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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by bluesfan on January 26, 2004, at 11:25:57
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I have been on 10mg of Lexapro for 40 days now, and I feel that my dosage may be too low. I just had an appointment with my physician last Thursday, and she said there is a chance that I may need to up my dosage if I'm not feeling better by now. Should I give the drug more time at this dosage and see what happens? Could this still be the fallout from the "week 5 blues"? I feel like Lexapro has definitely helped and I no longer have any side effects, but my horrible thoughts are creeping back in my head and I really hoped that would be better by now. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by ednababish on January 26, 2004, at 11:35:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Brown eyed girl on January 24, 2004, at 19:13:07
> I am on my 5th day of lex. Having some bad nausea and my insomnia has gotten worse any suggestions.
Ask your doctor for a few ambien to tide you over until the insomnia passes--it's okay to take them together. As for nausea, take a pepsid or tagamet and eat crackers. Sit tight and this will pass.
Posted by lepus on January 26, 2004, at 13:13:23
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE » lepus, posted by Jayslace on January 25, 2004, at 20:51:14
Thanks for your concern, both of you Mrs. C and Jayslace. I am having suicidal thoughts and will call if they get worse or if I get a plan. For now I am just remembering that this has to pass.
It is just strange what is happening with my period. I am getting cramps, a grayish discharge (ick sorry)and then the mood change is so extreme. Did anyone else get this? I believe so. I will have to check the past posts again. I am so tired as well.
Anyway, I have just been curling up in bed with a book and waiting for this to pass.
Thanks-
Posted by Alain on January 26, 2004, at 13:19:07
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE » lepus, posted by Jayslace on January 25, 2004, at 20:51:14
Don't give into your suicidal thoughts. It will pass. You are just having a bad day. I get depressed also around my period. Curl up with a book or watch t.v. Email later today and let us know how you are doing. Go easy on yourself..Alain
Posted by KathrynLex on January 26, 2004, at 13:33:14
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE, posted by lepus on January 26, 2004, at 13:13:23
Hi Lepus,
My heart goes out to you. Lexapro does strange things around that time of the month. My period is approaching and I've felt pretty "off." Just yesterday I burst in to tears while I was in my car...that's VERY unusual for me. I'll be happy one minute and two seconds later I'm yelling at my boyfriend. Heellloo mood swing!
I've been on 10 mg lex for 38 days now. Discharge, cramps, feeling awful... it's happening to me but not as badly because I think my body has had a longer time to adjust to the lex. Next month will be much easier for both of us.
Stay curled up in bed with your book...maybe get up to make yourself a cup of cocoa (chocolate can help sometimes) and watch a funny movie. Remember you're not alone in this. There are others (me included) going through the very same thing. It WILL get better!
K.
Posted by Mariposa on January 26, 2004, at 14:35:04
In reply to How long before upping the dose?, posted by bluesfan on January 26, 2004, at 11:25:57
I went from 5mg to 10mg at 5th week, then to 20mg fifth month. It sounds like an increase is possibly what you need, and it sounds like your dr thinks so too. I would let her know.~~~8|8
Posted by LynneDa on January 26, 2004, at 15:08:49
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by Mrs C. on January 23, 2004, at 17:55:53
Mrs. C., I'm glad to hear it! I did more cleaning this weekend :-)
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 26, 2004, at 15:19:33
In reply to Re: Has no one experienced this? » KathrynLex, posted by Journeyman on January 24, 2004, at 13:02:07
OK, Journeyman, you're a teacher . . . that explains your witty and glib turn of a phrase! Or maybe it explains why you're a teacher!
Kathryn - I had a weird thing happen on Friday. I was at exactly 4 weeks on 20 mg. of Lex. There was an almost electric crackle and my fog suddenly lifted. I haven't had the loss of thought or major forgetfulness since then. Maybe it's finally kicked in? That moment was so strange cuz it felt electrical and it made my eyes open wider. I hope something like this happens for you. This forgetful fog thing is hard to deal with! I feel sort of like I used to and I just hope it lasts.
Good luck -
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 26, 2004, at 15:30:19
In reply to getting better, posted by Missy K on January 24, 2004, at 20:17:01
Oh, you're right, nothing is sacred here :-)
Yes, inorgasmia is still an s/e I have & it's a pretty common one, but it supposedly improves. I was at 10mg for 2 months and now 20 mg for 2 months. I'm hoping it will continue to improve as everything else has (better temperament, less anxious & obsessive, etc.).Good luck!
