![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2924 to 2948 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by blkvettes on May 13, 2003, at 10:19:44
In reply to Re: leeran and lexapro » blkvettes, posted by leeran on May 13, 2003, at 3:22:33
> Aspercream! Yes, I do have a tube of that upstairs (along with two tubes of Theragesic).
>
> I thought I was possibly having a heart attack last fall and drove myself to the hospital (first time I've ever done such a thing) and felt thoroughly foolish as I sat there waiting for the test results, painting my nails and cleaning out my purse. All the tests came back normal and later that day I had a stress test - which they recommended at the hospital. I passed it with flying colors.
>
> I was doing Bill Phillips' Body for Life program at the time, and I think I must have strained those muscles doing pullovers on a weight bench - BUT - because I have a slightly leaky heart valve (which may or may not be due to a short run on the phen/fen combination) I felt like I should acknowledge the pain and have it checked out.
>
> I think today was probably a Lexapro moment . . . (or series of moments). Typically I feel very nervous before one of us travels, but it just occurred to me, maybe the Lexapro is helping a lot of that anxiety that I usually feel mentally (it's like I know I should be very anxious - and I feel it somewhat, but not in my usual "chicken with its head cut off" manner).
>
> Aspercream is a good idea. Thank you once again, Blkvettes/Wayne. The fact that you (and so many others) still post your experiences/suggestions for the newcomers is so kindhearted.
>
> Lee
>
>
Hi Lee, are you being treated for depression or a combination of things. Do you also have anxiety issues!!!!!!!! I have always had insomnia since a kid and notice you are up late on this board. Do you suffer with insomnia also. I am a very curious person, sorry for all the questions. Yes, I still post and always will till I die. But my life is not perfect right now. I am still early in this recovery. I dont know if things get better from here or worse. So I keep reading and learning about myself. I have even considered getting something for my insomnia. I used to do drugs years ago and went through a rehab center. I have been drug free for almost 20 years. Its funny that I have a mental illness and all my drug buddies and gals from years past are fine. Just does not seem fair somehow. I know I have come a long way in the last 3 months. Now I am to the point where I have to make decisions in my life. These decisions are very hard!!!!! I still have bad days, but I think they are more of a normal kind of bad day. But all of us instantly blame it on our illness or our med. I had bad days before this illness and did not think twice about them. Sorry to make this so long but I just woke up and your post was the first thing I read. So I had to get my thoughts out of my head. I also have a bad problem about thinking of everyone on the boards I go to. Like you for instance you talked about an old post of mine. I know you were a little scared. I picture this in my mind and feel I have to try to help any way I can. I try to calm your fears and at the same time ask you to see a doc which you have done in the past. I to have had all the heart tests. I did not like that stress test though, I thought I was heading for a heart attack during that. But they said everything appeared normal. No blockage anywhere!!! So I have trained myself to ignore almost all my pains and spasms. But sometimes if my mind is tired, the symptoms get the best of me. By reading your posts in the past, I have come to think of you as a really cool person. You post what you think and I am sure you know which ones I am reffering to. Well, I am off for a nap!!!!! I hope things keep getting better you and all of us. Just remember you are still going to have days that your depressed. This is normal day living and dont let it get you down!!!! Just for lil jimi I am sending you a special TAKE CARE!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by oregon on May 13, 2003, at 11:55:27
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » Curlena, posted by leeran on May 9, 2003, at 9:28:43
This site is great, it gives me the information about side effects I am experiencing. I have a brain injury from work I was taking 450 of wellbutrine. Since 2000 I was experiencing a deep depression never hospitalized but I probably should have, as I came very close to taking my life.I started Lexapro 3-4 weeks ago, my Dr. wanted me to start at .5 but I started at 10. I told her last week ~I went up to 20, I feel its begining to work. Last week when I saw her I told her I wanted to go off the Wellbutrine, she asked me why I said I didn't want that many pills.She asked that I stay on it for the next couple of months.
The side effects are nothing compared to the blackness of depression. If I never have an orgasm again so be it atleast I will be living a somewhat normal life.
Thank you everyone for the valuable imput!
