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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jlynne on March 12, 2004, at 21:56:27
In reply to Re: HELP..WHEN WILL THE ANXIETY END!!!!, posted by jlynne on March 11, 2004, at 2:44:01
Magdalena, are you still with us? Are you still on the Paxil? How is the anxiety? Any more attacks?
I upped to 15mg Lexapro yesterday; had to increase the Lorazepam to 1.5mg last night. I'm feeling pretty spacey today.
(I am checking both boards now, in case you want to post to the social board - just click on the link in one of Dr. Bob's re-directs to get there)
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 13, 2004, at 8:59:04
In reply to Re: emily, posted by mrs c on March 12, 2004, at 21:10:44
> I have noticed that alot of our posts have been redirected to Dr. Bob's "social site". You should check there.
Here are two links, you should be able just to click on them:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040305/msgs/321962.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040305/msgs/323847.htmlThanks,
Bob
Posted by Magdalena on March 13, 2004, at 12:25:39
In reply to Re: HELP..WHEN WILL THE ANXIETY END!!!!, posted by jlynne on March 12, 2004, at 21:56:27
jlynne, hey i was just really confused there for a sec cause it seemed i couldnt find my way back to where our posts were. Yes i am still on the Paxil, i am on day 8 today(speaking of which i need to take it soon) the side effects are still there but go from one to the other. Yesterday i had a really bad headache from it and stayed most of the day in bed but at least i got to watch movies:)The anxiety hasnt been too bad since wednesday but it comes and goes every few days so far so i am expecting another episode soon (i hope your not as pessimistic as i am, haha) even so, i have faith that it will start to decrease soon, as soon as i find the dose that is right for me.
so you increased your dose to 15? how is that feeling now? is it helping you feel better? i know that i have to increase my dose soon, on my fourth week when i get refills i will talk to my doctor about it.The spacey thing i have been feeling myself too, more when i am out and less when i am in the comfort of my room.
Well i hope your weekend is a happy one with minimal anxiety and maximum smiles (:P)!
let me know how things are for you now that you have increased your dose. i will be there soon as well!
:)
Magdalena
Posted by mystic on March 13, 2004, at 14:57:29
In reply to RE:...WIll the ups and downs ever end, posted by mrs c on March 12, 2004, at 21:17:26
Mrs C.. how goes the battle??...As you have probably read we have started a new site where we can talk personaly and hope you find it...It took me a while...I know that others are on vacation but look forward every day for your updates so will check both sites...I think you usually dont get on until things settle down at night...You are in my thoughts and hope that your increase is helping and you are having a great day...Not sure if I updated you but the dr wants me to just do what is comfortable and I'm going to stay at 10mg and go up to 15 when ready maybe after the baby shower in 2 weeks if I dont feel better..today battling with a killer headache and did arobics this morning and I find in the morning I dont have the energy for exercise..I usually do it after work except on the weekends...Well anyway hope you are well and you are in my thoughts..Your friend Mystic
Posted by vjw on March 13, 2004, at 18:18:18
In reply to Lexapro positive responses?, posted by mel_light on March 11, 2004, at 9:03:51
> I just wanted to chime in on the positive responses for Lexapro. I'm on day 22 (I think) and things are getting much better. A couple of days ago I was still feeling the side effects but yesterday and today, I woke up feeling GREAT. It's been a long time since I've felt like my old self and this is the closest I've been. I'm sure the lexapro is now working. I'm not saying the anxiety and depression are gone but yesterday when I went to work people around me noticed a difference and I don't even share with them anything about this.This board has been extremely helpful through the lows so I wanted to include you with the highs :-) Thanks guys. I'll be back (hopefully with continued good news)
>>>I've been taking Lexapro for 3 days now, and I do notice a little anxiety-it was great to hear that it should be temporary! I was wondering what the majority of you experience as "positive effects"?? I am taking it for depression only, and what my therapist refers to as "weepiness"(crying at the drop of a hat). I was on a successful course of Zoloft/Wellbutrin years ago when going through a difficult divorce, but now she is recommending Lexapro.Does anyone know how it compares to Zoloft as far as side effects and positive results? The only se I had from Zoloft was extreme dry mouth.
I'm so glad I found this place!
