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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by lil' jimi on December 17, 2003, at 10:51:05
In reply to Re: Missed you!! » lil' jimi, posted by Mariposa on December 16, 2003, at 17:52:13
sweet mariposa,
you wrote:
> Started to wonder what happened, you haven't posted in a while. I saw a couple of posts from Wayne, a week or so back, so he still does come around. Have missed your great supportive and informative posts...DON'T BE A STRANGER!!!~~~8|8
>... sorry i've been a stranger ... strange ... strain ... strained ...
i just got off my 2 week ban ... enforced strangeness ... ...
thanks for the wayne report ... i miss you guys too ... ... i hope you're doing okay ....
TAKE CARE! (as wayne would say ...)
~ jim
Posted by Kim B. on December 17, 2003, at 11:22:57
In reply to Re: email addresses? ... just don't post 'em ..., posted by LynneDa on December 17, 2003, at 10:46:45
I just started Lexapro 3 days ago, the side effects aren't too bad. 1 night I don't sleep the next I do, I can't figure that out. But, I have been experiencing muscle tension in my neck and back with my depression. Anything out there to help until the Lexapro kicks in?
Posted by ocdforyears on December 17, 2003, at 18:06:30
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
it took me a while to get registered, but here I am. I've had obsessions and anxiety as long as I can remember, and I'm near 40 now. Bad depressions ten or so years ago. Lots of therapy.
The therapy gradually has helped depression very much, though I still have some. But the obsessions...I didn't even know I had them for a long time. I thought I was crazy, or going to hurt myself, or some such rot. Fact is I hadhave OCD. My current obsession, which I don't want to really get into, relates to my wife and has put lots of strain on my marriage and really ruined my ability to enjoy a beautiful family.
I've been working with a therapist, again, for a year and a half, and it does help, though I want to do more of that cognitive stuff I read so much about in relation to my disorder.
Years ago I took every med before the ssri's came out, maoi's, tricyclics...nothing helped but xanax and that knocked me out so much I haven't had it in many years. Now, one week on lexapro.
Zoloft, which I tried first, was really tough to handle for me. I felt spacey and anxious and kind of surreal. I lasted one week. So far the lex, at only 5 mg (10 left me feeling very stimulated) has been much easier to handle. It makes me tired by wired at the same time, but not excessively so. I feel a little strange, probably from the stimulation, but not much. And I have to say, today, my seventh day on it, my depression really seems to be changing. Not the obsessions yet, but the depression feels different. I feel different. For someone depressed most of his life, that's encouraging. If it could help with my ocd...I'd be really amazed.
So far no other side effects. No sexual side effects that I've noticed; that worried me also (worry is big for me). Anyway, thanks for listening and I'll keep you posted (pun intended). Hopefully it will keep working, and actually touch my elusive ocd symptoms. OCD is a vicious, cruddy disease.
Posted by BobYuma on December 17, 2003, at 18:54:01
In reply to Just started Lexapro , posted by Kim B. on December 17, 2003, at 11:22:57
> I just started Lexapro 3 days ago, the side effects aren't too bad. 1 night I don't sleep the next I do, I can't figure that out. But, I have been experiencing muscle tension in my neck and back with my depression. Anything out there to help until the Lexapro kicks in?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi, Kim.
I'm very familiar with neck and shoulder tension as a side effect to depression.
I was so tense and stressed at one time with the depression that my blood pressure shot up. I'm in good health, good weight, and eat healthy, so my doctor said that it had to be coming from the stress and tension. I researched this type of high blood pressure on the Internet and discovered that a body massage [especially in the area of the neck and shoulders] had been reported as actually lowering blood pressure. So now I have my weekly massage without fail. My blood pressure was back to normal after two weeks, by the way. Hope this helps.
Take care of yourself.
BobYuma
Posted by Oldhand on December 18, 2003, at 1:10:22
In reply to 10 milligrams of lexapro, posted by lil' jimi on December 16, 2003, at 15:24:34
> greetings friends and other fellow lex users,
>
> started out at 5mg in april ... been at 10mg since march ...