Sharon
Posted by lil' jimi on May 13, 2003, at 12:00:24
In reply to Re: leeran and lexapro, posted by blkvettes on May 13, 2003, at 10:19:44
Posted by worrywort on May 13, 2003, at 12:43:06
In reply to New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by jjana on May 8, 2003, at 13:42:39
Hi Jana,
Ive been taking Lex for almost 7 months now. I started at 10mg then went to 20mg. One thing you must remember is that it takes WEEKS to feel the full effects of most, if not all, SSRIs. It took about 5 weeks for me. In most cases the side effects will decrease with time. You have to try to stay with it, I know thats easy for me to say, but its true. I had a very tough time believing it myself. The fact that you are having more anxiety now that you are on Lex could be a good sign, indicating that your depression is being lessened. I had lots of anx too. Ask your pdoc about a tranq like Lorazepam (Ativan). I took Loraz 0.5mg (the smallest dose)3x/day for several months and it worked wonders. I had very little drowsiness. Eventually, I was able to cut back the number of doses and now I dont take it at all. Try to stay positive and try not to take some of the horror stories you read on this board too seriously (no offense to anyone) everyone is different. I have had EXCELLENT results with Lex, and little if any side effects. You must be patient, that is the most difficult thing to do. Remember, you WILL feel better, but it WILL take time. Hang in there! Think positive! feel free to contact me off list if you wish just to talk (e.davidson@mchsi.com) ...it can really help to talk to someone who has been there...it sure helped me...dont forget to smile!!!!
Eric
Posted by blkvettes on May 13, 2003, at 13:40:47
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by oregon on May 13, 2003, at 11:55:27
> This site is great, it gives me the information about side effects I am experiencing. I have a brain injury from work I was taking 450 of wellbutrine. Since 2000 I was experiencing a deep depression never hospitalized but I probably should have, as I came very close to taking my life.I started Lexapro 3-4 weeks ago, my Dr. wanted me to start at .5 but I started at 10. I told her last week ~I went up to 20, I feel its begining to work. Last week when I saw her I told her I wanted to go off the Wellbutrine, she asked me why I said I didn't want that many pills.She asked that I stay on it for the next couple of months.
> The side effects are nothing compared to the blackness of depression. If I never have an orgasm again so be it atleast I will be living a somewhat normal life.
> Thank you everyone for the valuable imput!
> Sharon
Hi Sharon, it sounds very good to me!!!! You seem upbeat!!!!! I am happy for you!!!!!! Just dont try to do to much at one time!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by leeran on May 13, 2003, at 13:49:11
In reply to Re: leeran and lexapro, posted by blkvettes on May 13, 2003, at 10:19:44
To Blkvettes,
(the easiest way for me to do this is copy and paste your post and respond as I go).
"Hi Lee, are you being treated for depression or a combination of things."
ADD (which I think has been exacerbated by early menopause, the bane of my existence) and depression. The psychiatrist has mentioned that Lexapro might help me with my OCD tendencies - so my guess is that he has that acronym written somewhere in my chart. In general, I am very anxious and have lived my life waiting for the "other shoe to drop." So yes, I suppose there are a variety of issues but I've never asked for my official diagnosis. That might throw me into the real depths of despair (lol - kind of :-)
"Do you also have anxiety issues!!!!!!!!"
Yes . . . it seems to run in the family. As my mother is wont to say: "The nut doesn't fall far from the tree" - even though I've tried to roll as far away as I could get without dropping into the Pacific ocean! I love my mother but have a hard time trusting her (that's fodder for another board).
"I have always had insomnia since a kid and notice you are up late on this board. Do you suffer with insomnia also."
Yes, I suppose I do. But not when I take my Ambien on time! Once I fall asleep (with the Ambien) I'm out like a light (this post is full of cliches - add anal-retentive to the list because I just spent five minutes trying to figure out how to add the accent mark to the word cliche).
Back to insomnia . . .
Ambien seems to be doing the trick for now (I've been taking it for about three weeks). Oh yeah, I'm on the West Coast, so it may seem like I'm up even later than I really am (but last night was definitely later than I intended). I think I also have whatever condition it is that causes someone to overexplain . . . (OCD? Narcissism? Who knows).
"I am a very curious person, sorry for all the questions."
As am I. I've been told that by many people over the years (a friend used to call me Mrs. Columbo). It seems that there are many inquisitive people on these boards who are very cognizant of their mental health and find this board via research on their medication or condition. I'm amazed at how many times www.dr-bob.org comes up during different Google searches!