~ Lynne
Posted by Jayslace on January 26, 2004, at 15:31:55
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee » Mrs C., posted by LynneDa on January 26, 2004, at 15:08:49
Hi to you all! I just sat down to take a break. Why? Because I just finished vacumming the living room, dining room, hallway and laudry room. Also swept the bathroom and kitchen. Dusted the entire entertainment center down, which meant I was having to be down on my stomach reaching back to the back of the darn thing , but it's done! I also have one load of wash in the dryer and one in the washer. To top it off, my 8 and 11 yr old have a friend over here and they are all 3 playing a video game in the living room (where I am now). I'm missing my husband, he's on a business trip, but we keep in contact alot.
But all in all, my energy level is up, obviously, and I feel good. Still rubbing my teeth back in forth, but sleeping better at night, and not so sleepy during the day.
I hope my energy level stays up like this!!!
Good luck to you all!!!
Ruthie
Posted by KathrynLex on January 26, 2004, at 15:44:39
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee » LynneDa, posted by Jayslace on January 26, 2004, at 15:31:55
Ruthie,
Just wondering, how long have you been on lex?
K.
Posted by Jayslace on January 26, 2004, at 15:52:30
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by KathrynLex on January 26, 2004, at 15:44:39
K, I been on 10mg Lex for approx. 3 months then my doc increased it 20mg and I started that Jan 1st this year. As far as the PMS side effects I don't get those, I've been on Depoprevera for 3 yrs. No periods at all. But, I know I used to have bad cramps and nasty periods so I sure can imagine what I would be going through if I was having them.
Any more info, just ask. I want to help out and I know all of you here will help me out.
Hugs to you and all!
Ruthie
Posted by LynneDa on January 26, 2004, at 16:06:43
In reply to Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE, posted by lepus on January 25, 2004, at 18:37:26
Hang in there!!! You're still early on and what you are feeling is typical to most of us who've started Lex! It will get better. For me it was at the 4 - 5 week mark that I could say most of the s/e's were really gone. Many people also seemed to experience more anxiety at the beginning, as their bodies adjusted.
No matter whether what you're feeling is from the Lex,another med or whatever reason, you should still be able to talk to your doc and see if there is anything he/she can do to provide relief. Causes are important, but so is the fact that you are feeling so awful - no matter what the reason!
I know this is minor, but Motrin PMS was helpful to me during bad PMS time - it's got a diuretic in it which helps with bloating, pain killer to help with cramps and it makes me tired so I get a decent night's sleep!
Please hang in there and let us know how you're doing!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I have been on Lex for about 19 days and I am late with my period and having the worst PMS symptoms ever. I am cramping, can't stop crying and frankly am feeling suicidal. My face has broken out horrendously. I don't bother to tell my doctor because he would never believe it was the Lex. I am not sure it is either 100% but it seems like something is wrong.
>
> God, I just feel terrible. I am also on 1mg Klonopin twice a day, 1000mg Depakote ER and 25 mg Seroquel when I need it. Dx'd Bipolar II. Does anyone have any idea why I am feeling so horrible??
Posted by LynneDa on January 26, 2004, at 16:18:30
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee » LynneDa, posted by Jayslace on January 26, 2004, at 15:31:55
Ruthie - Cheers to you, your clean house and content kids! It feels good when everything's in place doesn't it? It is truly amazing what a little balance in brain chemistry can do for a person's quality of life.
Here's cheers to everyone having a bad day - remember it will pass and you will feel better, there are many posting here that are proof that it happens!!
~ Lynne
Posted by Jayslace on January 26, 2004, at 16:39:10
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee » Jayslace, posted by LynneDa on January 26, 2004, at 16:18:30
Lynne, Thank you. And I really do feel good today. In looking outside the weather is foggy. It had snowed and was icy yesterday and last night. Yet, I just don't have the down feelings today at all.
Knowing I have the diagnosis of major depression I can have good days and bad, and tomorrow might not be as good as today. But I'm not going to think of that.
Just to have found this board and to be able to read so many peoples advice and others peoples problems knowing I'm not the only one.
As for reading about Lepus, I just pray that she can keep going and know that we are all here for her. What a gal for just posting her problem!!