> ... ... things are pretty swell hokey dorey for me and lex ...
>
> i have been away a while ... ... sorry ... i miss my lex thread friends ... mariposa, does wayne still come around?
>
> ... my pals may connect with my yahoo adx ...
> ... yahoo calls me 'yellowdogjim' ...
>
> ... (y'all know there are reasons we never write out an email adx here or anywhere online, right?) .....
>
> take care!
> ~ jimHey Jim,
I have heard but a little from BLKVETTES recently but Mariposa is here and I am lurking as usual. I missed ya guy, your always insightful and often humorous contributions.
I remain at 20mg Lex, added 150 then 300mg Wellbutrin XL. Began 500MCG of B-12 cause I heard someone here mention it helped.
Got to say this is the first Christmas in a long time I have felt "Christmasy".
Better living through chemistry.
Best of Holidays to all and Peace for all in the New Year.
Shelley
Posted by nicky847 on December 18, 2003, at 9:12:46
In reply to one week on lex, posted by ocdforyears on December 17, 2003, at 18:06:30
Lexapro is supposed to be very good for keeping obsessive thoughts in check...I hope that it works for you! "Tired and Wired" made me laugh about how it makes you feel after the first week or so..thats right on with how i felt...the wired will go away soon...tired might stick around a little longer but the peace of mind is well worth it..Good Luck!
Nick
> it took me a while to get registered, but here I am. I've had obsessions and anxiety as long as I can remember, and I'm near 40 now. Bad depressions ten or so years ago. Lots of therapy.
>
> The therapy gradually has helped depression very much, though I still have some. But the obsessions...I didn't even know I had them for a long time. I thought I was crazy, or going to hurt myself, or some such rot. Fact is I hadhave OCD. My current obsession, which I don't want to really get into, relates to my wife and has put lots of strain on my marriage and really ruined my ability to enjoy a beautiful family.
>
> I've been working with a therapist, again, for a year and a half, and it does help, though I want to do more of that cognitive stuff I read so much about in relation to my disorder.
>
> Years ago I took every med before the ssri's came out, maoi's, tricyclics...nothing helped but xanax and that knocked me out so much I haven't had it in many years. Now, one week on lexapro.
>
> Zoloft, which I tried first, was really tough to handle for me. I felt spacey and anxious and kind of surreal. I lasted one week. So far the lex, at only 5 mg (10 left me feeling very stimulated) has been much easier to handle. It makes me tired by wired at the same time, but not excessively so. I feel a little strange, probably from the stimulation, but not much. And I have to say, today, my seventh day on it, my depression really seems to be changing. Not the obsessions yet, but the depression feels different. I feel different. For someone depressed most of his life, that's encouraging. If it could help with my ocd...I'd be really amazed.
>
> So far no other side effects. No sexual side effects that I've noticed; that worried me also (worry is big for me). Anyway, thanks for listening and I'll keep you posted (pun intended). Hopefully it will keep working, and actually touch my elusive ocd symptoms. OCD is a vicious, cruddy disease.
>
>
Posted by lil' jimi on December 18, 2003, at 11:03:02
In reply to Re: 10 milligrams of lexapro » lil' jimi, posted by Oldhand on December 18, 2003, at 1:10:22
hi Shelley!
> Hey Jim,
> I have heard but a little from BLKVETTES recently but Mariposa is here and I am lurking as usual. I missed ya guy, your always insightful and often humorous contributions.
> I remain at 20mg Lex, added 150 then 300mg Wellbutrin XL. Began 500MCG of B-12 cause I heard someone here mention it helped.
> Got to say this is the first Christmas in a long time I have felt "Christmasy".
> Better living through chemistry.
> Best of Holidays to all and Peace for all in the New Year.
> Shelley
>... wonderful for me to hear you are doing well ... i cherish how long we have shared with each other here
... it makes me very happy that you are okay
... and it is good to know you are actively pursuing your recovery/good combo ...i have a suggestion ...
... have you tried the Omega 3 oils?