Posted by mrs c on March 13, 2004, at 19:34:49
In reply to Re: HELP..WHEN WILL THE ANXIETY END!!!!, posted by jlynne on March 12, 2004, at 21:56:27
Hi,
When you post a follow up to a post just check the box to be notified by email of any follow ups to your post. Then all of the posts will come to your email address. It's very convenient and easier than going to the site. Just a thought for you. Glad to hear that you are doing okay on the 15mgs. I feel pretty good too! It's my sixth day on 15 mgs. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 13, 2004, at 19:41:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro positive responses?, posted by vjw on March 13, 2004, at 18:18:18
Some of the positive things I have found from taking Lex:
Increased energy, more patience, less emotional outbursts, less obsessive thinking (my reason for taking Lex), better outlook on life in general. I look forward to things now and feel less stressed out. I also can handle my daily everyday tasks better which were becoming overwhelming for me before I started Lex. Overall, my experience with Lex has been a good one. Once you get through the first five weeks things improve greatly. Good luck to you. Mrs.C
Posted by austex on March 13, 2004, at 20:11:41
In reply to Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness/Tingling/Numbness?!, posted by CR on January 8, 2004, at 16:16:47
About 4 mos ago I attempted to quit lexapro after 2 years on 5 mg. I wanted to quit because of really bad gas, abdominal pain and foggy headiness.The first week I felt great, really great, and all the side effect quit. 2nd week I started being easily agitated, 3rd we same plus some feelings of hopelessness about finanaces, life. I recognized it and had it under control. 4th week a I started getting physical effects of anxiety, tightness it the stomach (butterflies) etc. I decided to get back on 5 mg and a little clonasapam to help. It took about 3-4 weeks to feel "normal" again. I had only occassional panic attacks (once every 2-3 weeks) before I started Lexapro, no other symptoms. I was prescribed lexapro for the attacks and after being off of it for 4 weeks and feeling the effects I hope I am not permanently screwed up from the lexapro. I want to get off again because the gastic sideeffects are back, the foggy head and more are back also. And ideas??
Posted by mrs c on March 13, 2004, at 21:06:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness/Tingling/Numbness?!, posted by austex on March 13, 2004, at 20:11:41
I guess if you really feel that you need to quit you will have to ride out the syptoms of withdrawal. It seems to me that when you quit earlier your symptoms of your illness returned. Isn't that why you went back to Lex? Maybe Lex isn't the med for you and you should try something else. Have you spoken to a doc? Try tapering off the lex by taking it every other day and gradually stopping. There has got to be a med out there that won't give you the gastro symptoms and will still help with your illness. Good luck to you. Mrs. C
Posted by kateincali on March 14, 2004, at 13:31:03
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
So I know several of you are in school and was curious of how the medication is affecting your concentration, memory, creativity...etc.
I have been on Lexapro for one week now, and have had difficulty getting much accomplished this week. I also have midterms coming up and am wondering how Lexapro is going to affect my performance.
I also am a writer/painter...and believe it or not my creativity seems a bit stifled.
Anyone have any stories of relevance to share?
Thanks for listening...Kate
Posted by declaring grace on March 14, 2004, at 16:03:39
In reply to Re: Day 4 on LEX, jumping out of my skin..help, posted by mrs c on March 12, 2004, at 21:21:00
I cant take the anxiety attacks which i never had in my life, they are making me crazy. I cant wait weeks for them to go away I feel like I am going mad.... please help
Posted by susielalala on March 14, 2004, at 16:20:01
In reply to Day 6 on Lex and QUITTING !!!!, posted by declaring grace on March 14, 2004, at 16:03:39
I know exactly how you are feeling. I am on day 12 and I thought the same as you. You are not going MAD!!! Ask your doctor to give you some xanex to help with the anxiety. I prominse you it does get better. I still have some anxiety but it is way less now. I am only 6 days ahead of you. It does get better. From what everyone on this site has told me, the side effects do go away with time. I believe them. I didn't when I was on my first week because they were sooooooo bad. They are not as bad now. Have faith. I will pray for you. You are going to get better!!!
Posted by declaring grace on March 14, 2004, at 16:52:48
In reply to Re: Day 6 on Lex and QUITTING !!!! » declaring grace, posted by susielalala on March 14, 2004, at 16:20:01
how much lex are you taking ? I am on 10mg a day....
