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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Anjul on February 4, 2004, at 6:52:25
In reply to Lexapro dosage for anxiety?, posted by jake97tx on February 3, 2004, at 21:20:03
I have been on Lex for 4 1/2 months. I have had a life-long anxiety disorder (ranges from ill-at-ease to naked terror). The Lexapro at 10 mg's REALLY helps alot. I also take 1/8 mg of Klonopin at bedtime (started off taking 1 mg a day in October). Good Luck!!! Anjul
Posted by Anjul on February 4, 2004, at 6:56:16
In reply to women on Lex, any sexual side effects?, posted by Yogi on February 3, 2004, at 23:05:17
For me, even 5 mgs killed the orgasm reflex. On 10, its not even a remote possibility. Once or twice I really really tried, and it was so weak it wasn't even worth it. I guess everything has its price.
Posted by Mrs C. on February 4, 2004, at 8:17:13
In reply to Anyone happy with Lexapro for OCD?, posted by Yogi on February 3, 2004, at 23:08:23
Yogi, I think that I have posted before about my OCD so I won't go into the details. But, yes, I have noticed an improvement with mine. Good luck, Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on February 4, 2004, at 8:19:20
In reply to Re: women on Lex, any sexual side effects?, posted by T34 on February 4, 2004, at 4:21:33
I have not noticed any sexual side effects. Everything has been working fine in that area. Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on February 4, 2004, at 10:03:26
In reply to Lexapro dosage for anxiety?, posted by jake97tx on February 3, 2004, at 21:20:03
Hi! Glad to hear you haven't had a Panic Attack in 5 weeks! I don't have severe anxiety, but the Lex did take that away. I did have to up to 20 mg after about 10 weeks to get rid of more of my PMDD symptoms - anger, sadness, obsessive thoughts mainly, some anxiety was still left before I upped to 20 mg.
Good luck to you! Lex has been the answer for many of us here and I hope it is for you too!
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on February 4, 2004, at 10:18:37
In reply to women on Lex, any sexual side effects?, posted by Yogi on February 3, 2004, at 23:05:17
Yes, I have to agree that Lex has had sexual s/e's that still have not gone away completely. My interest level is still the same, but the ability to "get there" has diminished. It takes forever and sometimes we just give up. This was not at all the case for me before Lex. But, I have to say it's improving (after 10 weeks at 10 mg and then 6 weeks at 20 mg - so I had to start over again just a bit)!
Good luck!
~ LynneI have read alot about Lexapro causing men sexual side effects. How about women? I read a few on this post. I just wondered if it causes just as much trouble for women?
Posted by sexylexy on February 4, 2004, at 11:11:44
In reply to women on Lex, any sexual side effects?, posted by Yogi on February 3, 2004, at 23:05:17
Hey Yogi,
Seems to take me longer to get there if you know what I mean. I am on 10 mg for almost 7 weeks. It seems to be starting to "kick in" and helping out some. The main this for me with the sex side effects was concern of lack of libdo. I still have desire and want to be active, just takes me a little longer to orgasm, it does seem to be getter better though.
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on February 4, 2004, at 11:58:01
In reply to Re: women on Lex, any sexual side effects?, posted by sexylexy on February 4, 2004, at 11:11:44
WHEWWW
Each morning when I get to work, I drink some decaf coffee with a package of hot chocolate in it ( my version of a free mocha). Anyway this morning the student who is our secritaries assistant switched the coffee pots. Well, today I drank my morning mix with all the caffiene.I discontinued drinking coffee b/c I hated the anxiety and panic it gave me. Now I am feeling really jittery, anxious, happy extra. I have never been manic before, nor do I have depression biologically but from the damn birth control pill. I have however always been a hypocondriac,and am always sure that I have some problem or another...
Please reassure me that I am getting happier because I am on week 7 of lexapro and things are starting to look up and everything else is due to not having coffee in 4 months then having a large dose this morning.