... these are essential fatty acids which benefit mental health ...
we need the DHA and the EPA in particular ... you can check into these here at PsychoBabble Alternative ...
there are posts there or ask Larry Hoover there ...
he IS the expert ...
i take a gram of EPA and DHA per day ...
fish oil supplements by themselves don't have enough EPA and DHA ... plain fish oil supplements will have too much viitamin A and you can get vitamin A toxicity before you get enouugh EPA and DHA ... so fish oil has to be refined and filtered to increase their potencydo take these with a meal ... preferably your meal with the most fat content ... they can upset your stomach ...
we get Omega3, 6 and 9 oils in our diets, but not enough Omega3 ...
i have read that Omega 3 oils make up 60% of the brain's weight ... some folks call them "brain juice" ... they are credited with not only protecting neurons health and helping to heal neurons, but with supporting the growth of new neuurons ...
... and i am still on 10 mg of lexapro
(that's my med talk for our med page here ...)there are a lot of other suggestions for supplements at Alternative ...
great to see you!
TAKE CARE!
~ jim
Posted by Dan W. on December 18, 2003, at 21:34:06
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I am 60 days clean from alcohol and benzos. I have been taking Effexor XR 150 for 45 days and Lexapro 10 mg for the last 12 days while tapering off the Effexor. I have been experiencing difficult withdrawals from the Effexor (or maybe side effects from the Lexapro). Has anyone experienced difficulty during the transition? How long is the "hang in period"?
Thanks,
Dan
Posted by lexman on December 18, 2003, at 22:02:49
In reply to Re: lexapro isn't working! » royalscrewup, posted by Esmarelda on November 7, 2003, at 14:14:19
i have been on lexapro for about 4months.It has helped with anxiety only for me.I get extremely tried during the day and cant sleep at night.I am seeing my dr next week.I also get bad headaches.I am taking 10mg daily.Is there anything i can do about the side effects and the depression?
Posted by sfmom on December 18, 2003, at 22:55:43
In reply to Re: lexapro isn't working!, posted by lexman on December 18, 2003, at 22:02:49
Obviously, everyone reacts to drugs differently, but I had a similar experience with Lexapro. It helped with my anxiety, the weight loss was great, but it just didn't help my depression. I started on 10mg, then went to 20. Since it wasn't working for the depression, my pdoc put me on Paxil, and later added Wellbutrin. But I'm still depressed and tired all the time, although better than on Lex. I don't know what is finally going to work for me. Good luck finding something that works for you. A lot of people have had great experiences with Lex, I wish I could have been one of them. But after four months, I think you've given it a fair shot.
Posted by littlepanickyjessica on December 18, 2003, at 23:51:41
In reply to new user, posted by jennielaughs on December 5, 2003, at 9:37:00
hey guys...been reading this thread for some time now, it's pretty interesting, makes me feel scared and normal all at the same time. anyway, had first panic attack little over a month ago and have since suffered from nearly intolerable anxiety and recurrent, yet not as violent as the initial, panic attacks. tried many things such as changing diet, quit drinking, cognitive therapy, acupunture, massage, etc. took zoloft for one day and felt absolutely terrible...have taken half of one xanax to help get thru a panic attack. am generally not excited about getting on meds but have heard lots of good things lately about lexapro. wondering if anyone out there had bad reaction to zoloft and favorable reaction to lexapro...i know they are both SSRIs. also wondering if anyone has personally gotten through panic/anxiety without meds...just therapy only or whatever. this is not a fun experience but everyone keeps telling me that someday i will look back on it as a blessing. reactions, anyone? by the way, this anxiety stuff is all new to me...is it in any way typical to feel physically anxious all day even though you lead a relatively stress-free life? thanks, guys. i hope everyone feels better.