Posted by jlynne on March 14, 2004, at 17:08:22
In reply to Re: Day 6 on Lex and QUITTING !!!! » declaring grace, posted by susielalala on March 14, 2004, at 16:20:01
Hang in there, d-g. I am in week 5 of Lex. I agree with susielala - talk to your doctor. There is help for the anxiety. Are you sleeping? I take Lorazepam at night and that makes all the difference for me.
Sometimes when my anxiety gets bad, I run through the house, or get on my stair-stepper, or just talk outloud to myself.
You can also go to the Psycho Social Board and get lots of hugs.
We are here for you! . . . jlynne
Posted by susielalala on March 14, 2004, at 17:48:11
In reply to Re: Day 6 on Lex and QUITTING !!!!, posted by declaring grace on March 14, 2004, at 16:52:48
I am also on 10 m a day. I too had the bad anxiety. I just deal with it and pray alot. I do have xanex but have not taken it yet. I have faith that it is gonna get better. You have to hang in there. It will get better.
Posted by Magdalena on March 14, 2004, at 18:33:15
In reply to Day 6 on Lex and QUITTING !!!!, posted by declaring grace on March 14, 2004, at 16:03:39
hang in there declaring grace, i too had BAD anxiety at the beginning of taking my meds, even today at work i had a degree of it but it didnt turn in to an attack(thank god), i know it is slowly getting better and so please dont get discouraged it will subside a little more everyday.
i am on day 9 of taking 5mg of paxil and the side effects were horrible for me too but i know that if i troop on as they say, it will get better and the outcome will be SOO much better than the sadness/anxity i tried to self medicate for the last 5 years.
one last thing, TRUST ME you are NOT going mad!!
:)what you feel is what we have all experienced u are not alone.we are here for you
Magdalena
jlynne, Mystic, Mrs C and anyothers who post here, how has your day been? mine was so-so, anxiety kinda kickin around but it didnt interfear too bad.
and oh yeah jlynne, the beer mixed well with the paxil the other night but i will try not to drink on them as much as i can, its just good to know that once in a while i can kick back and relax.;)
have a great night all:)
Posted by susielalala on March 14, 2004, at 18:47:36
In reply to Re: Day 6 on Lex and QUITTING !!!! » declaring grace, posted by Magdalena on March 14, 2004, at 18:33:15
This is day 12 for me. I started off really good this morning. Then as the day progressed I got a little bit wierded out. I feel kind of spacey with anxiety. Its Sunday so I am suspecting it is the day before work anxiety. I jst cant wait to feel good for more than 1 day then feel icky the next. I hope all of you had a much better day than I did. My mood goes from good to freaky then back to good and so on and so on. I guess its them medicine that is what I am told. Anyway enough about me. I am prayng for all of you. I know that there is a light at the end of this tunnel and we will all find it. :) Take care all and God bless
Posted by kateincali on March 14, 2004, at 18:54:48
In reply to Re: New on Lexapro - kateincali, posted by ednababish on March 12, 2004, at 10:31:35
> Dear Kate,
> I really feel for you--I just got my Ph.D. last December. The stress and strain of graduate work was so overwhelming I dragged my feet for five years on writing my dissertation. I didn't think I would ever finish it, that I would always regret never having finished and always be a failure. It took a year on celexa to finish, decide to have a baby (which I was too much of a mess to ever consider prior to that), do my first conference, reach a constructive decision concerning my marriage-- a whole slew of things I couldn't face without the help of an antidepressant. Although I have had a history of depression since I was 15, graduate school brought on full blown panic disorder--two related conditions. You are not alone--I've been there, Lexy is there, as are countless others who post here. Hang in there, get your work done to the best of your ability (it does not have to be perfect), and soon you will find that although grad school is possibly the most inhumane thing anyone ever puts themselves through, you will make it.
> Edna BabishEdna-
Your words really hit home for me. I have just started working on my doctorate as well...and have just discovered these panic attacks and overwhelming anxiety these last few months. I just really have to keep telling myself day by day, and not allow myself to freak about, about my practicum or forming my dissertation committee. Your words give me a little hope, that I too will make it through this difficult time and program. I'm really counting on these meds to help me perfrom a little better. I am dreading a 1 hr. lecture I have to give next month in front of an absurd amount of people. I'm glad that things worked out so well for you.
