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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ednababish on February 7, 2004, at 10:45:07
In reply to Lexapro Purgatory please respond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by sexylexy on February 6, 2004, at 19:00:47
Lexy--you are on your way. That pesky voice has to shut up. It is not silenced so much as it gets quieter and then you can stop listening to it because you don't need to. Like I said, those things that really fret you stop doing it so much. Never having been a terribly happy person myself, I'm on week eight this time on Celexa/Lexapro and I've just started to feel better myself. I know it doesn't mean that unconditionally happy days are here again, but the silencing of the critical voices in my head means that I can concentrate on bigger and better things. Enjoy not having that voice--it IS a major step in your treatment.
Best of wishes and prayers for you,
Edna Babish
Posted by vandy on February 7, 2004, at 11:08:00
In reply to Lexapro Purgatory please respond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by sexylexy on February 6, 2004, at 19:00:47
You nailed it! "Lexapro Purgatory" is not being fair to Lexapro or it's being too generous to depression -- the true culprit -- but it's a fair representation of the feeling. Bless you for giving it a name so we can help others in the reference. I'm so pleased for you and your progress. Now the good news.....It Gets Better.
There's one more step before heaven but it's a good one. You'll start noticing good things. The cloud that depression generated to hide the good things in your life is one of the early victims of Lex as it melts the ice crystals from which the dark clouds are made. It's still up to you to look for the good stuff but you're much more likely to see it now. It will get progressively easier but it helps if you keep looking. Congratulations and God Bless you. Thank you very much for the prayers. You have mine as well.
> Hello All,
> This is for my dear lexapro friends who are feeling *good*, *great*, *happy*, *content* and *excited about life* all the words that those of us who have ever been depressed long for.
> Anyway, I believe my lex 10 mg is starting to "kick in". Today is the 1st day of week 7 for me. I just wanted to ask if anyone has experienced what I am dubbing "lexapro purgatory". The big difference that I noticed this week was that the "depression voice" you know that hateful voice inside your mind that tells you how bad everything is, has gone. This is wonderful because I feel that I am not having to "fight with myself". Please respond if this makes sense to you. Secondly that very physical feeling of sadness in my heart is mostly gone. Again this is really nice. However, I feel as though I am in purgatory, you know, not good but not bad. Better but not any of the magical words listed above.
> So my question is does this happen to everyone before they start to feel good again. For 24 years my motto has been live, love, laugh be happy and serve the Lord. For the past few months it has been " I will survive". I would really like to see my motto change. Am I in transition or is this as good as it gets.
> Thanks for all the support and please know that you ALL are in my prayers each night, together in prayer we can overcome depression
> Lexy
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 7, 2004, at 14:59:35
In reply to Learning Unlearning the Benefits of Depression, posted by Journeyman on February 4, 2004, at 22:31:30
> Based on my own emotional struggles, and I am now grateful for what they're teaching me, I'd like to make three suggestions for reading...
Thanks for the suggestions, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding books to Psycho-Babble Books. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/books/20030426/msgs/310577.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by nottoosoupy on February 7, 2004, at 20:33:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro Purgatory please respond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by vandy on February 7, 2004, at 11:08:00
Is anyone here hypothyroid and on Lex? I have noticed a lot of people here describe being tired while taking Lex. I have found the tiredness on Lex to be very similar the tiredness I felt before I knew I was hypothyroid. I am wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience or if anyone has become hypothyroid after being on Lex. I have not yet been rechecked for my thyroid levels because I am thinking it is the Lex, not the thyroid but am interested in what you all have to say. I am very tired all the time and sleep a lot. I have been on Lexapro for a little over a month. Thanks!! I appreciate the opportunity to ask questions in a forum like this!
Posted by stay at home mom on February 7, 2004, at 20:35:11
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by little love-bug on February 5, 2004, at 15:06:40
Hey love bug, I just stopped Remeron which I could orgasm more times that I had the energy for. But , I just started Lex 5mg 2 days ago and I was still able to get my groove on but it did take longer.
I was hoping that it was just one of those times until I read this.
I'll keep my fingers crossed ( but nothing else ) and report more later.
Posted by vandy on February 7, 2004, at 22:22:55
In reply to Hypothyroid and Lex?, posted by nottoosoupy on February 7, 2004, at 20:33:05
You raise an excellent point and one I think merits further medical investigation. I'd have my thyroid level checked. Perhaps your PCP will do you a referral under the circumstances. If I were your doc I'd sure want to know. Interaction of drugs is a question mark at best and any indication that sheds light is worth pursuing. Thanks for your vigilance and connective thinking.