Posted by Oldhand on December 19, 2003, at 0:36:32
In reply to Oldhand, posted by lil' jimi on December 18, 2003, at 11:03:02
Posted by Oldhand on December 19, 2003, at 0:51:00
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Dr. Bob, posted by Dan W. on December 18, 2003, at 21:34:06
> I am 60 days clean from alcohol and benzos. I have been taking Effexor XR 150 for 45 days and Lexapro 10 mg for the last 12 days while tapering off the Effexor. I have been experiencing difficult withdrawals from the Effexor (or maybe side effects from the Lexapro). Has anyone experienced difficulty during the transition? How long is the "hang in period"?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dan
Hi Dan,
Effexor was a terrible thing for me. Got up to 75mg and it raised my BP and other bad effects. I tried to stop without tapering (duh!). Sent me into serious anxiety and other horrible stuff. Doc got me through with some Ativan until I could get in to him at which time he changed me to Lexapro. I was not transitioning really I guess. But please give it a good shot as the Lexapro has truely made a difference in my life.
Best Wishes,
Shelley
PS-With the Lexapro I no longer felt like drinking alcohol, a good thing for me as I was self-medicating for years I think, which led to abuse. Hope it may benefit you in the same way.
Posted by Mrs C. on December 19, 2003, at 8:50:51
In reply to panic attacks, lexapro, cognitive therapy, posted by littlepanickyjessica on December 18, 2003, at 23:51:41
> hey guys...been reading this thread for some time now, it's pretty interesting, makes me feel scared and normal all at the same time. anyway, had first panic attack little over a month ago and have since suffered from nearly intolerable anxiety and recurrent, yet not as violent as the initial, panic attacks. tried many things such as changing diet, quit drinking, cognitive therapy, acupunture, massage, etc. took zoloft for one day and felt absolutely terrible...have taken half of one xanax to help get thru a panic attack. am generally not excited about getting on meds but have heard lots of good things lately about lexapro. wondering if anyone out there had bad reaction to zoloft and favorable reaction to lexapro...i know they are both SSRIs. also wondering if anyone has personally gotten through panic/anxiety without meds...just therapy only or whatever. this is not a fun experience but everyone keeps telling me that someday i will look back on it as a blessing. reactions, anyone? by the way, this anxiety stuff is all new to me...is it in any way typical to feel physically anxious all day even though you lead a relatively stress-free life? thanks, guys. i hope everyone feels better.
You can absolutely feel anxious without having a stressful life. This is why I am on Lex because of anxiety that was becoming intolerable. I have a wonderful marriage, a great part-time job, no financial or health problems. Just anxiety which lead to depression for me. Since about my fifth week on lex I feel incredible! Keep on trying, it may work for you too. Good Luck!
Posted by nicky847 on December 19, 2003, at 9:14:36
In reply to panic attacks, lexapro, cognitive therapy, posted by littlepanickyjessica on December 18, 2003, at 23:51:41
LPJ (love the name :)!)-
First yeah it is entirely normal to feel anxious throughout the day even though your life may not involve wrestling alligators or putting out fires or whatever...alot of times our fight/flight mechanisms get thrown out of whack for whatever reason, and it takes alot of time to get them back to normal...It is entirely possible to recover from an anxiety disorder without meds through therapy and lots and lots of patience, usually cognitive therapy where you learn to examine your panicy thoughts and kind of hold them up to the light and see that they are really not the truth...however meds can really help make the recovery process faster and easier...for some people adjusting to an SSRI can be difficult, and the adjustment period can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks..your having a bad rxn to zoloft doesnt guarantee that you will have a bad rxn to another med like lexapro..as each of our bodies and each med is different...it seems like you have a good attitude towards this so keep it up..it can be a blessing if you approach it with a positive outlook..good luck and take care!
> hey guys...been reading this thread for some time now, it's pretty interesting, makes me feel scared and normal all at the same time. anyway, had first panic attack little over a month ago and have since suffered from nearly intolerable anxiety and recurrent, yet not as violent as the initial, panic attacks. tried many things such as changing diet, quit drinking, cognitive therapy, acupunture, massage, etc. took zoloft for one day and felt absolutely terrible...have taken half of one xanax to help get thru a panic attack. am generally not excited about getting on meds but have heard lots of good things lately about lexapro. wondering if anyone out there had bad reaction to zoloft and favorable reaction to lexapro...i know they are both SSRIs. also wondering if anyone has personally gotten through panic/anxiety without meds...just therapy only or whatever. this is not a fun experience but everyone keeps telling me that someday i will look back on it as a blessing. reactions, anyone? by the way, this anxiety stuff is all new to me...is it in any way typical to feel physically anxious all day even though you lead a relatively stress-free life? thanks, guys. i hope everyone feels better.