Thanks
Lexy
Posted by panicman on February 4, 2004, at 12:17:05
In reply to Re: Night sweats and Lexapro, posted by vandy on February 3, 2004, at 22:58:34
Hi Vandy,
It is odd though because I did not have a night sweat last night. Its got me paranoid. Out of about 7 nights I have had night sweats 5 out of 7. Did you have yours every night or were there nights where it didn't happen?
Also are you at Vanderbilt University? You don't have to say, just wondering.
> Well, I'm shocked! Shocked, I say! Why did it take 7 weeks? I got night sweats right away. I thought I had TB or some other upper respiratory thing that caused those type of reactions.
>
>
> But then I read in the SE's on this site.....It's normal. It goes away... So I calmed down. I was frightened at first. Ok, so I'm a big dummy. It did go away. The sheets did dry out. I'm fine now. I wish the same for you.
>
>
>
> > I have been on Lexapro for about 7 weeks and started having night sweats. Oddly the sweats are from the waist down with most of the sweat on my thighs. It is so uncomfortable. This morning I woke up from the sweating and then dropped back off to sleep only to have it happen again.
> >
> > If you go to web md and read about night sweats it tells you you could have a serious infection or disease. Can realy scare the hell out of you and those of us taking this for panic really don't need that. Thanks to all of you for posting about your sweating side effects. I'm sorry it is happening but I'm glad to know I'm not "crazy".
> >
> > Panicman
>
>
Posted by thib on February 4, 2004, at 12:52:57
In reply to Lexapro dosage for anxiety?, posted by jake97tx on February 3, 2004, at 21:20:03
> Hi...
> I have pretty bad panic disorder with agoraphobia. I say 'bad' because I'm anxious throughout the day even at home. I've been on Paxil for 8 years and am currently battling withdrawal from that crap. PDoc put me on 10 mg of Lexapro a little over 5 weeks ago. I've noticed I am less prone to Panic Attacks (in fact I haven't had one!), but I'm still anxious throughout the day. So my question is, should I give it a little more time to kick in or increase my dosage? Or...is Lex even effective for anxiety?
> I am currently down to 2.5 mg of Paxil (the end of that nighmare is almost in sight!)
>
> Current Cocktail:
> 10 mg Lex
> 2.5 mg Pax
> .25mg x 3 Xanax
>
> Thanks. ;)hi jake
i'm taking lexapro for anxiety
i am in week 13 on 10mg
i didnt start feeling better till week 9
i feel more balanced; little things arent such a big deal; i even think kind thoughts of my wicked evil bossi think you should give it more time
from what i have read, it takes a little longer for it to help anxiety than it does depression
Posted by KathrynLex on February 4, 2004, at 12:58:05
In reply to Lexapro dosage for anxiety?, posted by jake97tx on February 3, 2004, at 21:20:03
Hi Jake,
I'm on lex for anxiety/depression. Like you I haven't had a single panic attack since starting lex. (It's fantastic!) But I still get a little anxious sometimes so my pdoc recently increased my dose from 10 mg to 20 mg. I'm going to be taking 15 mg for the next two weeks before going to 20 mg.
In my opinion lex is very effective for anxiety. But of course, meds are different for everyone. You might consider looking in to Klonopin or Lorazepam, both are good for anxiety. I hope you find a remedy for your anxiety soon.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on February 4, 2004, at 13:06:31
In reply to women on Lex, any sexual side effects?, posted by Yogi on February 3, 2004, at 23:05:17
Hi Yogi,
My libido is still going strong, but I've encountered a strange side effect in that department. On days when I orgasm, I feel cranky and moody after instead of relaxed and happy. It's only been a few days since I had sex, but it's been several weeks since I climaxed because I'm afraid it will throw off my entire day. I recently increased my dose...maybe it will get better.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on February 4, 2004, at 13:10:19
In reply to The Coffee,The Hypocondriac and Me, posted by sexylexy on February 4, 2004, at 11:58:01
Hey Guys,
I just got out my handy DSM and read up on manic episodes. I am absolutley not manic but have had too much coffee! Sorry,
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on February 4, 2004, at 13:16:06
In reply to The Coffee,The Hypocondriac and Me, posted by sexylexy on February 4, 2004, at 11:58:01
Hi Lexy,
Like you, I've been drinking decaf because I hate how anxious it makes me feel. Although, a year ago I drank a pot of regular coffee each day. Now it makes me anxious. Go figure.