-kate
Posted by Mrs. C on March 14, 2004, at 22:08:42
In reply to Day 6 on Lex and QUITTING !!!!, posted by declaring grace on March 14, 2004, at 16:03:39
Hi,
I am so sorry that you are having such a difficult time. Alot of others here take zanax for anxiety. I personally don't but I hear that it works wonders. Anxiety is an unfortunate side effect for most of us taking lex. It goes away after about 2 weeks. At least it did for me. What are you feeling? Is it a full blown panic attack or do you just feel really nervous? It also may help to come to this board as much as you can for support. The people here are full of great advice that comes from lots of experience. Hope you feel better soon. Mrs. C
Posted by blou on March 15, 2004, at 2:49:54
In reply to Re: My experiences with Lexapro and Celexa » Luziluna, posted by lil' jimi on April 16, 2003, at 14:18:34
I went up to 40mg Celexa and experienced significant hair loss. I tapered off of it, and had even more. can anyone give me any idea as to whether it will grow back?
Posted by declaring grace on March 15, 2004, at 3:20:42
In reply to Re: Day 6 on Lex and QUITTING !!!!, posted by Mrs. C on March 14, 2004, at 22:08:42
I can't sleep for more than two hours. I wake up feeling like I need to jump off the roof. My heart races, my mind races, I can't relax. For those of you who are getting good results with lex, what can I expect to feel ? I am depressed because my girlfriend left me for someone I work with. I am taking it really hard and don't know if lex is right in this situation? Any suggestions ? ? ? ?
Posted by want info on March 15, 2004, at 9:04:32
In reply to Re: Day 6 on Lex and QUITTING !!!!, posted by susielalala on March 14, 2004, at 18:47:36
hey guys. those of you who say you feel spacey i TOTALLY sympathize. i feel like im floating out of my body sometimes. im finishing my 5th week and went up to 15mg from 10 last week. im still feeling the symptoms and am losing hope. i just feel very out of it. i do take xanax .25 mg but im still so out of it! help? EM
Posted by LynneDa on March 15, 2004, at 9:38:28
In reply to Re: Day 6 on Lex and QUITTING !!!!, posted by declaring grace on March 15, 2004, at 3:20:42
D-G ~
I know just how you feel, it is terrible not to get any sleep & be filled with nervous energy and terrible anxiety. The lack of sleep makes all your symptoms worse. Please don't quit the Lex, especially cold turkey, you will feel awful. Call your doctor right away and tell him/her what's happening. I am sure that an additional med will help ease you through these first few weeks. Lex is good for depression, but maybe your anxiety needs to be addressed first and foremost.I'm so sorry to hear about your girlfriend, that is not helping your situation at all, I am sure. Please call your doctor to get help for your anxiety and insomnia. You will get better, you will get through this and you will be able to get on with your life!!!!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I can't sleep for more than two hours. I wake up feeling like I need to jump off the roof. My heart races, my mind races, I can't relax. For those of you who are getting good results with lex, what can I expect to feel ? I am depressed because my girlfriend left me for someone I work with. I am taking it really hard and don't know if lex is right in this situation? Any suggestions ? ? ? ?
Posted by kateincali on March 15, 2004, at 11:23:29
In reply to Alopecia w/ Celexa, posted by blou on March 15, 2004, at 2:49:54
Mrs C. I can totally relate to your frustration with insomnia. I have had severe insomnia since I have taken Lex, about a week. Everything does seem worse when you're exhausted. I have started drinking a lot of camamille tea to calm my nerves and help me sleep. It really does seem to help, although it could be partially psycho-somatic.
-Kate
Posted by Sabina on March 15, 2004, at 13:18:52
In reply to Re: Day 6 on Lex and QUITTING !!!!, posted by declaring grace on March 15, 2004, at 3:20:42
i don't usually read the lex posts, but yours stood out and was all too familiar to me. i was in your exact position last year with lexapro. i hate to see you suffering. i had several SSRI's pushed upon me over the years, all with equally disastrous results. they aren't for everyone, that's just a fact. i really hate to see you suffering this way. my *former* doctor told me that lexapro "doesn't have side effects" and to just keep taking it. obviously *that* isn't true.
i managed to make it through about four weeks before i found another doctor who rediagnosed me as a particularly sneaky bipolar II and got me on an entirely different track, medicinally speaking. i just wanted to write and say, please know that if you decide not to stick with the lex, then there are other options and that no matter how bad it gets, i promise it will get better again. during the nights of panic, i thought i would never find the right meds for me, and i did. it took some time to get the lex out of my system, but it turned out okay. hang in there. i'm really sorry about your girlfriend.
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