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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Kathii on June 3, 2003, at 10:14:58
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 3, 2003, at 9:23:18
> Hi guys+gals, Today is my birthday, I'm 37! Woo-ooh! and this is by far one of the roughest time in my life! (mentally,emotionally,relationshipy,and for some wierd reason, physically). Today is also day 15 of lexapro, and day 3 of my monthly (thing for girls). I sure hope no one is offended by my mention of the monthly thing, after all, I do want to be as civil as possible! I have no appetite, even for chocolate, my favorite! I clench my jaws, which by the middle of the day, ends up giving me a wicked tension headache. I wake up very achy especially, my legs. I'm a MESS! The deppression hasn't lifted a bit! I don't care if I shower, or go out of the house. And this is Spring! Time to get out and enjoy the weather, and I just rather stay in and take a nap (when my 2yr. old daughter does). If anyone has similar symptoms, achyness, jaw clenching, please let me know. Thanks for being here... 2B
Happy Birthday 2B!
Don't give up on Lex, the symptoms you are experiencing are the same that many of us have had. For the lack of appetite, try drinking Ensure (a nutritional supplement drink) to keep up with your caloric intake and vitamins. For the neck pain and teeth clenching I use a generic ointment of Flexall (like Bengay) - a pain relieving cream. You can put it where the jaw hinges, near your ears - just keep it away from your eyes and your daughter! A soak in a hot tub works well, too. I also had the "wanna be a slug" phase. I changed the time I take the Lex to dinnertime and that helped. Also, I did things around the house during commercials - wipe down the kitchen, go through the mail, swish the toilet, etc. A good website to check out is www.flylady.net.
Good luck!
Kathii
Posted by Ninki on June 3, 2003, at 10:25:17
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update » 2beornot2benuts, posted by tm on June 3, 2003, at 9:44:42
> > Hi guys+gals, Today is my birthday, I'm 37! Woo-ooh! and this is by far one of the roughest time in my life! (mentally,emotionally,relationshipy,and for some wierd reason, physically). Today is also day 15 of lexapro, and day 3 of my monthly (thing for girls). I sure hope no one is offended by my mention of the monthly thing, after all, I do want to be as civil as possible! I have no appetite, even for chocolate, my favorite! I clench my jaws, which by the middle of the day, ends up giving me a wicked tension headache. I wake up very achy especially, my legs. I'm a MESS! The deppression hasn't lifted a bit! I don't care if I shower, or go out of the house. And this is Spring! Time to get out and enjoy the weather, and I just rather stay in and take a nap (when my 2yr. old daughter does). If anyone has similar symptoms, achyness, jaw clenching, please let me know. Thanks for being here... 2B
Happy birthday! Read my posting of yesterday, joint swelling. I am in week 3 and having the tiredness and aches and pains. Reduced from 20 to 10 starting today. I'll keep you posted on the aches and pains and clenching (I wear a night guard for this)
Posted by blkvettes on June 3, 2003, at 10:47:58
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update » 2beornot2benuts, posted by Kathii on June 3, 2003, at 10:14:58
> > Hi guys+gals, Today is my birthday, I'm 37! Woo-ooh! and this is by far one of the roughest time in my life! (mentally,emotionally,relationshipy,and for some wierd reason, physically). Today is also day 15 of lexapro, and day 3 of my monthly (thing for girls). I sure hope no one is offended by my mention of the monthly thing, after all, I do want to be as civil as possible! I have no appetite, even for chocolate, my favorite! I clench my jaws, which by the middle of the day, ends up giving me a wicked tension headache. I wake up very achy especially, my legs. I'm a MESS! The deppression hasn't lifted a bit! I don't care if I shower, or go out of the house. And this is Spring! Time to get out and enjoy the weather, and I just rather stay in and take a nap (when my 2yr. old daughter does). If anyone has similar symptoms, achyness, jaw clenching, please let me know. Thanks for being here... 2B
>
> Happy Birthday 2B!