Anyway...while the coffee might have something to do with how happy you're feeling today, there is no doubt it my mind that you'll be feeling better very soon. Have you checked with your pdoc to see what he/she thinks about your lex dosage?
K.
Posted by sexylexy on February 4, 2004, at 14:03:27
In reply to Lexapro dosage for anxiety?, posted by jake97tx on February 3, 2004, at 21:20:03
My fellow lexaproers,
I read in an a post that it seems to take longer for the anxiety to go away than it does for the depression. I began to think about this and sitting here at work (Im a therapist) I took out one of the trust Becks Depression Inventory Scales and took it. I scored pretty low in the of the middle depressed range.
I honestly think what is keeping me from feeling better is the fear and anxiety that the good feeling may go away. Its like I have developed a phobia of depression. Can anyone relate or share some feelings on this with me, is this one of those things that works with "extinction" and goes away with time as you begin to feel more confident with yourself?
Its sad and funny that today I had a feeling of happiness and even though have never been manic,the feeling of happiness made me wonder if I were going crazy?
Would love to hear any of your revelations
Lexy
PS- Edna Babish.. hope you read this one, your post to one of my emails really gave me hope and made me examine the positives to know I too will "remember who I am"
Posted by BobYuma on February 4, 2004, at 16:58:24
In reply to Anxiety, Lexapro and a Revelation, posted by sexylexy on February 4, 2004, at 14:03:27
> > > My fellow lexaproers, I read in an a post that it seems to take longer for the anxiety to go away than it does for the depression. I began to think about this and sitting here at work (Im a therapist) I took out one of the trust Becks Depression Inventory Scales and took it. I scored pretty low in the of the middle depressed range.
I honestly think what is keeping me from feeling better is the fear and anxiety that the good feeling may go away. Its like I have developed a phobia of depression. Can anyone relate or share some feelings on this with me, is this one of those things that works with "extinction" and goes away with time as you begin to feel more confident with yourself?
Its sad and funny that today I had a feeling of happiness and even though have never been manic, the feeling of happiness made me wonder if I were going crazy? Would love to hear any of your revelations - Lexy
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >Hi, Lexy.
Researchers say that depression is learned. So that means that our body literally had to learn how to be depressed? Actually, after my own experience, I agree with this.Knowledge. Knowledge is our greatest weapon. I think I've written that before, but here I am again, saying the same thing. I think that once we know and understand that the depression we have is something that our body has "learned" -- and understand why our body was able to learn this -- then we are on the path to allowing our body to (pardon my grammar) "unlearn" the depression.
Most depression isn't due to chemical imbalance, or genetic factors, and low serotonin levels are a result, not a cause, of depression. This misunderstanding is the reason why drugs for depression miss the point, and treat the symptoms instead of the causes.
So what about the popular idea that depression is due to an unnatural chemical imbalance in the brain, and this 'imbalance' is the root cause of depression in so many people?
I guess it's possible, but it just doesn't make sense for the majority of cases. Look at the increase in depression over the past 50 years. Could our brain chemistry have change that much that quick?
This why I keep saying that "knowledge is our best weapon" .. and I'll keep on saying it.
If you know why you're depressed, good .. if you don't .. make it a point to find out why.By the way, friends, don't forget to laugh. Do you remember when Norman Cousins said you could laugh yourself to good health? Well, I think he's dead now ... But he knew what he was talking about when he was alive.
While we're on the subject ....
Two carrots were walking down the road one day when a car drove by and hit one of them. The other carrot took the injured carrot to the hospital. After examining him, the doctor came out to the waiting room and said:"I have good news and bad news. The good news is your friend will live. The bad news is, he'll be a vegetable the rest of his life."
Have a good evening, all.
BobYuma
Posted by Esmarelda on February 4, 2004, at 17:11:41
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Lexapro and a Revelation-- Lexy, posted by BobYuma on February 4, 2004, at 16:58:24
How does our body learn to be depressed?