"Yes, I still post and always will till I die."
That's really nice of you to continue posting here . . . it reminds me of the principles put forth in that movie "Pay It Forward."
"But my life is not perfect right now."
I am sorry to hear that, Blkvettes.
"I am still early in this recovery. I dont know if things get better from here or worse. So I keep reading and learning about myself."
This sounds like the road to recovery/self-discovery and I can't imagine that it could be anything but good for you. I think that once one experiences depression (or any type of mood disorder/mental illness) there's the fear of slipping backwards. I know I feel it quite often, yet I sabotage myself from time to time (mainly by thinking I shouldn't need medication).
Example: this morning I sat in the parking lot at Whole Foods Market and agonized over the thought of all the medications I'm taking.
I consistently struggle between:
(a) thinking I should be able to handle anything on my own
(b) the certainty that there must be some magic combination of prescription drugs that can do the trick
(b) wondering if my qi isn't out of balance and I'm harming myself further with prescription medications
I'm just new age enough to be a pain in the b*tt to myself - but not new age enough to eat right, etc. This nebulous belief system is probably the result of a few rounds of acupuncture treatments and several months with a chiropractor/kinesiologist who thought he could solve every "ill" (including menopause) with three time-consuming visits per week and "waving" things over me (namely, the natural remedies he sold at his practice).
Usually it's a combination of several "cures" that finally gets me back on track - but, undoubtedly, anti-depressants go further than any other in getting me over the hump. However, last Fall the acupuncturist "prescribed" this nasty stuff (tree stumps, deer horns, berries, etc.) that I had to boil and drink the remaining liquid. That stuff really seemed to help with depression, acne, anxiety, hair loss - but it just about drove my son and husband out of the kitchen.
"I have even considered getting something for my insomnia."
I've heard that Ambien is non-addicting, yet I've also heard that it IS addicting. I have never taken a sleeping medication (save for melatonin and Tylenol P.M.) in my entire life. For some reason, I've always equated taking sleeping pills with really hitting rock bottom. Isn't that weird? Must go back to some sixties "Valley of the Dolls" mentality.
"I used to do drugs years ago and went through a rehab center. I have been drug free for almost 20 years."
CONGRATULATIONS!!! What an accomplishment! I'm sure it hasn't always been easy during those twenty years - but the fact that you have made it shows that you have an extraordinary amount of srength and resolve (as well as belief in yourself!).
"Its funny that I have a mental illness and all my drug buddies and gals from years past are fine. Just does not seem fair somehow."
I understand your feelings, but in a slightly different way. My husband is so organized and good at everything he does and my business partner of twenty years is the same way. I spend so much time beating myself up and wondering why I can't attain that same level of drive and organization (of course, fewer posts on this board would help!). I used to have the drive (actually overdrive) but never the organization.
Regarding your buddies from the old days - maybe they have gone through similar situations as well, but haven't told anyone outside their immediate family? You never know.
"I know I have come a long way in the last 3 months."
Amen. That one day spent reading your posts from start to finish was like watching "The Incredible Journey" in fast forward.
"Now I am to the point where I have to make decisions in my life. These decisions are very hard!!!!!"
Blkvettes, I have had to make four enormously difficult decisions in my adult life.
Decisions that have a major impact on the future, and your loved ones, can be gut-wrenching. With the exception of one of those decisions, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't wonder if I made the right choices (note: I DO know that every blunder got me where I am this very minute - and when I think of it that way, I know I am in a much better place, but I'm one of those people who becomes ensared in guilty feelings about everything going back to first grade).
Regarding the decisions on your horizon: I strongly believe that, in order to make these life-altering decisions, one needs to be mentally/physically ready for all the work that goes into these changes (there were times I wasn't and I've paid the price in cortisol depletion).
From reading your posts I can see that you have gone the distance with your depression. I can also see/read that you are much stronger than you were three months ago. The combination of insight, honesty, and compassion you always exhibit here leads me to believe that you will know when it's the right time to tackle these tough decisions.
"I still have bad days, but I think they are more of a normal kind of bad day. But all of us instantly blame it on our illness or our med. I had bad days before this illness and did not think twice about them."
Yes, I agree. I don't know if I'm recalling your age correctly (43?) but let's face it, the simple act of aging can take its toll (I'm 44 but in denial and I have the receipts to prove it :-).