> Don't give up on Lex, the symptoms you are experiencing are the same that many of us have had. For the lack of appetite, try drinking Ensure (a nutritional supplement drink) to keep up with your caloric intake and vitamins. For the neck pain and teeth clenching I use a generic ointment of Flexall (like Bengay) - a pain relieving cream. You can put it where the jaw hinges, near your ears - just keep it away from your eyes and your daughter! A soak in a hot tub works well, too. I also had the "wanna be a slug" phase. I changed the time I take the Lex to dinnertime and that helped. Also, I did things around the house during commercials - wipe down the kitchen, go through the mail, swish the toilet, etc. A good website to check out is www.flylady.net.
> Good luck!
> Kathii
Hi 2b, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! There is good advice from the above post. I like the commercial idea, did not realize that I did this also. If you can do a little and move around thats good. Dont let the house work overwhelm you. You can catch up when you feel better. This past christmas was the worst one ever for me. I smiled and did not want to ruin it for family members. I mean its my favorite time of the year. When the day was done I just went in my room and cried for hours. I hope you get to feeling better soon. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on June 3, 2003, at 11:08:03
In reply to Lexapro side effects-joint swelling..., posted by Ninki on June 2, 2003, at 19:47:14
> Having swelling and numbness in extremeties...I started Lexapro 3 weeks ago. Changing from Paxil CR. Reduced Paxil for 2 weeks with 10mg of Lexapro then third week went to just 20 mg of Lexapro. Some of the things I have experienced have been mentioned by many of you. The naseua, fatigue and headaches. But I also have had swelling in my hands and feet, face, etc. I call it swelling because it's not constant. Trouble getting usual rings on, feet swelling in shoes, numb fingertips. I also have joint pain and stiffness in my back and worst of all, I wake at night with my arm asleep but when I shake it or rub it to increase the blood flow it doesn't help. I noticed last night that as I was lying in bed watching tv on my left side, my right arm still fell asleep. I had no pressure on that side. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced similar symptoms.
Hi there, I can relate to some of what your saying. I had problems with the numbness thing myself. Arms and legs would go numb very easily. But I could not say for sure if it was caused by my panic or lexapro. I also had joint pain!!! Your swelling concerns me!!!! It may be caused by the combination of withdrawl from paxil and the side effects of lexapro. Either way you should see a doctor and have a physical just to make sure you are ok. Im not going to tell to hang in there on the lex and everything will go away but hope it does. Go see a doctor PLEASE!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by kinsey on June 3, 2003, at 13:55:01
In reply to Re: oops!! » kinsey, posted by lil' jimi on June 2, 2003, at 21:55:57
> hi kinsey,
>
> >> Had posted a message yesterday and didn't think it went through, so i rewrote and when i came on the message board i saw it had gone through and people actually answered!! i am on 10mg - one tablet a day of lexapro, i guess it is too soon for any results (one week), but i keep hoping. thanks again for all your input, it really helps.
>
> welcome to our lexapro party! .... man , my 1st week was sure rough ... i had an unholy host of SEs come at me with anxiety attacks like i never knew existed, because i'd never'd had one before....... now it is all good .... really good.
>
> i use the e-mail notification pBabble offers when we post .... i get e-mail to tell me when posts are made to the thread ...
>
> listen, sometimes it helps just to post something here when you are going through this ..... so post anytime .... one of the reasons this is here.
>
> (some folks Have seen benefits in as little as a week ..... we don't talk about them very much ... they make some of us jealous .... (LIKE ME!!) (HA! Just Kidding!!))
>
> i really hope you do get relief soon .... HANG IN THERE!!!
>
> Take Care!!
> ~ jim
>thanks jim!
I'm still trying to get use to using a message board, it's very confusing! will take your tip on using the notification. also interested in hearing you had bad anxiety attacks the first week, because i am too!! however, i'm committed to sticking with it. thank you for your kind words. kinsey
Posted by lil' jimi on June 3, 2003, at 14:04:09
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
hi to all of our lexapro users,
i found this post from Sara interesting ... thought i should bring it to our thread's attention:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030530/msgs/230878.html
forewarned is forearmed
and everybody
TAKE CARE !!!!!!
