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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by oldhand on January 14, 2003, at 20:24:21
In reply to Depression and early menopause, posted by ayuda on January 14, 2003, at 9:54:30
Ayuda,
Just read that article. Another interesting "chicken and egg" proposition. Did I get menopause because I was depressed or was I depressed because I got menopause? :) I can recall bouts of depression from age 18, began severe hot flashes at 39, diagnosed with clinical depression around 48, post menopausal at 49, disability retirement at 50 due to depression. Wonder how it is all connected? Thanks for the link to the article. It really is about time someone looked at the bigger picture.
Posted by bozeman on January 14, 2003, at 21:58:53
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro » hp212, posted by Sadsack on January 14, 2003, at 15:21:11
Made me so depressed that every day I wished a truck would run over me. Or I would just drop dead. Not suicidal, just wanted to not feel that terrible. (those of you who've been there know there's a difference.)
Would rather have PMS from Hell than feel like that. Know how to keep myself from throwing things. ;-) Don't know how to get out of *that* pit of depression.> The pill for PMS? It MADE me depressed! I lost 10 pounds and got my life back when I went off them. Give me AD's for pms OR depresseion anyday.......
>
> > Another alternative to SSRIs for treating PMS is birth control. It definitely puts more balance into the month and virtually eliminates cramps. Shouldn't take it if you smoke and weight gain is a possible side effect. It wouldn't be a great option if you were trying to get pregnant, however. I think the pill might be the best alternative to an anti-depressant for relief of PMS. Some of them also make your skin look great.
>
>
Posted by EGR on January 14, 2003, at 22:32:31
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by Sadsack on January 14, 2003, at 15:48:26
Sadsack,
Isn't it weird to look back on it now that you're on meds? It's like, "I can't believe that I felt THAT badly!... that I would actually do that to those I love the most." Thank GOD for chemists that develop these drugs! I feel sooooo much better!! :-) Glad you do too!
EGR
Posted by Hollygolightly on January 15, 2003, at 0:04:55
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi, I'm new to the boards as well as fairly new to taking Lexapro. I've had severe chronic depression for over 3 years (I'm currently on disability because of it). I've been through a number of anti-depressants with some pretty God awful side effects. Most recently, I had tried Wellbutrin (once again). Most of my previous side effects have included pretty severe nausea. All but Wellbutrin included loss of sexual libido (although when you're in a state of depression for this long....I couldn't say for sure if it's just the drug...I'm not involved with anyone so it's no like I've noticed it as much)
I began taking 5mg of Lexapro in December..the normal starting and maintenance dose is 10mg daily. However, since I'm prone to side effects, it was recommended that I start lower. I actually researched the drug online and asked to try it. I went both to my regular psychiatrist as well as to a psychopharmacoligist to see if this was what they would suggest.
I began having headaches almost immediately (not prone to headaches)...these have diminished pretty much. I experienced some nausea as well as complete loss of appetite....that has eased up some. I think that with many of the SSRI's you can lose weight initially but that eventually, some people do tend to gain. That's been my personal experience (I'd love the loss of appetite and weight loss to be a permanant side effect!)
So, since Jan 2, 2003, I've moved to the 10mg dosage. My cousin, a nurse, suggested that it might help me deal with the side effects if the drug itself worked. Amazingly, and I am still on the fence...but, I do seem to be feeling slightly better. I was advised that is could take up to 4 weeks to notice any change and that it takes longer for some people.
I hope I'm not writing a novel here but just wanted to offer any helpful information to anyone else considering this drug. FYI, previously, I was on Paxil (deathly ill and 2plus week of intense withdrawal), Prozac, Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin combined with most of the other SSRI's, Serzone and Zoloft. For me, nausea has been the worst side effect, along with dry mouth. I've experienced total loss of libido with everything but Wellbutrin...there, I had severe dry mouth and it just didn't seem to work for me. I have a family history of depression...fyi, I was told by the psychopharmacologist that if I had any relatives sufferring from depression and taking anti-depressants that worked for them....well, that would make the odds better for me. That might help someone out there.
Thanks for listening. I promise not to ramble on my next post. This looks like an interesting place to find information and support. My best wishes to eveyone's success to this horrible disease!
Posted by Mock5 on January 15, 2003, at 1:24:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro and headaches » Jaycee, posted by pharmrep on December 4, 2002, at 9:10:19
I, too, have noticed increased headaches with Lexapro. My side effects with the other anti-aniexy/depression meds have been diarrhea and insomnia. With Lex, those particular effects have ceased, but my migraines are MUCH more frequent. I have been taking Lex for almost 3 months and have gone to every other day to be sure that that is what is causing my migraines. And for the past 2 weeks, the days I haven't taken Lex, I haven't had a headache. Any suggestions on any other meds? I have tried Paxil, Prozac, and Celexa.