My psychologist thinks this is great. And my husband reads these too and is all for it also. He is very supportive of me.
He was married to woman who had some depression, but did not do anything for herself. He says everyone on here is trying to do something otherwise they would not be posting messages.
We are ALL somebody. And that means we are ALL important.
As for cleaning, my goal is if I can do just one thing a day, I feel good. It doesn't have to be a big thing. Just dishes, or vacuum, a load of laundry. The idea is just ONE thing every day. When I feel better more. But today was wonderful!! HaHaHa!!
I could just go on but I won't. LOL
Super board Dr. Bob!
You all mean a lot to me , all you people who post and just read!
Ruthie
Posted by vandy on January 26, 2004, at 17:37:09
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee » LynneDa, posted by Jayslace on January 26, 2004, at 16:39:10
Shucks, Ruthie! 'T'warn't nothin'! (gorsh, a three word sentence with four apostrophes?)
> Lynne, Thank you. And I really do feel good today. In looking outside the weather is foggy. It had snowed and was icy yesterday and last night. Yet, I just don't have the down feelings today at all.
> Knowing I have the diagnosis of major depression I can have good days and bad, and tomorrow might not be as good as today. But I'm not going to think of that.
> Just to have found this board and to be able to read so many peoples advice and others peoples problems knowing I'm not the only one.
> As for reading about Lepus, I just pray that she can keep going and know that we are all here for her. What a gal for just posting her problem!!
> My psychologist thinks this is great. And my husband reads these too and is all for it also. He is very supportive of me.
> He was married to woman who had some depression, but did not do anything for herself. He says everyone on here is trying to do something otherwise they would not be posting messages.
> We are ALL somebody. And that means we are ALL important.
> As for cleaning, my goal is if I can do just one thing a day, I feel good. It doesn't have to be a big thing. Just dishes, or vacuum, a load of laundry. The idea is just ONE thing every day. When I feel better more. But today was wonderful!! HaHaHa!!
> I could just go on but I won't. LOL
> Super board Dr. Bob!
> You all mean a lot to me , all you people who post and just read!
> Ruthie
Posted by sexylexy on January 26, 2004, at 17:56:34
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by vandy on January 26, 2004, at 17:37:09
Hey Ya'll
Just wanted to write and say hello. I have been out of town for the weekend and returned to quite a few email messages.
I wanted to thank all you women for your comments. I still have not started and even took a pregnancy test even though I knew I was not pg. Kathrynlex you wanted to know how I thought I was going to start. I had really terrible mood swings and felt bloated. My mood had been more stable (not happy but not depressed) then when it was my time to start, I got terrible mood swings, like I'd feel good, then the next miniute I would be crying. I was also really bloated. I still have not started but the symptoms seem to have gone away.
I am starting to feel a little better. I think I would no longer consider myself depressed. Unfortunatley, I am not feeling good either just kinda middle of the road. Most of my side effects seem to be going away so I am hoping that means brighter days are just around the bend. Well thanks for listening and all the support. I appreciate you all so much and wish I could give you all a big hug!
Thanks again,
Lexy
Posted by hazelc on January 26, 2004, at 18:01:49
In reply to Re: Lexapro - Expectations [Shelly], posted by KathrynLex on January 7, 2004, at 10:51:49
I have been on Lexapro for over a year now. I started on 10 mg and still was having anxiety and panic attacks due to a loved ones death so my doctor increased it to 20 mg. Anyways since I have been on the medication I have gained 20 pounds and am having bizarre dreams and am very tired. Anyone else experiencing these side effects? The good news it has really helped with my depression and grief. I am smiling again and enjoying life. Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by sexylexy on January 26, 2004, at 18:10:08
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 13:45:54
K~
Hi. I know you and I are about at the same time period of Lex use. I think Im at like 35 days. I know that I am feeling better and my side effects are starting to seem more and more like a memory. However I am still not feeling *happy* or *like my old self*. I am starting to see signs myself. I feel like I am running at about 65 or 70% at tops.
Seems like you and I had similar hormonal stories too. I was supposed to start my period on the 23rd and I had terrible mood swings, happy, then crying and hypersensitive also light cramping and bloating. YUCKKKKKKKK. I did not start but the symptoms seem to have been relieved. Anyway, hope you are doing well and would love to hear about your progress.
Lexy!
