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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by JenStar on October 4, 2005, at 11:15:54
In reply to lexapro and start up SEs, posted by maddy4 on October 4, 2005, at 10:13:10
hi maddy,
I'm sorry you're struggling - I hope it improves soon! For me, I really didn't have any start-up SE's from Lex, and I jumped right into 20 mg/day. I've heard about SE's and I'm sympathetic to those who have them during start up. I think it usually takes 2-3 weeks to stabilize on the drug, so hopefully you can continue taking the Xanax until the Lex starts working fully without SE's! I took Xanax for 2-3 weeks until the Lex started working, and then I stopped. For me, the Lex really helped my anxiety. I know not all drugs work the same for everybody, but i hope it works for you too!good luck! :)
JenStar
Posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2005, at 12:30:23
In reply to Re: lexapro and start up SEs » maddy4, posted by JenStar on October 4, 2005, at 11:15:54
Maddy4, I stopped my lexapro 5mg today after 5 days on it. I was taking valium as usual and I couldn't sleep and my legs were twitching, and I feel like there's a motor running inside of me. My mind is a constant state over worry worry worry. The lexapro wasn't prescribed by my pdoc and I see her tomorrow. When I called the PA he wanted to add resperidol or zyprexa. I said no way. So I stopped taking it. I can't drive or do anything. Enough is enough! Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by blueberry on October 4, 2005, at 16:40:42
In reply to lexapro and start up SEs, posted by maddy4 on October 4, 2005, at 10:13:10
I started lex about 2 weeks ago. I know that start up anxiety you are feeling because I had it too. I started at about 2mg a day and have worked up to 7.5mg now. Lots of chopping and cutting for custom sizes.
What helped me a whole lot was to take my daily dose and cut it into tiny chunks and then take the chunks a few hours apart. That way the body gets used to it and the whole dose doesn't have as much start up anxiety oomph to it as if you took it all at once.
In any case, my doc said it is fine to take xanax as needed to get through the start up side effects. I found that with each dose increase, the anxiety would fade in about 3 or 4 days. My overall anxiety level right now, which was fierce in the beginning, has calmed down bigtime. I know it's hard, but try to stick with it. I think the best trick is to split up your daily dose into tiny chunks spaced a few hours apart.
Posted by maddy4 on October 4, 2005, at 19:55:00
In reply to Re: lexapro and start up SEs, posted by blueberry on October 4, 2005, at 16:40:42
> I started lex about 2 weeks ago. I know that start up anxiety you are feeling because I had it too. I started at about 2mg a day and have worked up to 7.5mg now. Lots of chopping and cutting for custom sizes.
>
> What helped me a whole lot was to take my daily dose and cut it into tiny chunks and then take the chunks a few hours apart. That way the body gets used to it and the whole dose doesn't have as much start up anxiety oomph to it as if you took it all at once.
>
> In any case, my doc said it is fine to take xanax as needed to get through the start up side effects. I found that with each dose increase, the anxiety would fade in about 3 or 4 days. My overall anxiety level right now, which was fierce in the beginning, has calmed down bigtime. I know it's hard, but try to stick with it. I think the best trick is to split up your daily dose into tiny chunks spaced a few hours apart.THANKS for responding - when did your start up anxiety start ot fade? and when do you take your doses? today - i finally got them to call me in liquid lexapro so i could make sure my dose was exact daily - instead of guessing and chopping the damn thing into a million pieces!!! but i could easily split the liquid - the liquid is 5 mg per tsp - so i took 1/2 a tsp tonihgt - but maybe tom. i should take 1/4 in am and 1/4 in pm. does it make you tired or anxious or what? i cant TAKE this extra anxiety - my stomach has been in a KNOT since sat. (took first lex fri night) and i am more anxious and panicky than ever before. hard to keep it up - gald to hear your doing well - do tell more! :)
Posted by maddy4 on October 4, 2005, at 19:56:17
In reply to Re: lexapro and start up SEs, posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2005, at 12:30:23
> Maddy4, I stopped my lexapro 5mg today after 5 days on it. I was taking valium as usual and I couldn't sleep and my legs were twitching, and I feel like there's a motor running inside of me. My mind is a constant state over worry worry worry. The lexapro wasn't prescribed by my pdoc and I see her tomorrow. When I called the PA he wanted to add resperidol or zyprexa. I said no way. So I stopped taking it. I can't drive or do anything. Enough is enough! Fondly, Phillipa
Phillipa - im sorry your are having such a hard time. (((hugs)))
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on October 4, 2005, at 20:13:49
In reply to lexapro and start up SEs, posted by maddy4 on October 4, 2005, at 10:13:10
I've heard that sometimes taking a dose of a medication that is too low will give you side-effects, but no effects. Of course the problem here is that "too low" is totally different for everyone. I just wanted to throw that out there to say that you shouldn't be afraid to go to higher dose before giving up on Lex. Perhaps other people have some experiences with this "too low" issue. I don't know much abt it personally, as I have the opposite prob. I usually need huge doses to get an effect--I'm on 40mg of Lex in addition to other stuff.
