're here to help & support you!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Several months ago my doctor prescribed me lexapro, but I didn't take it because of all the side effects I read about. However I have been very depressed for some time over a relationship with my girlfriend that didn't work out. I am feeling suicidal and have been going for counseling but feel as if I need help from medications. Do I start taking the lexapro ?? is it worh it ?? What can I expect and how long before I would feel better ? The Lexapro site says you can begin to feel better within a week ?is this true ?
Posted by declaring grace on March 9, 2004, at 14:09:07
In reply to Re: Should I take Lexapro... ???? » declaring grace, posted by LynneDa on March 9, 2004, at 13:33:32
thanks for the information. The counseling is a plus but I only go once a week.. I am so deeply depressed that I feel as if I need something more. I took the first dose today so wish me luck.
Posted by LynneDa on March 9, 2004, at 14:22:26
In reply to Re: Should I take Lexapro... ????, posted by declaring grace on March 9, 2004, at 14:09:07
GOOD LUCK {{{Declaring Grace}}}!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
thanks for the information. The counseling is a plus but I only go once a week.. I am so deeply depressed that I feel as if I need something more. I took the first dose today so wish me luck.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 9, 2004, at 16:55:17
In reply to Re: Should I take Lexapro... ????, posted by declaring grace on March 9, 2004, at 14:09:07
Hi Declaring Grace,
Good luck on Lexapro! I hope it works quickly for you. (I'm on it and it's been wonderful!)
K.
Posted by dstty on March 11, 2004, at 6:42:47
In reply to Re: Should I take Lexapro... ????, posted by KathrynLex on March 9, 2004, at 16:55:17
Thanks to all of you who replied to my message. I really appreciate the support. I've taken my first 3 days of meds, and I do definitely feel better. Last night I actually slept the entire night without waking up even once!!! It's been years since that's happened!!! I do wake up a little groggie though. My doc says I'm supposed to stop drinking coffee too, but I'm not ready for that yet. For 'declaring grace' - please take your meds, it will help.
thanks, dstty
Posted by dstty on March 11, 2004, at 7:14:06
In reply to Re: new lexapro user, posted by KathrynLex on March 8, 2004, at 17:31:12
Kathryn,
I couldn't find this...
" If you scroll up to the top of the screen you'll see a lot of Lexapro posts clustered together. If you post a message up there, more Lexapro users will see it and respond. Ask about positive lexapro experiences...you'll hear from a lot of people who have good things to say about lex. "
>is there a special link just for lexapro?
thanks for being there.
Posted by mel_light on March 11, 2004, at 9:07:20
In reply to Re: new lexapro user » KathrynLex, posted by dstty on March 11, 2004, at 7:14:06
I posted this up above, hopefully it helps.
I just wanted to chime in on the positive responses for Lexapro. I'm on day 22 (I think) and things are getting much better. A couple of days ago I was still feeling the side effects but yesterday and today, I woke up feeling GREAT. It's been a long time since I've felt like my old self and this is the closest I've been. I'm sure the lexapro is now working. I'm not saying the anxiety and depression are gone but yesterday when I went to work people around me noticed a difference and I don't even share with them anything about this.This board has been extremely helpful through the lows so I wanted to include you with the highs :-) Thanks guys. I'll be back (hopefully with continued good news)
Posted by declaring grace on March 11, 2004, at 11:19:27
In reply to Re: new lexapro user, posted by mel_light on March 11, 2004, at 9:07:20
Has anyone experienced increased yawning and feeling nauseous everytime you yawn. I am on day 3 and waiting to feel better
Posted by LynneDa on March 11, 2004, at 13:33:48
In reply to Re: new lexapro user, posted by declaring grace on March 11, 2004, at 11:19:27
Oh yes - yawning and nausea are a part of it . . . but they will go away. I yawned so much at first my jaws were getting sore :-)!
Please hang in there, things will improve within a week or so for you!!
~ Lynne
Posted by declaring grace on March 11, 2004, at 15:38:41
In reply to Re: new lexapro user » declaring grace, posted by LynneDa on March 11, 2004, at 13:33:48
When do you recommend taking the Lex in the morning or before bed ??
Posted by LynneDa on March 11, 2004, at 15:41:34
In reply to Re: new lexapro user, posted by declaring grace on March 11, 2004, at 15:38:41
DG: I would recommend before bed-time, based on the facts that I've done both and bed time worked better for me and it seems to be the consensus among most posters.
Good luck, let me know which you choose and if it works better for you in terms of side effects!
~ Lynne
Posted by declaring grace on March 11, 2004, at 15:52:22
In reply to Re: new lexapro user » declaring grace, posted by LynneDa on March 11, 2004, at 15:41:34
I will try the bedtime thing, because I have been feeling really tired. I am not sure if it from all that is going on or the medication. I still haven't been able to eat yet, how soon before that passes ? ? ? Thanks for all the insight and help.
Posted by LynneDa on March 11, 2004, at 16:14:01
In reply to Re: new lexapro user » LynneDa, posted by declaring grace on March 11, 2004, at 15:52:22
Unfortunately for me, I only had the not eating s/e for the first week! I've since gained weight because I now have energy to shop and cook good meals for my family.
For most people, it seems the not eating goes with the first couple of weeks of nausea and anxiety and then it passes. Try to keep something down, be it light soups, fruits, crackers or cereal. You must keep up your strength!
Good luck tonight. Realize that switching from morning to night requires either a gap in medicinal coverage or an "overdose" for 12 hours. You may want to cut the pill in half and take half tonight, half tomorrow morning and then a whole one tomorrow night to get you back on track. Going without can give you as many reactions as getting too much. Let me know how you're feeling! I'll be away from the computer for the next 3 days, but back on Monday.
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I will try the bedtime thing, because I have been feeling really tired. I am not sure if it from all that is going on or the medication. I still haven't been able to eat yet, how soon before that passes ? ? ? Thanks for all the insight and help.
Posted by JohnR on March 11, 2004, at 21:30:12
In reply to Re: new lexapro user » LynneDa, posted by declaring grace on March 11, 2004, at 15:52:22
Hi,
It took about a week before I got my appetite back. Since then I've been fine. I have neither gained nor lost weight in five months.John
Posted by declaring grace on March 11, 2004, at 21:32:48
In reply to Re: new lexapro user » declaring grace, posted by JohnR on March 11, 2004, at 21:30:12
thanks for the info, prior to taking the lex I lost 30 pounds which wasn't good because I was not fat to begin with. How's the lext working out for you ?
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 12, 2004, at 8:14:46
In reply to Re: new lexapro user » KathrynLex, posted by dstty on March 11, 2004, at 7:14:06
> I couldn't find this...
>
> > If you scroll up to the top of the screen you'll see a lot of Lexapro posts clustered together.I think she meant:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040308/msgs/321951.html
Bob
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.