~ jim
Posted by DC on June 3, 2003, at 14:17:52
In reply to you ain't so bad yourself, Wayne !!!! (god bless!) » blkvettes, posted by lil' jimi on June 1, 2003, at 4:48:11
> i'm never going to be able to post "TAKE CARE!!!!" without thinking of you and hoping you're doing well .... and i like that ...
>
> tim was asking if you took xanax ... i forgot, what are you taking now? and when?
>
> isn't mariposa doing great! she knocks me out.
>
> i may use a subject line to put a shout out to bill l. for an update .... i believe he is the longest time lex user .... since 9/02, i believe ..... i have seen that he's been posting on other threads.
>
> did your past posts include that you used to drink but now you don't ? .... and that since you've been on meds you have quit ? .... did you say the meds lessen your desire / need / inclination to drink ? ....
>
> i admire the support you give to our fellow posters and lex users .... you do good work, man.
>
> TAKE CARE !!!!
> ~ jim
>I am curious about the drinking thing also. I was never really a heavy drinker, just when out in social situations (my liquid courage LOL). But, since starting meds it seems as if I don't even like the taste of alcohol as much these days. I still sort of force a few Corona's down if I am forced to attend something socially that is out of my normal VERY SMALL (LOL) group of those I know.
Posted by lil' jimi on June 3, 2003, at 14:34:49
In reply to Re: oops!!, posted by kinsey on June 3, 2003, at 13:55:01
hi again kinsey,
ah, yes, the panic attacks .....
> > hi kinsey,
> >
> > >> Had posted a message yesterday and didn't think it went through, so i rewrote and when i came on the message board i saw it had gone through and people actually answered!! i am on 10mg - one tablet a day of lexapro, i guess it is too soon for any results (one week), but i keep hoping. thanks again for all your input, it really helps.
> >
> > welcome to our lexapro party! .... man , my 1st week was sure rough ... i had an unholy host of SEs come at me with anxiety attacks like i never knew existed, because i'd never'd had one before....... now it is all good .... really good.
> >
> > i use the e-mail notification pBabble offers when we post .... i get e-mail to tell me when posts are made to the thread ...
> >
> > listen, sometimes it helps just to post something here when you are going through this ..... so post anytime .... one of the reasons this is here.
> >
> > (some folks Have seen benefits in as little as a week ..... we don't talk about them very much ... they make some of us jealous .... (LIKE ME!!) (HA! Just Kidding!!))
> >
> > i really hope you do get relief soon .... HANG IN THERE!!!
> >
> > Take Care!!
> > ~ jim
> >
>
> thanks jim!
>
> I'm still trying to get use to using a message board, it's very confusing! will take your tip on using the notification. also interested in hearing you had bad anxiety attacks the first week, because i am too!! however, i'm committed to sticking with it. thank you for your kind words. kinsey
>glad you're trying to acclimate to pBabble's message board technology .... like most things, it's easy once you get the hang of it.
lexapro would seem to me to aggravate anxiety problems at first with its initial sort of speedy kind of side-effect .... i had never had a panic attack and i am being treated for depression .... i must have had 3 or 4 attacks during that first week ....
i may have already mentioned that i started with 10mg on march 6th .... and Immediately went to 5mg (because of the SEs) on march 7th ... and stayed at 5mg until april 9th ... i've been on 10mg since april 9th.
nothing like going from depressed to totally terrified though (!).... it was worse for not knowing what a panic attack was ..... but Very quickly i found this site and read all of the lex thread posts .... by the time i was finished (it took me a week!) most of the SEs had faded to nothing And i knew a heck of a lot about ADs, SSRIs, SEs, dx, sx, tx, SNRIs, pdocs, APs, OCD, GAD, SAD, ...... and civility!
i have not had any anxiety nor panic since that week early in march.
it never really hurts to tell your doctor about the SEs you're experiencing and see if they offer any support .... they Should Want to know! .... in some cases a benzo is offered as a supplement to lex for anxiety.
then there is meditation ....