Posted by Jayslace on January 26, 2004, at 18:15:35
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by vandy on January 26, 2004, at 17:37:09
LOL Vandy, now you really have me laughing!"Shucks, Ruthie! 'T'warn't nothin'!" Just saying that fits right in with my supper. Beans and cornbread! LOL
Thanks for the smiles and laughs!
Ruthie
Posted by LynneDa on January 26, 2004, at 18:17:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro - Expectations [Shelly], posted by hazelc on January 26, 2004, at 18:01:49
Hi! I'm glad to hear Lex had such a positive impact on your mood and happiness level!
I've only been on Lex for 4 months (2 months at 10 mg & 2 months at 20 mg). My dx is PMDD & mild depression. It has helped the depression, anxiety, etc. I too have very vivid and sometimes bizarre dreams, have gained weight and am still pretty sleepy (drugged) feeling, altho my mental fog is finally lifting.
My sleep patterns are still not normal, though, and I wake frequently so I remember my dreams more easily. Maybe they've always been this bizarre (LOL)!
I lost some weight at the beginning due to nausea, but I gained that back plus 10! I guess now that I'm happier I eat normally (didn't eat much for years due to nervous energy)and I now cook more regularly for my family. Ergo - 10 lbs!
I think anything that messes with your chemicals, brain functioning, blood, etc., can affect your metabolism in some way. For some of us it's on the lose side and others like me it's been gain :-(!
So, you're certainly not alone!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I have been on Lexapro for over a year now. I started on 10 mg and still was having anxiety and panic attacks due to a loved ones death so my doctor increased it to 20 mg. Anyways since I have been on the medication I have gained 20 pounds and am having bizarre dreams and am very tired. Anyone else experiencing these side effects? The good news it has really helped with my depression and grief. I am smiling again and enjoying life. Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
>
Posted by Danab on January 26, 2004, at 19:39:19
In reply to Hey Lex users, posted by sexylexy on January 26, 2004, at 17:56:34
Hi everyone,
Just wanted to update all the people here who are questioning side effects. I posted here the first night I took Lexapro and was totally freaked out by everyone's side effects. It's been two weeks and the only major side effect I've had is horrible insommnia. This has always been a problem for me, but I've taken Ambien for the last 8 months or so, which helped. But since taking the Lexapro the Ambien is TOTALLY ineffective. I gave up on the Ambien for now and am now taking just Benedryl, which has helped a little. I felt a little queasy for a few days, but that seems to have passed. My period is late, which is very unusual, so that is probably related to the Lexapro as well. I have a question I'm hoping someone knows the answer to.... I've read about the weight gain and what I'm wondering is, is it caused from an increased appetite or an actual metabolic change? I am very, very concerned about this....if it actually causes a metabolic change than I will not continue taking this med. In the last 4 years I have lost a huge amount of weight (still have some to go) and do not want to risk it. Any one know the actual clinical info on this? Thanks to everyone who posts and encourages the people here. You are all so very generous of your spirit and heart.
Dana in New Orleans
Posted by Journeyman on January 26, 2004, at 20:18:11
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee » LynneDa, posted by Jayslace on January 26, 2004, at 15:31:55
Ruthie:
It was a delight to read your post today. What a difference from just three weeks or so ago! We're all happy for you, and this gift could not have gone to a more deserving recipient.
I'm so pleased for you and your family.
To your health,
Journeyman
Posted by Anjul on January 26, 2004, at 20:25:16
In reply to Re: Hey Lex users, posted by Danab on January 26, 2004, at 19:39:19
Dana,
I had REALLY bad insomnia on 10 mg. Now I alternate between 7.5 and 10 mg every other day. It has helped alot. I also take 1/4 of a klonopin at night . I've lost 10 lbs and have been on since October. Good luck!Anjul
Posted by Journeyman on January 26, 2004, at 20:28:39
In reply to Re: Has no one experienced this? » Journeyman, posted by LynneDa on January 26, 2004, at 15:19:33
Lynne:
A turn of phrase is good, but a change of heart is much better. Thanks from all of us for the uplifting words, empathetic thoughts, and personal experiences you share; these acts of kindness change people's lives.
On Electric Conversions...this sounds very encouraging. Probably some kind of chemical reaction that jumpstarted a favorable chain reaction. Congratulations...and wear rubber-soled shoes.Journeyman
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