Anxiety is no fun. Hope things look up for you soon.
Best,
EE
Posted by maddy4 on October 4, 2005, at 20:22:20
In reply to Re: lexapro and start up SEs » maddy4, posted by Emily Elizabeth on October 4, 2005, at 20:13:49
> I've heard that sometimes taking a dose of a medication that is too low will give you side-effects, but no effects. Of course the problem here is that "too low" is totally different for everyone. I just wanted to throw that out there to say that you shouldn't be afraid to go to higher dose before giving up on Lex. Perhaps other people have some experiences with this "too low" issue. I don't know much abt it personally, as I have the opposite prob. I usually need huge doses to get an effect--I'm on 40mg of Lex in addition to other stuff.
>
> Anxiety is no fun. Hope things look up for you soon.
>
> Best,
> EEi tried 5 mg lex abt two weeks ago (for 2 days) and felt like i was on LSD - so stopped - (tried wellbutrin ONE day shortly after- you may remember- am SO sensitive to drugs - HATED WB - massive panic) so...after ANOTHER panic attack last fri decided had to try LEX again and thought i should try a lower dose. ????????????? hope what you say is not true for me - would hate to think i am taking this only for SEs!!!!
Posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2005, at 21:55:53
In reply to Re: lexapro and start up SEs, posted by maddy4 on October 4, 2005, at 20:22:20
Thanks for your kind words. But I've tried so many and I just couldnt stand it anymore. We'll see how I sleep tonight and what my real pdoc says tomorrow. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by 4WD on October 4, 2005, at 22:19:34
In reply to lexapro and start up SEs, posted by maddy4 on October 4, 2005, at 10:13:10
> ok - so am on day 4 of 2.5 mg of lexapro - my anxiety is far worse than when i was NOT taking anything. anyone else experiencing this? i have had to take 1/2 a .25 xan everyday since starting the lex. and STILL have much anxiety. not feeling as drugged though - and less groggy than i felt day 1 and 2 - but this anxiety is sucking. my heart is beating so fast.
Hi Maddy,
Same thing happened to me. I started at 5 mg of Lex and started freaking out after 2-3 days. Increased anxiety, increased depression. I called my pdoc and went down to 2.5 for a week then back up to 5. Still extreme anxiety. I tried upping it to 7.5. Extreme anxiety. I even tried it at 10mg for one day. Extreme anxiety. After almost a month, I gave it up and went back to Celexa (anxiety still but not as bad as Lex).
But I have read many posts where people stuck with it for a few weeks and felt much better. Do ask for some kind of benzo to get you through the worst of it. You'll know in a fe weeks whether you will be helped or hurt by the Lex.
Marsha
Posted by maddy4 on October 5, 2005, at 9:14:22
In reply to Re: lexapro and start up SEs » maddy4, posted by 4WD on October 4, 2005, at 22:19:34
OMG - i am having SEVERE anxiety today - AWFUL - i have taken a xanax but the anxiety is not going away - i have a HUGE knot in my stomach. Tues. night was my 5th night to take the lexapro (2.5 mg) my anxiety is SOOOO severe right now that I dont want to take my child to paretns day out - fear of panic attack. have had one taking her before - so prob association - but also this panic im feeling is real - so much worse ON lex than not on. this has GOT TO STOP or i cant keep taking it. how long should i give it?????????
Posted by Glydin on October 5, 2005, at 11:08:48
In reply to Re: lexapro and ANXIETY, posted by maddy4 on October 5, 2005, at 9:14:22
It may continue for a while. I used two to three weeks minimal for a fair trial, but that's me. As you know, my anxiety symptoms peaked about where you are now.
I can't tell you what to do but I have been there and it did pass and I was MUCH better off for what I went through. Again, that's just me. Lex has hepled me ALOT and I know you know my story.
I hope things look better soon.