Posted by Jaycee on January 15, 2003, at 6:51:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro and headaches, posted by Mock5 on January 15, 2003, at 1:24:03
> I, too, have noticed increased headaches with Lexapro. My side effects with the other anti-aniexy/depression meds have been diarrhea and insomnia. With Lex, those particular effects have ceased, but my migraines are MUCH more frequent. I have been taking Lex for almost 3 months and have gone to every other day to be sure that that is what is causing my migraines. And for the past 2 weeks, the days I haven't taken Lex, I haven't had a headache. Any suggestions on any other meds? I have tried Paxil, Prozac, and Celexa.
I did see a neurologist for my migraines and he suggested that I increase my topamax. I did increase it and have had one migraine in one month, so it has helped considerably. It is a med that is used for seizures but is being used (not approved by the FDA yet) for migraines. The topamax is also used for depression/anxiety/mood stabilization. Check it out on the web under topamax...
Posted by ayuda on January 15, 2003, at 6:55:26
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Hollygolightly on January 15, 2003, at 0:04:55
What is amazing is that all of us have been complaining about side effects (especially start up ones like headaches and sexual s/e), but it seems that otherwise, the Lexapro has made many of us who post feel a lot better. So I hope that it helps you, also. Did you try Celexa before this? I only ask because Lexapro is a derivative of Celexa, and you say you tried most of the SSRI's. I hope that the Lexapro gets you back on your feet again -- and even though the maintenance dose is supposed to be 10mg, I just went up to 20mg, so if it isn't working as well on the lower doses and you don't have nausea, you have that option. Good to have you on the site, and good luck with Lexapro!
> Hi, I'm new to the boards as well as fairly new to taking Lexapro. I've had severe chronic depression for over 3 years (I'm currently on disability because of it). I've been through a number of anti-depressants with some pretty God awful side effects. Most recently, I had tried Wellbutrin (once again). Most of my previous side effects have included pretty severe nausea. All but Wellbutrin included loss of sexual libido (although when you're in a state of depression for this long....I couldn't say for sure if it's just the drug...I'm not involved with anyone so it's no like I've noticed it as much)
>
> I began taking 5mg of Lexapro in December..the normal starting and maintenance dose is 10mg daily. However, since I'm prone to side effects, it was recommended that I start lower. I actually researched the drug online and asked to try it. I went both to my regular psychiatrist as well as to a psychopharmacoligist to see if this was what they would suggest.
>
> I began having headaches almost immediately (not prone to headaches)...these have diminished pretty much. I experienced some nausea as well as complete loss of appetite....that has eased up some. I think that with many of the SSRI's you can lose weight initially but that eventually, some people do tend to gain. That's been my personal experience (I'd love the loss of appetite and weight loss to be a permanant side effect!)
>
> So, since Jan 2, 2003, I've moved to the 10mg dosage. My cousin, a nurse, suggested that it might help me deal with the side effects if the drug itself worked. Amazingly, and I am still on the fence...but, I do seem to be feeling slightly better. I was advised that is could take up to 4 weeks to notice any change and that it takes longer for some people.
>
> I hope I'm not writing a novel here but just wanted to offer any helpful information to anyone else considering this drug. FYI, previously, I was on Paxil (deathly ill and 2plus week of intense withdrawal), Prozac, Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin combined with most of the other SSRI's, Serzone and Zoloft. For me, nausea has been the worst side effect, along with dry mouth. I've experienced total loss of libido with everything but Wellbutrin...there, I had severe dry mouth and it just didn't seem to work for me. I have a family history of depression...fyi, I was told by the psychopharmacologist that if I had any relatives sufferring from depression and taking anti-depressants that worked for them....well, that would make the odds better for me. That might help someone out there.
> Thanks for listening. I promise not to ramble on my next post. This looks like an interesting place to find information and support. My best wishes to eveyone's success to this horrible disease!
Posted by teriwynn on January 15, 2003, at 9:19:40
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by Sadsack on January 14, 2003, at 15:48:26
** And here I thought I was the only one who thought of driving off the road. Which roads would be best, where I would be least likely to hurt anyone else, how easy it would be, how to make it look like an accident so my insurance wouldn't be denied my family. I still think of it on my bad days, but they are few and far between, thank God.