"Sorry to make this so long but I just woke up and your post was the first thing I read. So I had to get my thoughts out of my head. I also have a bad problem about thinking of everyone on the boards I go to. Like you for instance you talked about an old post of mine. I know you were a little scared. I picture this in my mind and feel I have to try to help any way I can. I try to calm your fears and at the same time ask you to see a doc which you have done in the past. I to have had all the heart tests. I did not like that stress test though, I thought I was heading for a heart attack during that. But they said everything appeared normal. No blockage anywhere!!! So I have trained myself to ignore almost all my pains and spasms. But sometimes if my mind is tired, the symptoms get the best of me."I agree with just about everything you said in this paragraph, Blkvettes (including the fact that my own response is quite long).
Because I work at home (and I don't do much of that these days - all things considered) I have found the internet to be my lifeline to the outside world. One of my closest confidantes is a woman I got to know on another board (different subject matter not related to this site), yet we've never met. Additionally, I met my husband on the internet, so I can relate to feeling a bond and empathy with the disembodied souls whose paths we cross electronically.
"By reading your posts in the past, I have come to think of you as a really cool person."I live in an area that does its best to try to "define" COOL (in the visual sense) so at forty four, I usually feel more like a FOOL around here (hmmmm, did I mention agoraphobia? Or as my husband calls it - angoraphobia?). In any case, I will definitely accept and embrace your kind compliment of "cool" in the virtual cybersense of the word.
"You post what you think and I am sure you know which ones I am reffering to."
Well, I've posted about nearly every facet of my oftimes seedy life between here and the social board (where this might get redirected - despite my discussion of Ambien), so I'm not sure which posts you're referring to (perhaps my continual banner girl plugs for the Magic Wand?). You don't need to answer on this one, I've beat that dead horse to a pulp.
"Well, I am off for a nap!!!!!"
Have a good one - and perhaps ask your doctor about a sleep aid. And thanks for your post (from one "Lexy's Midnight Runner" to another!
Lee
Posted by billk on May 13, 2003, at 15:14:06
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Now that this thread has been going for almost a year now, I wonder if there is any consensus as to whether Lexapro is better than Celexa, in particular in regards to side effects, or whether Lexapro has been simply a clever marketing ploy?
Posted by blkvettes on May 13, 2003, at 15:49:55
In reply to Re: leeran and lexapro » blkvettes, posted by leeran on May 13, 2003, at 13:49:11
Hi Lee, I believe you covered everything in great detail!!!!!!!! Im 46, but whats 3 years right. You are so kind!!! I understand about the time change. No wonder you are up late on my clock. I wish I had that excuse. I may see about a sleeping aid, but will probably decline. I guess these posts should maybe go on some special social babble board. So I guess I should mention something about lexapro. OK, I just did!!!!!!! Have a good day!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by JaneB on May 13, 2003, at 17:44:26
In reply to To sum up the thread so far, is Lexapro better?, posted by billk on May 13, 2003, at 15:14:06
Posted by kkat on May 14, 2003, at 10:08:44
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by jjana on May 9, 2003, at 3:19:21
I am new to Lex and switched from Zoloft to Lex, 10 mg a day. Felt fine for a while, but then noticed wasn't doing as well. started to get anxiety BAD so I uped it to 20 mg two weeks ago. Talked to my doc yesterday and he told me to give it one more week and to take the xanax and see if I improved. I usually never have to take xanax. I still have the script from October last year that I haven't finished, but am using it now. From what I am reading, it sounds like it will take a while to get over this feeling. Can someone help reassure me of this? If not, will have to switch to something else.
Posted by Okpolosi on May 14, 2003, at 14:55:24
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » jjana, posted by kkat on May 14, 2003, at 10:08:44
> I am new to Lex and switched from Zoloft to Lex, 10 mg a day. Felt fine for a while, but then noticed wasn't doing as well. started to get anxiety BAD so I uped it to 20 mg two weeks ago. Talked to my doc yesterday and he told me to give it one more week and to take the xanax and see if I improved. I usually never have to take xanax. I still have the script from October last year that I haven't finished, but am using it now. From what I am reading, it sounds like it will take a while to get over this feeling. Can someone help reassure me of this? If not, will have to switch to something else.