Posted by maddy4 on October 5, 2005, at 11:20:56
In reply to Re: lexapro and ANXIETY » maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 5, 2005, at 11:08:48
> It may continue for a while. I used two to three weeks minimal for a fair trial, but that's me. As you know, my anxiety symptoms peaked about where you are now.
>
> I can't tell you what to do but I have been there and it did pass and I was MUCH better off for what I went through. Again, that's just me. Lex has hepled me ALOT and I know you know my story.
>
> I hope things look better soon.THANKS! yes - your story is very positive - please continue to remind me!!! it is SOOOOO hard to want to keep taking it - i had to take a whole xanax today and am finally feeling some relief. when your anxiety peaked - was it HEINOUS like i am describing mine today? and how many days of heinousness were there? then did it taper off slowly or noticably?
Posted by Glydin on October 5, 2005, at 11:57:20
In reply to Re: lexapro and ANXIETY, posted by maddy4 on October 5, 2005, at 11:20:56
You have a special place in my heart even though we don't know one another. I have been where you are and I'm so sorry this is happening to you - the fact you have this disorder and the fact you are having startup effects. I can so relate to both.
The easing of the anxiety was gradual and it took me a while to realize it - which is the bite of it. BUT, the good news was, it did ease and basically has gone AWAY... yah!!
To tell you how things are for me now, I almost forget IF I have even taken my dose. I'm at 20 mgs, mind you. I'm good about it, but I sometimes think to myself in the afternoon: "Did I take my Lex today..?". that's a good feeling.
Maybe you could think of this a akin to labor and birth. It's not much fun to endure, but there is an end and it's a good end. Maybe think of this that way?
I'm in your corner, no matter which way you go with this, okay?
You can babblemail me anytime, BTW. I would really like you give you some support - for what it's worth.
Love,
Glydin
Posted by maddy4 on October 5, 2005, at 16:17:04
In reply to Re: lexapro and ANXIETY » maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 5, 2005, at 11:57:20
Thank you!
i just wish i wasnt going through this at all.
i have had a managable anxiety that has come and gone for years - but mostly it was 'gone'.
then once i stopped breasfeeding slowly but surley i became so irritable and snappy and anxious. the anxiety part gradually happened over 2 months until the two panic attacks (one 3 weeks ago and one a week ago fri) - and i just cant deal with those...so felt i had to address this. i had no idea taking an SSRI would create so much havoc - research - etc...i thought ok should i go this route and take the elxapro and get on drugs...but in no way did i think i'd be faced with this. TRULY unmeasured panic like i have NEVER had in my life on this stuff - so it feels WRONG to keep trying. the only reason i am willing to try is success stories like yours and blueberries. it is just very strange to want to take smthg that increases (to a level i have never had) the very feeling i want to go away.
do you agree or have you heard that maybe too low of a dose could give SEs only and no 'good stuff' so to speak - like emily eliz said? i dont know if you remembered that i tried 5 mg 2 days two weeks ago and my eyes dilated and i felt drugged. at least not panicky tho - but not enough time i guess for that SE in 2 days. should i keep on w. the 2.5 mg a day? i cant imagine taking more if it would give me MORE panic.
Posted by maddy4 on October 5, 2005, at 16:39:19
In reply to Re: lexapro and ANXIETY » maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 5, 2005, at 11:57:20
i literally feel like i cant breathe air. is this right? i have nowhere to go - so not panicky abt having to 'do' anything - more so having panic b/c i feel like i cant breathe! feels like im abt to have a heart attack.
Posted by Glydin on October 5, 2005, at 16:58:18
In reply to Re: lexapro and ANXIETY Glydin, posted by maddy4 on October 5, 2005, at 16:17:04
> Thank you!
> i just wish i wasnt going through this at all.~~~ Me too. Keep in mind it takes courage to recognize a problem and do something about it. You're doing a good thing for yourself and your family. Your children deserve a Mom who is functioning as well as she is able AND you deserve it for you.
> i have had a manageable anxiety that has come and gone for years - but mostly it was 'gone'.
~~~ The nasty part I found about anxiety disorders is they grow slowly over time until they are unmanageable without intervention of some sort. At least that’s how mine was. These disorders tend to repeat but the good news is they can be managed and managed well – again, that’s what I’ve found.
> it is just very strange to want to take smthg that increases (to a level i have never had) the very feeling i want to go away.
~~~ I understand that. Unfortunately, in a lot of cases startup stuff is just how it goes. It might be the brain adjusting and resetting itself to how things should function.