Posted by Mock5 on January 15, 2003, at 12:41:01
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by Sadsack on January 14, 2003, at 15:48:26
> Oh my gosh-it sounds JUST like what I was doing. I thought about just swerving off an embankment,or into a tree. I started leeaving my husband with the kids more so they could bond and be better off "after I was gone". I worked on organizing everything so they wouldn't have to deal with any confusion "after I was gone.....I finally realized what I was doing and got help. It is scary but it sure is helpful to know others have been thru it!
> > Kairos, I would be happy to somehow correspond with your husband. I guess I'm just not sure what part of my story would be helpful to him. I guess I could start out by saying that in the beginning, I didn't start out wanting to kill myself, I was just miserable and would have negative thoughts. Then one day, as I was driving, a thought popped in... "I could just drive into this oncoming traffic"... and then it escalated after that... which corner would be the best in order to make it look like an accident... how I could drive off a bridge and make it look like an accident. Etc., etc. Let me know what you think would be helpful for him to read.
> >
> > I really DO care...
> >
> > EGR
>
>I haven't thought it out so much as to make plans for "when I am gone"... but I have had such high anxiety about things that I though the ONLY way to even get close to relieving the stress was to drive into a concrete barrier as I was driving down the highway. I thought I was going crazy that that was runnig through my mind. Until I read these posts, I am thinking that I am not alone! Although, I am definitely rational enough to know better than to do that... I was still upset that it was even a thought in my mind.
Posted by justyourlaugh on January 15, 2003, at 13:02:21
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by Mock5 on January 15, 2003, at 12:41:01
hi
i was wondering if these thoughts(while driving)
were thought out while you were in the car.
or were they uncontrolable flashes that could happen anytime.
what do you do to stop them?
i knock myself out everynight with seoquel(100mg)
does his mean durring the next day the drug is still effecting me?
is it suppose to help with the negative thoughts?
j
Posted by wharfrat on January 15, 2003, at 14:31:38
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Has anyone had success adding wellbutrin to lexapro for sexual se's? How long does it take to kick in? I've been on 150 mg wellbutrin SR for a little over three weeks with my 10 mg lexapro and still having difficulty achieving a "happy ending". Anyone?? Anyone??
Wharf
Posted by proud mary on January 15, 2003, at 15:22:48
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Hollygolightly on January 15, 2003, at 0:04:55
Dear Holly,
I, too am taking Lexapro. I took Zoloft for several years and it started to not work for me anymore. I haven't noticed any obvious side-effects except for sever sleepiness the first few days, but I think I tolerate SSRIs pretty well, anyway. Today, day six, is the first day I've really felt alive again. Not totally great, mind you, but at least I'm beginning to have an interest in what's going on around me again.
It's true about the family member thing...my dad took prosiac before he died (unrelated to his depression) and when my daughter needed an AD a few years ago, she didn't respond well to Zoloft and ended up with Imiprimine, however, her dad had tried zoloft, too, and couldn't tolerate it, so I guess she's much more like his side of the family.
I do feel a little bit of a zingy spaciness that I attribute to not so much the Lexapro, but to stopping the zoloft.
Good luck to you and keep on reading...I'll be here! Mary
Posted by StephGob on January 15, 2003, at 15:26:33
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I recently switched from Celexa to Lexapro, and my results haven't been that great. I was on Celexa for a year (thought I should have been on something for years prior to that...my fault).
My anxiety was a bit of a problem sometimes (stress is a different story), but I didn't have many depressive episodes during this year. Since I've been on Lexapro (about 2 weeks or so), I've had some major episodes of anxiety and depression. After just two weeks, I feel like I'm almost back to where I was before I was even on medication.
My biggest issue is usually anxiety. As long as my depression is subdued, I can focus on attempting (successfully or not) to lessen my anxiety. Right now, I can't seem to control either.
One worry that my doctor had was that he didn't want to try much of anything new with me because I also have ADD and am on medication for that. However, even when I don't take that med (a stimulant), I get anxious. Anyone got any help for me?
Posted by EGR on January 15, 2003, at 16:20:11
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by justyourlaugh on January 15, 2003, at 13:02:21
> hi
> i was wondering if these thoughts(while driving)
> were thought out while you were in the car.
> or were they uncontrolable flashes that could happen anytime.
> what do you do to stop them?They would just pop into my head... then I would "entertain" them... my therapist said it was because it was a way out and thinking about them made me feel like I had some control. They went away after I started on meds, but when I was doing a med switch, they'd come back. Haven't had any at all in at least 6 weeks.