Anxiety increase could be and SE of Lex...I NEVER suffered from anxiety until I started taking Lex. About weeks 4-5 it was the worst, but gradually went away. Have been on Lex 4 mos. with VERY good results.
Deffinitely give the meds a chance to work...it took 9 weeks for me. HANG IN THERE and good luck!
Posted by blkvettes on May 14, 2003, at 15:34:28
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » jjana, posted by kkat on May 14, 2003, at 10:08:44
> I am new to Lex and switched from Zoloft to Lex, 10 mg a day. Felt fine for a while, but then noticed wasn't doing as well. started to get anxiety BAD so I uped it to 20 mg two weeks ago. Talked to my doc yesterday and he told me to give it one more week and to take the xanax and see if I improved. I usually never have to take xanax. I still have the script from October last year that I haven't finished, but am using it now. From what I am reading, it sounds like it will take a while to get over this feeling. Can someone help reassure me of this? If not, will have to switch to something else.
Hi there, try to hang in there the best you can and give it a fair chance. Some of the posters on this board have had terrible side effects and then got better. If anxiety is the only SE please try to wait it out. Go back and look at some of the old posts!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!
Posted by pumpkin on May 14, 2003, at 20:25:11
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by blkvettes on May 14, 2003, at 15:34:28
Might sound totally off board, but I'm starting
to wonder if all the diagnosis and labels that
are placed on people like you and me, if the
MAIN problem is depression coming in so many
forms, and severities? Ex. Some people may
see things, others may hear things, some have
anxiety, OBS, insomnia, etc... Any thoughts?
There's got to be some MAJOR link for all!Had to go down on Depakote (mood stabilizer).
It "wiped" me out, and got depressed moreso.
Plus, have had some other bad SE's. What a trip
I've been on the last two days! But, I'm starting
to feel better alittle.Also, I do not have a thyroid gland. But T3's,
T4's, TSH's should be tested on regular basis
no matter what. Yes, it could also be a major
factor, along with good old hormones!Keep on posting...
Posted by Valerie on May 15, 2003, at 8:45:56
In reply to How does Lexapro affect sleep, posted by shoff on May 10, 2003, at 2:08:17
> I started Lexapro a few days ago (no real effect yet) and my sleep patterns seems to be terrible since. Is this a common side effect?
I am a morning person and I can't get up in the mornings because it has affected my sleeping so much. I think that because one of the SE's is intense dreaming that I am probably restless all night. I wake up feeling as though I just literally experienced the dream. The dreams are just incredibly realistic and vivid. The dreams are getting more and more intense and frequent so I take xanax before bed to help get some rest.
Posted by Lexi on May 15, 2003, at 12:58:26
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
Posted by DC on May 15, 2003, at 13:03:35
In reply to Re: How does Lexapro affect sleep, posted by Valerie on May 15, 2003, at 8:45:56
> > I started Lexapro a few days ago (no real effect yet) and my sleep patterns seems to be terrible since. Is this a common side effect?
>
> I am a morning person and I can't get up in the mornings because it has affected my sleeping so much. I think that because one of the SE's is intense dreaming that I am probably restless all night. I wake up feeling as though I just literally experienced the dream. The dreams are just incredibly realistic and vivid. The dreams are getting more and more intense and frequent so I take xanax before bed to help get some rest.
>
>I have had the same situation with the dreams lately.
Some seem so realistic that if they have a conversation
or something with my son, I almost want to ask him
if we really did have the conversation or not. Or
I will bring up a subject and have him not have a
clue what I am talking about and I stop and think
it was possibly one of my dreams. I have never awakened
in the middle of the night absolutely freaked or
scared from a dream, but have since the Lexapro.
Actually woke myself up due to a gasp/scream type
reaction to the dream. I seem to be taking my
Ambien more often in order to get a more restfull
sleep. I am hoping that the Ambien doesn't get too
addicting though.
Posted by DC on May 15, 2003, at 13:21:08
In reply to Dosage on Lexapro, posted by Lexi on May 15, 2003, at 12:58:26
> I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
I am also curious of any suggestions regarding Lexapro.