TAKE CARE !!!!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on June 3, 2003, at 15:01:26
In reply to Re: you ain't so bad yourself, Wayne !!!! (god bless!), posted by DC on June 3, 2003, at 14:17:52
hi DC!
you wrote:
>> I am curious about the drinking thing also. I was never really a heavy drinker, just when out in social situations (my liquid courage LOL). But, since starting meds it seems as if I don't even like the taste of alcohol as much these days. I still sort of force a few Corona's down if I am forced to attend something socially that is out of my normal VERY SMALL (LOL) group of those I know.
... you know, Someone, not blkvettes, but somebody, a long time ago, posted about this and i got confused and thought it was Wayne (blkvettes) .... i only remember that they felt one of the effects of Lexapro for them was their desire/interest/need for alcohol had decreased and they gave up drinking as a result ....because alcohol is a major depressant, i understand that we, as anti-depressant users are advised to curtail our alcohol consumption ..... anyway.
so your Lexapro should work better, the less you drink.
TAKE CARE!!!
~ jim
Posted by DC on June 3, 2003, at 16:03:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update, posted by blkvettes on June 3, 2003, at 10:47:58
> Hi 2b, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! There is good advice from the above post. I like the commercial idea, did not realize that I did this also. If you can do a little and move around thats good. Dont let the house work overwhelm you. You can catch up when you feel better. This past christmas was the worst one ever for me. I smiled and did not want to ruin it for family members. I mean its my favorite time of the year. When the day was done I just went in my room and cried for hours. I hope you get to feeling better soon. TAKE CARE!!!
> WAYNE
>
>Quite honestly, if it wasn't for the fact that you pretty much HAVE TO have holidays for the kids I probably would have skipped them all together. The past two X-Mas's it took EVERYTHING I had to even think about putting up a tree. I felt really quilty this past one because I just had a table top tree. With everything going on I just couldn't handle anything else. I felt soooo bad, but having my landlady go psycho on me, hearing she was arrested for allegedly stealing 80k from the ederly woman she cared for (no trial yet), her letting the house I rented go into foreclosure, and not to mention saying yes to my company about relocating. I had trouble rearranging my furniture because it was "change" LOL. That's when I figured I better do something or I would go insane. I do believe that I have a very high tolerance for things because a lot of what I hear about results I just don't seem to occur with me and I'd be on higher dosages. Unless, I am just fighting with myself too much.
Posted by DC on June 3, 2003, at 16:14:04
In reply to alcohol versus lexapro » DC, posted by lil' jimi on June 3, 2003, at 15:01:26
> ... you know, Someone, not blkvettes, but somebody, a long time ago, posted about this and i got confused and thought it was Wayne (blkvettes) .... i only remember that they felt one of the effects of Lexapro for them was their desire/interest/need for alcohol had decreased and they gave up drinking as a result ....
>
> because alcohol is a major depressant, i understand that we, as anti-depressant users are advised to curtail our alcohol consumption ..... anyway.
>
> so your Lexapro should work better, the less you drink.
>
> TAKE CARE!!!
> ~ jim
>
At the moment I am weaning off of the Lex and increasing Zorloft at the same time. I am starting to think I should just keep taking both. This past weekend I actually went to see a movie alone. Figured that would be a good place to start since it doesn't require social interaction. Not to mention it is dark in there and nobody can see how nervous I look. Most of the time I am ok getting into the car with every intention to do something and just could never bring myself to actually stop and get out of the car. I would just turn around and go back home. Granted I did drive around the parking lot for quite awhile before parking, but I pretty much forced myself and I know a year ago I wouldn't have done this without my "liquid courage" LOL. So, hopefully this is a beginning. Interacting with others is still quite hard. Heck, just making a phone call about anything, I will go over the conversation in my head over and over and over and over again before I pick up the phone. Just too worried I will sound like an idiot or forget why I called due to nerves.
Posted by blkvettes on June 3, 2003, at 18:14:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update » blkvettes, posted by DC on June 3, 2003, at 16:03:20
> > Hi 2b, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! There is good advice from the above post. I like the commercial idea, did not realize that I did this also. If you can do a little and move around thats good. Dont let the house work overwhelm you. You can catch up when you feel better. This past christmas was the worst one ever for me. I smiled and did not want to ruin it for family members. I mean its my favorite time of the year. When the day was done I just went in my room and cried for hours. I hope you get to feeling better soon. TAKE CARE!!!