EGR
Posted by Sadsack on January 15, 2003, at 20:24:24
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by Mock5 on January 15, 2003, at 12:41:01
Mock5,
No you are not alone, and yes, I too have been rational enough not to do it but, you're right, it is really disturbing! This is my 3rd go around with depression (in 10 years)and I am getting better at recognizing those unwanted thoughts for what they are...a clue to get treatment. I still fight it and and hope I'll pull out of it on my own but I am better now about seeking help. It sure is a comfort to know there are others in the same boat who are fighting the good fight with you isnt it? This forum has been so helpful to me, I'm glad you responded. Thanks
> >
> I haven't thought it out so much as to make plans for "when I am gone"... but I have had such high anxiety about things that I though the ONLY way to even get close to relieving the stress was to drive into a concrete barrier as I was driving down the highway. I thought I was going crazy that that was runnig through my mind. Until I read these posts, I am thinking that I am not alone! Although, I am definitely rational enough to know better than to do that... I was still upset that it was even a thought in my mind.
>
>
Posted by Sadsack on January 15, 2003, at 20:38:09
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by justyourlaugh on January 15, 2003, at 13:02:21
Hey justyourlaugh,
My theory is that they happened in the car, when I was alone because I wasn't preoccupied with the business of everyday life-the only time I wasn't trying to be something for somebody (if that makes any sense). They came completely unbidden, whether or not I was consciously even sad! I remember feeling really upset that I would even think such a thing or that it would seem so appealing. The only time I experienced active thoughts of "suicide by car" was when I was alone. Other times I was mainly hopeless. Maybe if I'd learned earlier in life how to take care of myself instead of always being "something for somebody" I wouldnt have gotten to this point-but maybe it wouldn't have made any difference at all given my family history. Who knows.
I don't know about the seoquel, sorry I can't help you there.
Good Luck!> hi
> i was wondering if these thoughts(while driving)
> were thought out while you were in the car.
> or were they uncontrolable flashes that could happen anytime.
> what do you do to stop them?
> i knock myself out everynight with seoquel(100mg)
> does his mean durring the next day the drug is still effecting me?
> is it suppose to help with the negative thoughts?
> j
Posted by 4girlsMoM on January 16, 2003, at 10:46:06
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl » Hollygolightly, posted by proud mary on January 15, 2003, at 15:22:48
Mary, you recently responded to my post regarding anxiety and an "overwhelmed" feeling. You suggested Klonopin. I am really interested in what you find the difference to be between Zoloft and Lexapro. I have been doing a lot of reading on Lexapro and was considering switching from Zoloft, with the hope that it might better help my anxiety. Let me know your thoughts. Donna
Posted by Mock5 on January 16, 2003, at 19:15:54
In reply to Re: Here! Here!! » justyourlaugh, posted by Sadsack on January 15, 2003, at 20:38:09
About the whole car thing... my thoughts of driving into the concrete wall/barrier were more along the lines of stress-relief rather than suicide... in fact, i never even thought about an outcome where i would be hurt. Just a thought that nothing minor would work... it would have to be major. I wasn't necessarily mad or sad at the time. Just anxious about the prospect of a new job and new relationship. "Normal" things that would cause just about anyone to feel stressed... but I just couldn't rationally deal with it. I totally shut down. Then I started Lexapro and have evened out... now if I could just get rid of the migraines that the Lexapro seems to be triggering I would be happy.
I have had migraines since I was 16, but they have become more frequent since Lexapro... but that is another post for another "babble"!!!
Posted by lam on January 16, 2003, at 22:30:55
In reply to Re: Question about Effexor » jtc, posted by ayuda on December 21, 2002, at 12:22:51
HI
Anyone taking Effexor xr and Lexapro?
I have been on Effexor xr for 4 months currently at 225. Doesn't seem to be working.I can hardly get out of bed. Wondering if alcohol may have something to do with it. My PD has just prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro along with the Effexor.
Does anyone have expeerience with Effexor xr and Lexapro?
Posted by EGR on January 16, 2003, at 23:46:53
In reply to effexor xr and lexapro anyone?, posted by lam on January 16, 2003, at 22:30:55
You need to not drink alcohol. That pretty well defeats ADs... alcohol is a DEPRESSANT... you don't need that.
Posted by EGR on January 16, 2003, at 23:52:04
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by Mock5 on January 16, 2003, at 19:15:54
Nah... not me. I wanted to die... I wanted the pain to stop, but until the thoughts started popping in, I didn't realize it... First I just really wanted to harm myself... then I tried alienating my best friends... the only time I held it together was when I was around my husband and kids... I just didn't want my kids growing up knowing their mother killed herself... I thought that would be psychologically damaging to them... LOL!!! like losing their mom wouldn't! Thank God for interventions and drugs!!