Posted by ednababish on February 4, 2004, at 18:39:41
In reply to Anxiety, Lexapro and a Revelation, posted by sexylexy on February 4, 2004, at 14:03:27
Glad to hear it--it made me feel really good to have been able to help, and helps to know other people are struggling with this like I am.
Posted by BobYuma on February 4, 2004, at 19:31:53
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Lexapro and a Revelation-- Lexy » BobYuma, posted by Esmarelda on February 4, 2004, at 17:11:41
> > How does our body learn to be depressed?
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
Hello, Esmarelda.
I don't have the researchers' answer to your question, although it's probably out there somewhere, but I do have my own experience to speak from, if I may.I never knew what depression really was, or what it felt like, until I was 42 years old. I mean it was alien to me as to how someone would come to find themselves in a state of depression, and I honestly believed that I was incapable of feeling depressed.
Then, for the first time in my 42 years of life, I lost a very close member of my family. It took eight months for the depression to fully set in, and another two months for the depression to turn into full blown panic attacks. Ten months after I lost my loved one, I was stuck squarely in the middle of a deep, life-altering depression.
I went to my doctor and she started me on Paxil. It was another year before, with the help of Paxil, I was able to pull myself out of the depressive state I was living in.
At that point I was fine, in fact, emotionally and physically I was perfect ... for three months. No medication, no depression, no panic, and no doctor visits.Then, out of the blue, I was suddenly facing another life-threatening illness of a close family member. This time it didn't take nearly a year for the depression and panic attacks to start up. Immediately, and I do mean 'immediately' my body responded to the situation with that old familiar feeling of depression and the hellish panic attacks. I knew that my body responded as it did because it had done this before -- my body had learned what depression was, and it wasn't going to take anywhere near ten months for the depression and panic to manifest itself this time ... it was, as I wrote, "immediate."
Your question was "how does our body learn to be depressed?" ... How do we learn to ride a bicycle? Or swim? We learn these things by doing them. As silly as it may sound to some, in my opinion, our body learns how to be depressed by being depressed.
I expect some to disagree with this, and that's fine, after all, all we have is our own experience to speak from.Take care.
BobYuma
Posted by Journeyman on February 4, 2004, at 22:31:30
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Lexapro and a Revelation -- Esmareld, posted by BobYuma on February 4, 2004, at 19:31:53
Everything has a purpose, including depression.
Based on my own emotional struggles, and I am now grateful for what they're teaching me, I'd like to make three suggestions for reading. I am convinced that depression damages our sense of self, and therefore necessarily warps our ability to relate fully and satisfyingly to others in ways which are mutually healthy and fun. At least that's been my experience. If it's been yours too, you might find some help in reading the following:
Reclaiming childlike joy - "Homecoming" by John Bradshaw and "Radical Acceptance" by Tara Brach, who looks at the reasons why and how we use depression as a coping mechanism.
Recreating Love Relationships - "Getting The Love You Want" by Harville Hendrix. Examines why we fall in love (for better or worse, it's a very natural process) and how to take that process and use it to remove the explosive crazyness that often develops between two people who are bewildered by how the love they'd formerly experienced has seemingly disappeared.
Dealing with the loss of a loved one - "Who Dies?" by Stephen and Ondrea Levine. Stephen Levine's job is to counsel patients who are facing their final year/weeks/days of living. He's learned a great deal about hanging on and letting go, both for those who are about to die, and for those who are left to deal with the loss (and eventual gain) of the inevitable. The style of writing doesn't make it the most riveting book, but the content (for me) more than makes up for it. [My father died 16 months ago, and I found the book to be a big help.]
May your days be filled with wonder and acceptance.
Journeyman
Posted by LynneDa on February 5, 2004, at 10:05:44
In reply to Learning Unlearning the Benefits of Depression, posted by Journeyman on February 4, 2004, at 22:31:30
Hi all ~
This is a very interesting discussion. I've read the Harville Hendrix book. Good stuff.When my ex-husband first was diagnosed with depression we did a lot of reading and of course counseling. What we were told was that depression is a progressive illness - gets worse without treatment. Getting worse means the chemicals keep going in the wrong direction and poor chemical balance alters behavior, as we all know!