> > WAYNE
> >
> >
>
> Quite honestly, if it wasn't for the fact that you pretty much HAVE TO have holidays for the kids I probably would have skipped them all together. The past two X-Mas's it took EVERYTHING I had to even think about putting up a tree. I felt really quilty this past one because I just had a table top tree. With everything going on I just couldn't handle anything else. I felt soooo bad, but having my landlady go psycho on me, hearing she was arrested for allegedly stealing 80k from the ederly woman she cared for (no trial yet), her letting the house I rented go into foreclosure, and not to mention saying yes to my company about relocating. I had trouble rearranging my furniture because it was "change" LOL. That's when I figured I better do something or I would go insane. I do believe that I have a very high tolerance for things because a lot of what I hear about results I just don't seem to occur with me and I'd be on higher dosages. Unless, I am just fighting with myself too much.Hi DC, going to the movie by yourself is a big deal. Im dealing with things like that one by one. I used have that social avoidance!!! But more before I got this illness. Now I just prefer to be by myself at least for now. When I do get around people I just say what I think and really dont care what the reaction is. Its really kind of fun!!! People ask how ya doing and I say a little depressed but not suicidal today. I really love the expressions on their faces. Yes, the holidays have been tough and I hope to enjoy them a little more this year. I believe you will reach that point also with the right med and dose. I hope the zoloft works or the zoloft and lexapro. You never know!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by syhcimb on June 3, 2003, at 22:10:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update, posted by blkvettes on June 3, 2003, at 18:14:44
I'm just starting today with 10mg--I will post how things go--thanks to all who have contributed to this post, it's a great help
Ted
Posted by lv2skf on June 3, 2003, at 23:41:22
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I am so thankful for the information and support this message board has provided. I am just past 3 weeks on 10 mg Lex/day. I have really struggled with SEs after doing really well on Paxil, Paxil CR with the exception of decreased libido. My doctor suggested trying Lex. as she has many patients on it w/o that particular SE. I feel more normal in that regard, but have had monstrous headaches, really whacked out stomach - upper and lower GI difficulties, some nausea and spaciness, weight gain - however, I do think some of these
SEs are beginning to diminish. And while I am definitely up for sticking with it, the experiences I've been able to read about here have been a huge help! Thank you all.
Kate
Posted by Napaba on June 4, 2003, at 7:58:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update, posted by blkvettes on June 3, 2003, at 18:14:44
> > > Hi 2b, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! There is good advice from the above post. I like the commercial idea, did not realize that I did this also. If you can do a little and move around thats good. Dont let the house work overwhelm you. You can catch up when you feel better. This past christmas was the worst one ever for me. I smiled and did not want to ruin it for family members. I mean its my favorite time of the year. When the day was done I just went in my room and cried for hours. I hope you get to feeling better soon. TAKE CARE!!!
> > > WAYNE
> > >
> > >
> >
> > Quite honestly, if it wasn't for the fact that you pretty much HAVE TO have holidays for the kids I probably would have skipped them all together. The past two X-Mas's it took EVERYTHING I had to even think about putting up a tree. I felt really quilty this past one because I just had a table top tree. With everything going on I just couldn't handle anything else. I felt soooo bad, but having my landlady go psycho on me, hearing she was arrested for allegedly stealing 80k from the ederly woman she cared for (no trial yet), her letting the house I rented go into foreclosure, and not to mention saying yes to my company about relocating. I had trouble rearranging my furniture because it was "change" LOL. That's when I figured I better do something or I would go insane. I do believe that I have a very high tolerance for things because a lot of what I hear about results I just don't seem to occur with me and I'd be on higher dosages. Unless, I am just fighting with myself too much.
>
>
>
> Hi DC, going to the movie by yourself is a big deal. Im dealing with things like that one by one. I used have that social avoidance!!! But more before I got this illness. Now I just prefer to be by myself at least for now. When I do get around people I just say what I think and really dont care what the reaction is. Its really kind of fun!!! People ask how ya doing and I say a little depressed but not suicidal today. I really love the expressions on their faces. Yes, the holidays have been tough and I hope to enjoy them a little more this year. I believe you will reach that point also with the right med and dose. I hope the zoloft works or the zoloft and lexapro. You never know!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
> WAYNE
>
>
DC, I agree with Wayne, going to a movie by yourself is a BIG DEAL. I've never done it and I don't avoid socail activity. High five to you.
Posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 11:35:53
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update, posted by Napaba on June 4, 2003, at 7:58:14
I would like to post about what's going on with me, is it just me or anyone else feeling this too???
Month 5 @ 10mg - take around 2-3PM.
In the last couple of weeks I have been doing so much my husband comments "You act like you're on Speed"!!! I have "detailed" bathroom w/toothbrush, caught up on huge pile of laundry, mowed the yard (1 acre) a couple of times (when needed), really cleaned up the kitchen, redecorated bedroom, it goes on..... I had let all the chores alone since Mother-in-Law passed away on my Birthday, the day we finished moving in to her house to try to take better care of her. Both husband and I had been too depressed to do much of anything....
I find myself wanting to clean and do stuff now at 11PM, like I get a "speed rush" late in the evening where I was getting tired and falling asleep 3 - 4 weeks ago. Have been thinking of switching back to taking dose in the morning so I get "rush" in the afternoon.
Has anyone else experienced anything like this????
Any comments will be appreciated, and Best of Luck to us all!!
Posted by blkvettes on June 4, 2003, at 12:30:35
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 11:35:53
> I would like to post about what's going on with me, is it just me or anyone else feeling this too???
>
> Month 5 @ 10mg - take around 2-3PM.
>
> In the last couple of weeks I have been doing so much my husband comments "You act like you're on Speed"!!! I have "detailed" bathroom w/toothbrush, caught up on huge pile of laundry, mowed the yard (1 acre) a couple of times (when needed), really cleaned up the kitchen, redecorated bedroom, it goes on..... I had let all the chores alone since Mother-in-Law passed away on my Birthday, the day we finished moving in to her house to try to take better care of her. Both husband and I had been too depressed to do much of anything....
>
> I find myself wanting to clean and do stuff now at 11PM, like I get a "speed rush" late in the evening where I was getting tired and falling asleep 3 - 4 weeks ago. Have been thinking of switching back to taking dose in the morning so I get "rush" in the afternoon.
>
> Has anyone else experienced anything like this????
>
> Any comments will be appreciated, and Best of Luck to us all
Hi there, I have been thinking of moving my time back to the morning also. I take mine around 4pm and before I take it Im like ready to take a nap. Then around 10 pm Im wide awake and can stay this way till 3 or 4 in the morning. In the past the lex made me so tired I could not stay awake. Like you I figure if I go back to the morning I will get tired at night. I will put all this energy to use during the day!!! The problem is I have moved my times around so many times. What I think should happen never works out. But its worth a try!!! We could always move back. What they call this feeling we get is a form of hyper mania. lil jimi will come along and give great deatail on this subject I hope!!! TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 4, 2003, at 13:09:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 11:35:53
Hi Mariposa and everyone, I'm Jackie, or (2B), I'm taking 10mg of lexapro at bedtime 11-12pm for the past 16 days, and all I get is alot of jaw clenching (during the day) and aches in my legs when I wake up. No speediness or mood lift yet, i'll let you know when that happens. If anyone on lex is having the jaw clenching symptom too, please post about it! Pretty Please!! I want to call my pdoc about the jaw clenching and the aches, and I know he's gonna try to convince me it's not the lex. He's done that before with other A/D's. Hope the speedy thing resolves itself for you Mariposa. Type to ya later... Jackie
Posted by TerryS on June 4, 2003, at 13:34:29
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 11:35:53
My husband started Lexapro about 1 month ago. He had taken Prozac back in the late 80's when it first came out, then he took Zoloft, up to 200 mg/day. He has OCD. Due to bad sexual SE and drowsiness, I suggested the Lexapro, 10 mg. He is doing very well. The energy boost would be great for him since he needs to loose weight. The sexual SE are already gone. He is much happier and has a better attitude. He also takes Omega 3 tablets and for a brief time he stopped, but we noticed he is much better when taking the Omega 3. I believe that exercise will also help. I'd love to do the Indy 500 while cleaning.