EGR
Posted by EGR on January 16, 2003, at 23:56:42
In reply to Re: Changing time of Lex » EGR, posted by bozeman on January 10, 2003, at 21:14:20
Hey Bozeman!! I did it, but I did it a "quick" way. I decided to take 10 this a.m. and 20 this evening... now tomorrow night I'll just take 20, etc.... I figured I could handle that... just not skipping 'til tonight completely. I felt GREAT on the 10 today... not sleepy or anything. I see my doc tomorrow, maybe we'll talk dosages.
Thanks for your help... just knowing you were there made me brave.
EGR
Posted by ayuda on January 17, 2003, at 1:25:42
In reply to effexor xr and lexapro anyone?, posted by lam on January 16, 2003, at 22:30:42
I switched from 225 mg of Effexor XR to Lexapro within the last 2 months. I was having similar problems to what you are having, except that I rarely drink alcohol, but I was also lethargic and having a hard time. If your doc has put you on Lexapro, I don't know why they don't just wean you off the Effexor, the two together are overkill, and unnecessary if the Effexor XR isn't working. It took me 6 weeks to taper off the Effexor, but I am doing MUCH better on 20mg of Lexapro now.
Also, I agree with EGR -- alcohol is a depressant, and it counteracts any AD. Having a glass of wine with a meal every once in a while, or a couple of beers once a month won't really hurt, but drinking even once a day will stop the action of the AD. In fact, I've found that when someone wants to drink, that probably means their AD isn't working.
You didn't say if you were having any side effects from the Effexor XR (I had seriously unbearable nausea and developed an ulcer while on it and gained 40 pounds), but even if you aren't, you should ask your doctor why you are taking both meds.
> HI
>
> Anyone taking Effexor xr and Lexapro?
>
> I have been on Effexor xr for 4 months currently at 225. Doesn't seem to be working.I can hardly get out of bed. Wondering if alcohol may have something to do with it. My PD has just prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro along with the Effexor.
>
> Does anyone have expeerience with Effexor xr and Lexapro?
>
Posted by syringachalet on January 17, 2003, at 6:57:27
In reply to Re: Changing time of Lex » bozeman, posted by EGR on January 16, 2003, at 23:56:42
Hey, EGR,
What a savy idea! If we have to have these meds in our lives to regulated/adjust the chemicals in our brains, figuring out the best times for the meds is so important.
On daily meds the emphasis is on daily; and setting YOUR med schedule to fit YOUR lifestyle is what its all about...Keep ourselves as healthy as we can is what all this is about, right?
Just a thought.....
syringachalet
Posted by mills on January 17, 2003, at 9:01:38
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone? » lam, posted by ayuda on January 17, 2003, at 1:25:42
Wrong! sorry, but that is just not my experience and so you can't make a generalization about alcohol that applies to everyone--especially a statement about "wanting" alcohol meaning your AD isn't working. Moderate alcohol use does not depress me in the least.
peace
> I switched from 225 mg of Effexor XR to Lexapro within the last 2 months. I was having similar problems to what you are having, except that I rarely drink alcohol, but I was also lethargic and having a hard time. If your doc has put you on Lexapro, I don't know why they don't just wean you off the Effexor, the two together are overkill, and unnecessary if the Effexor XR isn't working. It took me 6 weeks to taper off the Effexor, but I am doing MUCH better on 20mg of Lexapro now.
>
> Also, I agree with EGR -- alcohol is a depressant, and it counteracts any AD. Having a glass of wine with a meal every once in a while, or a couple of beers once a month won't really hurt, but drinking even once a day will stop the action of the AD. In fact, I've found that when someone wants to drink, that probably means their AD isn't working.
>
> You didn't say if you were having any side effects from the Effexor XR (I had seriously unbearable nausea and developed an ulcer while on it and gained 40 pounds), but even if you aren't, you should ask your doctor why you are taking both meds.
>
>
> > HI
> >
> > Anyone taking Effexor xr and Lexapro?
> >
> > I have been on Effexor xr for 4 months currently at 225. Doesn't seem to be working.I can hardly get out of bed. Wondering if alcohol may have something to do with it. My PD has just prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro along with the Effexor.
> >
> > Does anyone have expeerience with Effexor xr and Lexapro?
> >
>
>
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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