> do you agree or have you heard that maybe too low of a dose could give SEs only and no 'good stuff' so to speak - like emily eliz said?
~~~ I really don’t know.
> i dont know if you remembered that i tried 5 mg 2 days two weeks ago and my eyes dilated and i felt drugged. at least not panicky tho - but not enough time i guess for that SE in 2 days. should i keep on w. the 2.5 mg a day? i cant imagine taking more if it would give me MORE panic.
~~~ I do remember. One of problems I had was the preconceived belief I had when I started these meds. Most of us are already in an unstable state and in times that are difficult for us to be objective when we begin meds. The meds are marketed to have us believe you take them and don’t notice anything until it works. For some that’s true – not for most of us.
Have you spoken with your doc for some guidance? Do you see a therapist? That can be helpful if all you discuss is the rough time you are experiencing trying to start a med. Smeone who can listen to your honest venting can be a good thing.
I’m hoping for a good success for you. It's possible.
I hope you will keep me posted,
Glydin
Posted by Phillipa on October 5, 2005, at 18:17:39
In reply to Re: lexapro and start up SEs » maddy4, posted by 4WD on October 4, 2005, at 22:19:34
Maddy, saw my pdoc today and she said that my extreme anxiety to lexapro means I am sensitive to meds. She said to go back on luvox as I never had side effects on it. And to continue my valium. She said my main problem is absolutely horrendouse anxiety. And the meds just make it worse. So no more lexapro for me. Not the right choice. Have you been on others before? What others were you on. Are you depressed? If not I firmly believe after years of trying SSRI's that they just do not relieve anxiety. May be good for depression. But we live in a benzophobic generation. So she is looking to find me a new pdoc in Charlotte area who will continue to treat me with benzos. And also at my request a good therapist. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Glydin on October 5, 2005, at 18:47:04
In reply to Re: lexapro and start up SEs, posted by Phillipa on October 5, 2005, at 18:17:39
> I firmly believe after years of trying SSRI's that they just do not relieve anxiety. May be good for depression.
~~~ I respect your right to feel that way based on your experience, but that has been true for me. It has worked better for my anxiety almost more than depression - however, it's been good for both.
Posted by maddy4 on October 5, 2005, at 19:29:41
In reply to Re: lexapro and start up SEs, posted by Phillipa on October 5, 2005, at 18:17:39
Maddy, saw my pdoc today and she said that my extreme anxiety to lexapro means I am sensitive to meds. She said to go back on luvox as I never had side effects on it. And to continue my valium. She said my main problem is absolutely horrendouse anxiety. And the meds just make it worse. So no more lexapro for me. Not the right choice. Have you been on others before? What others were you on. Are you depressed? If not I firmly believe after years of trying SSRI's that they just do not relieve anxiety. May be good for depression. But we live in a benzophobic generation. So she is looking to find me a new pdoc in Charlotte area who will continue to treat me with benzos. And also at my request a good therapist. Fondly, Phillipa
hi - no i am not depressed. i was on prozac for one year abt 12 ish years ago - but it did nothing for me if i remember correctly. i just have panic/anxiety - peaking from hormones - so am not sure what is happening.... am HATING the lex so far but want to give it a chance - at least a week or two.
Posted by maddy4 on October 5, 2005, at 19:31:44
In reply to Re: lexapro and ANXIETY » maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 5, 2005, at 16:58:18
> > Thank you!
> > i just wish i wasnt going through this at all.
>
> ~~~ Me too. Keep in mind it takes courage to recognize a problem and do something about it. You're doing a good thing for yourself and your family. Your children deserve a Mom who is functioning as well as she is able AND you deserve it for you.
>
> > i have had a manageable anxiety that has come and gone for years - but mostly it was 'gone'.
>
> ~~~ The nasty part I found about anxiety disorders is they grow slowly over time until they are unmanageable without intervention of some sort. At least that’s how mine was. These disorders tend to repeat but the good news is they can be managed and managed well – again, that’s what I’ve found.
>
> > it is just very strange to want to take smthg that increases (to a level i have never had) the very feeling i want to go away.
>
> ~~~ I understand that. Unfortunately, in a lot of cases startup stuff is just how it goes. It might be the brain adjusting and resetting itself to how things should function.
>
> > do you agree or have you heard that maybe too low of a dose could give SEs only and no 'good stuff' so to speak - like emily eliz said?