Posted by Kim B. on December 19, 2003, at 9:19:38
In reply to Re: panic attacks, lexapro, cognitive therapy, posted by nicky847 on December 19, 2003, at 9:14:36
Jessica,
You were able to put my anxiousness at ease just a little by explaining that even though we have just begun Lexapro it is normal to still feel quite anxious. It makes sense that our fight/flight system would need some time to adjust. Anyone out there find that they fall asleep so hard that they practically jump out of their skin at first before they completely fall asleep. Just wondered.>
LPJ (love the name :)!)-
> First yeah it is entirely normal to feel anxious throughout the day even though your life may not involve wrestling alligators or putting out fires or whatever...alot of times our fight/flight mechanisms get thrown out of whack for whatever reason, and it takes alot of time to get them back to normal...It is entirely possible to recover from an anxiety disorder without meds through therapy and lots and lots of patience, usually cognitive therapy where you learn to examine your panicy thoughts and kind of hold them up to the light and see that they are really not the truth...however meds can really help make the recovery process faster and easier...for some people adjusting to an SSRI can be difficult, and the adjustment period can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks..your having a bad rxn to zoloft doesnt guarantee that you will have a bad rxn to another med like lexapro..as each of our bodies and each med is different...
>
> it seems like you have a good attitude towards this so keep it up..it can be a blessing if you approach it with a positive outlook..good luck and take care!
> > hey guys...been reading this thread for some time now, it's pretty interesting, makes me feel scared and normal all at the same time. anyway, had first panic attack little over a month ago and have since suffered from nearly intolerable anxiety and recurrent, yet not as violent as the initial, panic attacks. tried many things such as changing diet, quit drinking, cognitive therapy, acupunture, massage, etc. took zoloft for one day and felt absolutely terrible...have taken half of one xanax to help get thru a panic attack. am generally not excited about getting on meds but have heard lots of good things lately about lexapro. wondering if anyone out there had bad reaction to zoloft and favorable reaction to lexapro...i know they are both SSRIs. also wondering if anyone has personally gotten through panic/anxiety without meds...just therapy only or whatever. this is not a fun experience but everyone keeps telling me that someday i will look back on it as a blessing. reactions, anyone? by the way, this anxiety stuff is all new to me...is it in any way typical to feel physically anxious all day even though you lead a relatively stress-free life? thanks, guys. i hope everyone feels better.
>
>
Posted by LynneDa on December 19, 2003, at 9:34:35
In reply to panic attacks, lexapro, cognitive therapy, posted by littlepanickyjessica on December 18, 2003, at 23:51:41
Hi LPJ - welcome to the Board! You may want to look at the Anxiety Disorders Association of America website, it's the initials and then .org. It gives overviews and treatment ideas.
My anxiety is somewhat stress provoked - but my life isn't horribly stressful either so I was shocked when I started having panic attacks while driving home from work each night and lots of irrational anxiety. It was simultaneous to my depression getting pretty bad - and it all felt chemical to me, different than my normal depression that comes and goes and isn't completely disabling(dysthymia).
Anyway, I'm on 10 mg of Lex, 2 months now, and my panic attacks are GONE! The anxiety and depression are lessening - I'd say I'm at about 80% most days.
Good luck and hang in there!
~ Lynne
Posted by Anjul on December 19, 2003, at 12:09:34
In reply to Re: side effects of Lex, posted by Anjul on December 19, 2003, at 12:06:05
I have been on 10 mg of Lex for 3 months and its changed my life. A miracle. One little problem, I cant sleep. Even with Klonopin or Trazadone. I also lost alot of weight. I am just cutting back to 5 MG in hopes that will help. Any ideas???