I have started at 5mg, then 10mg and now 20mg for about
3 weeks at the level of 20mg. My depressive state
seems to still be lingering around me. Being the
type that wants instant gratification (who doesn't LOL)
I am not sure how long I should wait. Some of my
family states they have noticed a "change" but I
don't see or really feel it. Also on 300mg of
Wellbutrin daily (150mg in the a.m. and 150mg in the
p.m.) Still get the "feelings" that if it wasn't
for my son I may not have "stuck around" anymore.
Just not sure where to turn????
Posted by blkvettes on May 15, 2003, at 13:49:33
In reply to Re: Dosage on Lexapro » Lexi, posted by DC on May 15, 2003, at 13:21:08
> > I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
>
> I am also curious of any suggestions regarding Lexapro.
> I have started at 5mg, then 10mg and now 20mg for about
> 3 weeks at the level of 20mg. My depressive state
> seems to still be lingering around me. Being the
> type that wants instant gratification (who doesn't LOL)
> I am not sure how long I should wait. Some of my
> family states they have noticed a "change" but I
> don't see or really feel it. Also on 300mg of
> Wellbutrin daily (150mg in the a.m. and 150mg in the
> p.m.) Still get the "feelings" that if it wasn't
> for my son I may not have "stuck around" anymore.
> Just not sure where to turn????Hi DC, how long you been taking it? People also said to me I was different before I felt it myself. By sticking around I hope that does not mean harming yourself. I to have felt that way!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on May 15, 2003, at 13:51:48
In reply to Dosage on Lexapro, posted by Lexi on May 15, 2003, at 12:58:26
> I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
Hi 6 weeks is not long, try to be patient.
WAYNE
Posted by Cortney on May 15, 2003, at 14:27:36
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Has anyone had anxiety problems with Lexapro?
I had severe panic attacks with Celexa and am afraid the same thing will happen with Lexapro since they are related. Panic attacks went away with Paxil and Effexor, but my brain seems to like to build up a tolerance to antidepressants.
Also used Prozac, Serzone, Zoloft.
Anyone?
Posted by DC on May 15, 2003, at 15:31:14
In reply to Re: Dosage on Lexapro, posted by blkvettes on May 15, 2003, at 13:49:33
> > > I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
> >
> > I am also curious of any suggestions regarding Lexapro.
> > I have started at 5mg, then 10mg and now 20mg for about
> > 3 weeks at the level of 20mg. My depressive state
> > seems to still be lingering around me. Being the
> > type that wants instant gratification (who doesn't LOL)
> > I am not sure how long I should wait. Some of my
> > family states they have noticed a "change" but I
> > don't see or really feel it. Also on 300mg of
> > Wellbutrin daily (150mg in the a.m. and 150mg in the
> > p.m.) Still get the "feelings" that if it wasn't
> > for my son I may not have "stuck around" anymore.
> > Just not sure where to turn????
>
>
>
> Hi DC, how long you been taking it? People also said to me I was different before I felt it myself. By sticking around I hope that does not mean harming yourself. I to have felt that way!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!
> WAYNE
>
>I started the Lexapro about mid to late February.
It feels like it has been much longer, but I have
just relocated in January and know I changed my
appointment to a new doctor afterwards. As for
"sticking around" I have had "thoughts" but honestly
this is my theory: my grandmother is too old, my
brother too young, my mother too neurotic and my
son's father's side (father deceased) can't even
explain, so will stay for him. :-) I just don't
feel like there is that much of change in myself,
but guess others would notice more than I would
being I am extremely hard on myself to begin with.
Posted by blkvettes on May 15, 2003, at 16:18:07
In reply to Anxiety and Lexapro, posted by Cortney on May 15, 2003, at 14:27:36
> Has anyone had anxiety problems with Lexapro?
> I had severe panic attacks with Celexa and am afraid the same thing will happen with Lexapro since they are related. Panic attacks went away with Paxil and Effexor, but my brain seems to like to build up a tolerance to antidepressants.
> Also used Prozac, Serzone, Zoloft.
> Anyone?
Hi there, cant really answer your question. I dont think anyone can to be honest with you. The only thing I can say is keep trying and dont give up. Lexapro has done wonders for me and my panic attacks!!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!
Posted by blkvettes on May 15, 2003, at 16:32:58
In reply to Re: Dosage on Lexapro » blkvettes, posted by DC on May 15, 2003, at 15:31:14
> > > > I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
> > >
> > > I am also curious of any suggestions regarding Lexapro.