I haven't really studied it any further & am certainly not a psychologist, but what that meant to me was that these new behaviors somehow perpetuate and learning is achieved through repeated behaviors. Our bodies will continue on the same chemical pathways until they are altered. Meds are great for breaking that cycle and allowing us to modify our depressed behaviors.
On a spiritual level, however, I agree with Richard that the things we are given in life are there to teach us something and they won't go away until we've learned the lessons we're supposed to learn. I guess I have to believe that or disease, dysfunction, loss, etc., would just seem too tragic for me to bear!
Peace to everyone on your personal journeys!
~ Lynne
Posted by Esmarelda on February 5, 2004, at 10:08:04
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Lexapro and a Revelation -- Esmareld, posted by BobYuma on February 4, 2004, at 19:31:53
That is really interesting. Actual studies do show that once a person has suffered from depression, they are more likely to have a recurrence. I, too, had a similar experience. Except when I was about 36 or 37 I started having occasional bouts of mild depression and tried several drugs, Paxil, Prozac, Effexor, Wellbutrin. None really seemed to work that well, but it was no big deal because the depression once somewhat transient and I could still function even with it. Last year, my dear beloved grandmother died. She was my rock. Within a couple weeks of that, I was in a severe depression where I couldn't get out of bed on many days and just slept all day long. Then, I had four other family members pass away (all of my grandmother's generation) until none in her generation were left. In the midst of all this, my house was broken into and my significant other bailed. I am not whining, I am just saying I went into a deep, fear inducing pit! Lexapro saved my life. I am still not totally out of it and it has been 10 months since the landslide started. I am now on Wellbutrin and Lexapro and also turned 42 this year. The combination of the 2 drugs really helped me. This depression stuff stinks!
Posted by sexylexy on February 5, 2004, at 10:08:47
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Lexapro and a Revelation -- Esmareld, posted by BobYuma on February 4, 2004, at 19:31:53
Bob~
I just wanted to say that a researcher could not have said it better. Our stories are similar, I learned the depression from the progesterone in a particular birth control pill. I like yourself, did not think I could have depression b/c no one in my family has it, and I have been though hard things which I have stood strong. The day I got off birth control, the depression went away, however, a week later a friend died unexpectedly, and thikning that those feelings were going to come back made me so anxious that I brought back those old feelings. Then after a week I was fine again, 3 weeks later again an incident occured that made me scared of being sad. I went to the Dr.s both and internalist and p-doc. They said that my body needed to forget depression and that medication would make this happen. So here I am planning to say on Lexapro for about a year to forget.
Good luck,
Thanks for sharing
Posted by SFgirl on February 5, 2004, at 11:46:20
In reply to Kathrynlex, posted by sexylexy on February 1, 2004, at 18:24:57
Just wondering if there are benfits from switching from Effexor to Lexapro?
Posted by little love-bug on February 5, 2004, at 15:06:40
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by sip on January 23, 2004, at 13:35:05
I just currently stopped taking LEX I was on it for about 12 wks. I had a more intense bout of PMS as well. Terriblly moody and mean. I also found myself sexually excited but it took me the longest time to climax. I don't know if this is the way it will be for you ladies but just some things to watch for. Good luck keep us posted.
love-bug
Hi, my period was really late the first month I was on Lex (now I've been on it about 8 wks). I did notice that my PMS symptoms subsided considerably (usually PMS eats up 2 wks of my life: I'm emotional, depressed, cry a lot, super sensitive plus my breasts are sore and I'm very tired and eat everything in sight). This time I didn't have as many emotional symptoms (but I did worry Lex wasn't working because I was a little depressed). I craved foods, but when I finally got my period I was a little surprised because usually my PMS crescendoes and I know my period is about to start. Don't know if PMS will be back with a vengeance or if my period will be late again, but I think it definitely affects menstrual cycles.
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