Anjul
Posted by tiredman on December 19, 2003, at 14:05:04
In reply to Re: 10 milligrams of lexapro » lil' jimi, posted by Oldhand on December 18, 2003, at 1:10:22
First, let me say thanks to all that contribute to this forum. I don't post very much, but I do continue to read.I started Lex about two months ago. I started at 2.5 mg because I am sensitive to meds. I felt good for a few days and then it stopped working. I increased my dose to 5. It worked for about a week and then stopped. Then 7.5 , 10, and 15. Each increase lasted longer. At fifteen I had been feeling good for more then two weeks. I thought I had it made but it pooped out a few days ago. My pdoc says that she has not seen this before. I seem to metabolize Lex very fast. I just upped it to 20 and am waiting for it to kick in.
I feel terrible. Not just because I am depressed, but because I will always know that it's just a matter of time before the lex stops working. Even worse, it's without a warning. I went to my company Christmas party last night. It was OK while I was stuffing my face, but when I watched people on the dance floor I suddenly felt very, very sad. Like I was never going to be allowed a good time again.
My wife and I are both suffering from a trauma and maybe we will always feel this way. I sure was hopeful when it seemed that lex was going to work for me. I know that for some people anti-depressants stop working after a period of years but have any
of you had this problem with lex?
Thanks!
tiredman
Posted by Derrille on December 19, 2003, at 20:53:45
In reply to Re: anyone get these side effects, posted by LynneDa on October 23, 2003, at 16:18:12
Someone recently reported that their neck itched after getting on Lexapro. I want to find out more. I started Lexapro two months ago and for the last month, the back of my neck has constantly itched and even woken me up at night...is there a connection...is this an unreported side-effect?
Posted by Neatfreak on December 19, 2003, at 21:38:57
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by piscesmoon7 on February 4, 2003, at 15:45:48
I have been on Lesapro for 8 days with no noticeable effects pro or con
Posted by Bali on December 20, 2003, at 9:03:46
In reply to Re: side effects of Lex, posted by Anjul on December 19, 2003, at 12:09:34
Anjul, Have you tried the otc drug, Diphenhydramine? It is found in Benadryl or store forms of the same. Very inexpensive! It is also the ingredient in Tylenol P.M.. I take the liquid allergy medicine form and buy it at Publix because they have their store brand, Publix ALLERGY MEDICINE in a pink and white box. It is SO much cheaper than Tylenol P.M. and does not have the added pain relief that you may not need at bedtime. If you decide to take it, take the maximum dosage for adults (4 tsp.), and that will equal the amount found in the Tylenol P.M. medicine.
I've tried Trazadone and found that diphenhydramine works better for me and I feel less drugged/more refreshed in the morning. At times I've also added Melatonin, found in most supplement aisles of grocery stores, if after taking the diphenhydramine I wake up in the night or am not asleep 45 minutes after taking it. I really hope this helps!! It has been a life saver for me. Bali
Posted by Derrille on December 20, 2003, at 10:16:28
In reply to Once more into the breech my friends..., posted by tiredman on December 19, 2003, at 14:05:04
Oldhand,
I have just begun on Lexapro, but I know as a psychotherapist that antidepressants are not designed for long-term use, only short-term use while a person is in therapy. I used Prozac and Buspar 15 years ago as I was a victim of repeated trauma as a child and adolescent and the repercussions hit me much later in life. I was only on these medications for 1 1/2 years and was in therapy twice a week for six months, then once a week for a year. I encourage you as one who has had to undergo extensive recovery for trauma, please seek to get into a support group and professional weekly therapy.
Posted by Mariposa on December 20, 2003, at 11:16:39
In reply to Re: anyone get these side effects, posted by Derrille on December 19, 2003, at 20:53:45
> Someone recently reported that their neck itched after getting on Lexapro. I want to find out more. I started Lexapro two months ago and for the last month, the back of my neck has constantly itched and even woken me up at night...is there a connection...is this an unreported side-effect?
I had an itchy rash on my back and tops of my arms, but it went away by 4th week.~~~8|8
Posted by Neatfreak on December 21, 2003, at 7:15:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by Neatfreak on December 19, 2003, at 21:38:57
10th day on Lexapro, got more sleep last night than than the total for the last 6 days. First time I have felt normal for weeks
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