> > > I have started at 5mg, then 10mg and now 20mg for about
> > > 3 weeks at the level of 20mg. My depressive state
> > > seems to still be lingering around me. Being the
> > > type that wants instant gratification (who doesn't LOL)
> > > I am not sure how long I should wait. Some of my
> > > family states they have noticed a "change" but I
> > > don't see or really feel it. Also on 300mg of
> > > Wellbutrin daily (150mg in the a.m. and 150mg in the
> > > p.m.) Still get the "feelings" that if it wasn't
> > > for my son I may not have "stuck around" anymore.
> > > Just not sure where to turn????
> >
> >
> >
> > Hi DC, how long you been taking it? People also said to me I was different before I felt it myself. By sticking around I hope that does not mean harming yourself. I to have felt that way!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!
> > WAYNE
> >
> >
>
> I started the Lexapro about mid to late February.
> It feels like it has been much longer, but I have
> just relocated in January and know I changed my
> appointment to a new doctor afterwards. As for
> "sticking around" I have had "thoughts" but honestly
> this is my theory: my grandmother is too old, my
> brother too young, my mother too neurotic and my
> son's father's side (father deceased) can't even
> explain, so will stay for him. :-) I just don't
> feel like there is that much of change in myself,
> but guess others would notice more than I would
> being I am extremely hard on myself to begin with.Hi DC, I am very hard on myself also!!! Just the slightest thing that goes wrong sets me off. If I feel good one day and the next day I dont feel the same I get depressed. I know I am going to have normal bad days just like everyone else. But us with this illness magnify everything to great extremes. Just since I last posted my best friend on the net wont be able to contact me for about 4 weeks. We were both crying and dont know what I will do!!!!!! She knows everything about my recovery and me hers. We have emailed and chatted for months every single day, sometimes for hours. I right now feel like I have died inside!!!! You take a lot more lex than I do. Maybe give it another month if you can and see if your body adjusts. If you decide to quit the lex, wean off slowly and you might get lucky and hit a good dose on the way down. Nobody knows how this is suppose work for us all. I just hope you keep trying and it all works for you in time. As for me I will probably cry myself to sleep and hope for a better day tomorrow. But I wont quit and refuse to let this illness win!!!!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU DC!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by mills on May 15, 2003, at 16:36:18
In reply to Thinking...., posted by pumpkin on May 14, 2003, at 20:25:11
I like your thinking pumpkin; in fact, I think about this sort of thing all the time. I too suspect there are universal fundamental factors that have not yet been realized, or if not universal, then common things that would allow us to better understand the different categories of mental disorders or imbalances like the ones we are dealing with. Just think about before doctors knew that microorganisms caused sickness, and when that started being understood, and then there was a distinction between bacteria and viruses, etc.
Anyway, here's my two cents, for whatever it's worth. Rather than depression, or maybe in addition to depression as a causal factor in a lot of these disorders, I suspect that it is anxiety, some kind of core anxiety, that is at the bottom of depression, OCD, panic, phobias, malaise, generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety, etc. And, if you want to go further, I suspect it's just plain old fear that is at the bottom of that.
So what do you think?
> Might sound totally off board, but I'm starting
> to wonder if all the diagnosis and labels that
> are placed on people like you and me, if the
> MAIN problem is depression coming in so many
> forms, and severities? Ex. Some people may
> see things, others may hear things, some have
> anxiety, OBS, insomnia, etc... Any thoughts?
> There's got to be some MAJOR link for all!
>
> Had to go down on Depakote (mood stabilizer).
> It "wiped" me out, and got depressed moreso.
> Plus, have had some other bad SE's. What a trip
> I've been on the last two days! But, I'm starting
> to feel better alittle.
>
> Also, I do not have a thyroid gland. But T3's,
> T4's, TSH's should be tested on regular basis
> no matter what. Yes, it could also be a major
> factor, along with good old hormones!
>
> Keep on posting...
Posted by shoff on May 16, 2003, at 15:50:59
In reply to Thinking...., posted by pumpkin on May 14, 2003, at 20:25:11
I've been taking Lexapro (10mg) for about 12 days now. And as of yesterday I started to feel a bit hyper and or anxious, like i should take a walk or go to the gym. Is this normal and will it pass? Any suggestions would be great.
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