Posted by kinsey on June 4, 2003, at 13:41:34
In reply to Re: oops!! » kinsey, posted by lil' jimi on June 3, 2003, at 14:34:49
> hi again kinsey,
>
> ah, yes, the panic attacks .....
>
> > > hi kinsey,
> > >
> > > >> Had posted a message yesterday and didn't think it went through, so i rewrote and when i came on the message board i saw it had gone through and people actually answered!! i am on 10mg - one tablet a day of lexapro, i guess it is too soon for any results (one week), but i keep hoping. thanks again for all your input, it really helps.
> > >
> > > welcome to our lexapro party! .... man , my 1st week was sure rough ... i had an unholy host of SEs come at me with anxiety attacks like i never knew existed, because i'd never'd had one before....... now it is all good .... really good.
> > >
> > > i use the e-mail notification pBabble offers when we post .... i get e-mail to tell me when posts are made to the thread ...
> > >
> > > listen, sometimes it helps just to post something here when you are going through this ..... so post anytime .... one of the reasons this is here.
> > >
> > > (some folks Have seen benefits in as little as a week ..... we don't talk about them very much ... they make some of us jealous .... (LIKE ME!!) (HA! Just Kidding!!))
> > >
> > > i really hope you do get relief soon .... HANG IN THERE!!!
> > >
> > > Take Care!!
> > > ~ jim
> > >
> >
> > thanks jim!
> >
> > I'm still trying to get use to using a message board, it's very confusing! will take your tip on using the notification. also interested in hearing you had bad anxiety attacks the first week, because i am too!! however, i'm committed to sticking with it. thank you for your kind words. kinsey
> >
>
> glad you're trying to acclimate to pBabble's message board technology .... like most things, it's easy once you get the hang of it.
>
> lexapro would seem to me to aggravate anxiety problems at first with its initial sort of speedy kind of side-effect .... i had never had a panic attack and i am being treated for depression .... i must have had 3 or 4 attacks during that first week ....
>
> i may have already mentioned that i started with 10mg on march 6th .... and Immediately went to 5mg (because of the SEs) on march 7th ... and stayed at 5mg until april 9th ... i've been on 10mg since april 9th.
>
> nothing like going from depressed to totally terrified though (!).... it was worse for not knowing what a panic attack was ..... but Very quickly i found this site and read all of the lex thread posts .... by the time i was finished (it took me a week!) most of the SEs had faded to nothing And i knew a heck of a lot about ADs, SSRIs, SEs, dx, sx, tx, SNRIs, pdocs, APs, OCD, GAD, SAD, ...... and civility!
>
> i have not had any anxiety nor panic since that week early in march.
>
> it never really hurts to tell your doctor about the SEs you're experiencing and see if they offer any support .... they Should Want to know! .... in some cases a benzo is offered as a supplement to lex for anxiety.
>
> then there is meditation ....
>
> TAKE CARE !!!!!
> ~ jimI have always gotten panic attacks - but these were doozies. i will mention to my doctor the side-effects. someone else had mentioned decrease in appetite and i noticed this too, even though i had panic attacks before lexapro, it never stopped me from eating (ha-ha). this is the first time i've ever been on meds, so i'm a little leary. the board has been a help. take care, thanks for the advise! kinsey p.s. i'm trying yoga!
Posted by Ninki on June 4, 2003, at 13:47:29
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 11:35:53
Mariposa, I have had similar feelings only not on a regular basis. Have also redecorated inside and outside...and spent lots of money doing it! Last Friday I did so much I was soaked with sweat, had dry mouth like on speed and had trouble interacting with anyone. Today on the other hand, I have absolutely no energy. It's nearly 3pm and I am still in my pajamas. I've only been on the Lexapro for 3 weeks. Just reduced from 20 to 10 so maybe that's why I feel so tired. I'll keep you posted.
Posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 13:48:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 4, 2003, at 13:09:42
> Hi Mariposa and everyone, I'm Jackie, or (2B), I'm taking 10mg of lexapro at bedtime 11-12pm for the past 16 days, and all I get is alot of jaw clenching (during the day) and aches in my legs when I wake up. No speediness or mood lift yet, i'll let you know when that happens. If anyone on lex is having the jaw clenching symptom too, please post about it! Pretty Please!! I want to call my pdoc about the jaw clenching and the aches, and I know he's gonna try to convince me it's not the lex. He's done that before with other A/D's. Hope the speedy thing resolves itself for you Mariposa. Type to ya later... Jackie
The jaw clenching is a Lex SE, it's the only SE I still have, though it is much much milder now than it was initially. At first my jaw and teeth really hurt, I was clenching in my sleep. But this SE lessened and now I consider it a VERY VERY MINOR inconvenience if I think of it at all. I also had a little bit of the aches but that went away by end of 3rd week.
Best of LUCK!!
Posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 13:58:16
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by blkvettes on June 4, 2003, at 12:30:35
>
> Hi there, I have been thinking of moving my time back to the morning also. I take mine around 4pm and before I take it Im like ready to take a nap. Then around 10 pm Im wide awake and can stay this way till 3 or 4 in the morning. In the past the lex made me so tired I could not stay awake. Like you I figure if I go back to the morning I will get tired at night. I will put all this energy to use during the day!!! The problem is I have moved my times around so many times. What I think should happen never works out. But its worth a try!!! We could always move back. What they call this feeling we get is a form of hyper mania. lil jimi will come along and give great deatail on this subject I hope!!! TAKE CARE!!!
> WAYNE
>
>
Yeah, I am in the same boat, switching around times and trying to have all this energy "work" for me. Today I took at 11:30Am, and I'll probably go with an hour earlier tomorrow, same the next day, and see what happens.
Posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 14:08:54
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by Ninki on June 4, 2003, at 13:47:29
> Mariposa, I have had similar feelings only not on a regular basis. Have also redecorated inside and outside...and spent lots of money doing it! Last Friday I did so much I was soaked with sweat, had dry mouth like on speed and had trouble interacting with anyone. Today on the other hand, I have absolutely no energy. It's nearly 3pm and I am still in my pajamas. I've only been on the Lexapro for 3 weeks. Just reduced from 20 to 10 so maybe that's why I feel so tired. I'll keep you posted.
It's still "early" in your Lexapro experience and what you describe is similar to what I went through. I had a very rough begining and experienced a lot of sleepiness, letargy, fatigue, and trouble doing anything physical (got winded immediately, lightheaded and got the shakes). But all those SE's began to fade around week 6 and 7, and I actually started feeling "better" during week 8, though I did not realize it at the time.
I hope you continue to improve, as I did, and Good Luck, we're all pulling for you.
Posted by DC on June 4, 2003, at 14:18:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment » Ninki, posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 14:08:54
> > Mariposa, I have had similar feelings only not on a regular basis. Have also redecorated inside and outside...and spent lots of money doing it! Last Friday I did so much I was soaked with sweat, had dry mouth like on speed and had trouble interacting with anyone. Today on the other hand, I have absolutely no energy. It's nearly 3pm and I am still in my pajamas. I've only been on the Lexapro for 3 weeks. Just reduced from 20 to 10 so maybe that's why I feel so tired. I'll keep you posted.
>
> It's still "early" in your Lexapro experience and what you describe is similar to what I went through. I had a very rough begining and experienced a lot of sleepiness, letargy, fatigue, and trouble doing anything physical (got winded immediately, lightheaded and got the shakes). But all those SE's began to fade around week 6 and 7, and I actually started feeling "better" during week 8, though I did not realize it at the time.
>
> I hope you continue to improve, as I did, and Good Luck, we're all pulling for you.One of the reasons I told my doctor that I didn't think I could continue the Lex was due to being so extremely tired during the day. As posted before, now trying Zorloft. Being a single parent, I have to work everyday and the tiredness was making things so much harder. I could barely keep my eyes open and even driving too and from work scared me. But, the weekends are a different story. Some I actually get things done but, I took Friday thru Monday off and barely even got off the couch. Basically, just to walk the dogs.
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