>
> ~~~ I really don’t know.
>
> > i dont know if you remembered that i tried 5 mg 2 days two weeks ago and my eyes dilated and i felt drugged. at least not panicky tho - but not enough time i guess for that SE in 2 days. should i keep on w. the 2.5 mg a day? i cant imagine taking more if it would give me MORE panic.
>
> ~~~ I do remember. One of problems I had was the preconceived belief I had when I started these meds. Most of us are already in an unstable state and in times that are difficult for us to be objective when we begin meds. The meds are marketed to have us believe you take them and don’t notice anything until it works. For some that’s true – not for most of us.
>
> Have you spoken with your doc for some guidance? Do you see a therapist? That can be helpful if all you discuss is the rough time you are experiencing trying to start a med. Smeone who can listen to your honest venting can be a good thing.
>
> I’m hoping for a good success for you. It's possible.
>
> I hope you will keep me posted,
> Glydin
>
>thanks again - i just hope this experiment is worth it in the end - my OB also suggested the pill to regulate my hormones - maybe would have been a better choice - but i wanted faster action - thought i would get it w. lex - apparently not
Posted by Glydin on October 5, 2005, at 19:42:38
In reply to Re: lexapro and ANXIETY - Glydin, posted by maddy4 on October 5, 2005, at 19:31:44
I'll be available by babblemail if I can be of help to you in any way. Otherwise, I'm taking a break from posting.
I do wish you the best working this out. You will be in my prayers.
Posted by maddy4 on October 5, 2005, at 21:23:39
In reply to To: maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 5, 2005, at 19:42:38
> I'll be available by babblemail if I can be of help to you in any way. Otherwise, I'm taking a break from posting.
>
> I do wish you the best working this out. You will be in my prayers.thanks glydin! :)
Posted by 4wd on October 5, 2005, at 22:17:05
In reply to HELP, posted by maddy4 on October 5, 2005, at 16:39:19
> i literally feel like i cant breathe air. is this right? i have nowhere to go - so not panicky abt having to 'do' anything - more so having panic b/c i feel like i cant breathe! feels like im abt to have a heart attack.
Maddy,
Call your doctor. I know anxiety can be a startup effect of SSRIs but I don't think it should be at the level you are describing. Your doctor could at least tell you whether you should try going to a higher dosage or stop the Lex and try something else. Admittedly, my experience with Lexapro wasn't good.
If nothing else, your doctor needs to know what's going on. In the meantime, don't try to do any of the things that you are worried about doing. Give yourself permission to take a vacation from worrying about/doing the day to day stuff. Do only what's essential (eat, dress, brush teeth, etc.) Try to distract yourself if you can. A walk can help a little. Television, the more mundane the better (reruns of old sitcoms, etc.) Tell yourself the situation isn't permanent. It isn't, you know. It will either get better or you will stop the Lex and it will get better that way. It's temporary. I know that doesn't help much when you are terrified but please try.
I ahve been where you are (not necessarily from Lex but when my panic started and I was refusing to take Klonopin). I understand what it's like to be terrified of everything and nothing. Please hang on and call your doctor.
Marsha
Posted by Phillipa on October 5, 2005, at 22:42:50
In reply to Re: HELP » maddy4, posted by 4wd on October 5, 2005, at 22:17:05
Marsha thanks for the backup. I agree it's getting out of control. A doctor's call should be made. Sometimes it takes a lot of trial and error to find the right med. And we're all different and react differently to meds. And Maddy are you perimenopausal? If so maybe the birth control pills will work better and faster for you. Just a thought. Fondly,Phillipa
Posted by sdb on October 9, 2005, at 14:47:43
In reply to Re: lexapro and start up SEs Phillipa, posted by maddy4 on October 5, 2005, at 19:29:41
I think I had about four panic attacks in my life. My pdoc considered ssris as standard treatment for almost everything.
-one panic attack on lexapro during a presentation, heart racing like hell
-one spontanous panic attack also on lexapro
all this happend during the first days of intake
-one panic attack on mirtazapine (tetracyclic) after increasing dosage during presentation perhaps of more noradrenaline transmission.After all the ssris did not help me instead even <hurt> me because the matter what happened is saved in my brain. Without the ssris and without pdoc I perhaps would not have had these panic attacks.
IMO, I would start a ssris with a benzo.
I dont know about the positive longterm effects of ssris because after the panic attacks and even induced depression I stopped these drugs after some days (can they really help?)
kind regards
sdb
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