> Is anyone here hypothyroid and on Lex? I have noticed a lot of people here describe being tired while taking Lex. I have found the tiredness on Lex to be very similar the tiredness I felt before I knew I was hypothyroid. I am wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience or if anyone has become hypothyroid after being on Lex. I have not yet been rechecked for my thyroid levels because I am thinking it is the Lex, not the thyroid but am interested in what you all have to say. I am very tired all the time and sleep a lot. I have been on Lexapro for a little over a month. Thanks!! I appreciate the opportunity to ask questions in a forum like this!
Posted by T34 on February 8, 2004, at 11:06:47
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond! » little love-bug, posted by stay at home mom on February 7, 2004, at 20:35:11
I have been on Lexapro for awhile and have absolutely no sex drive (desire) and am mostly anorgasmic. I am 34 yo, but was noticing a difference even before I started the Lexapro. It all began when I had children. I think some people are just blessed with more hormones that help them to maintain a healthier sexlife. Or maybe the marriage/ relationship is the key. My husband and I get along, but we definately have our stresses. Also, I had a huge sexual drive in my twenties. So age is also a factor. My point is: I don't think EVERYONE that takes Lexapro is doomed to orgasmic Hell. Maybe there are some fortunate ones who have: enough hormones, a sexy, compassionate lover, and few distractions to help them overcome the Lexapro. Enjoy, there'll be many of us envious, I'm sure.
Posted by KathrynLex on February 8, 2004, at 19:11:43
In reply to Lexapro Purgatory please respond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by sexylexy on February 6, 2004, at 19:00:47
Hi Lexy,
Are you still feeling like you're in "Lexapro Purgatory." (I like your name for it!) I know exactly what you mean. The anxiety/depression is gone and you would think that it would lead to feeling great, but it hasn't...not yet. Not for me.
I have found that there are brief moments during the day when I feel good, but it only lasts for a few minutes. I'm hoping those moments will get longer and longer until they take up my entire day! I hope you've had a good weekend. Please let us know how you're doing.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on February 8, 2004, at 21:30:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro Purgatory please respond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by KathrynLex on February 8, 2004, at 19:11:43
Hi~
Do you all feel depression more in one side of your body? I seem to feel my depression in the left side of my brain more. That is where the "depression voice" seemed to come from as well. It is also where I felt spacy when I had my hellacious 3 weeks on Zoloft, and where I had my not as severe fog on lexapro. Does anyone relate? Though most of the fog has lifted it seems as if the left side of my brain still is not as "sharp" or my memories are not as "vivid" from this side of my brain. Please tell me you all know what I am talking about.
Posted by funnybunny on February 8, 2004, at 23:24:38
In reply to left sided depression?, posted by sexylexy on February 8, 2004, at 21:30:56
i felt that way i took zoloft i felt better but felt like it only worked on one side of the brain. then my doctor put me on Effexor xr which works with 2 parts of the brain and not just 1 like zoloft lexapro etc.. so i took Effexor and i noticed a difference right away my right side of my brain and left side was great
Posted by sexylexy on February 9, 2004, at 9:28:58
In reply to Re: left sided depression?, posted by funnybunny on February 8, 2004, at 23:24:38
Hey Ya'll ,
It seems like when I first started lexapro I had a ton of questions and now that I am starting to feel a little better, the questions are a coming back in full force.
So my question today, is...(drum roll) As you all have begun to "recover" from depression, have you noticed yourself more likely to cry at things. For example, today I heard a song which made me tear up or yesterday saw a scene on TV which made me cry a little. Its a very different cry from that of the deep depression cry (you know the one that actually hurts so bad you can feel your soul break), it is a much calmer, quiet cry, almost feels like a release. So I am wondering is this a part recovery. Has anyone else felt this way, do you eventually toughen up?
PS... I know its not a PMS thing...
Thanks, love and blessings,
Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on February 9, 2004, at 9:40:43
In reply to Re: Hypothyroid and Lex?, posted by vandy on February 7, 2004, at 22:22:55
I think the thyroid needs to be checked with those symptoms, although during your first month on Lex you will be tired - that's definitely a s/e.
My primary care doc said that while I'm on Lex he will do blood work to check my thyroid and hormone levels every 6 months. Before I went on Lex, I was thoroughly checked out for hypothyroidism, anemia, diabetes and a bunch of other culprits for the symptoms I was having - just to be sure there were no underlying physical reasons for my depression, besides the PMDD diagnosis. It was quite relieving to have everything checked out. I hope everyone's doctors do that for them.
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>You raise an excellent point and one I think merits further medical investigation. I'd have my thyroid level checked. Perhaps your PCP will do you a referral under the circumstances. If I were your doc I'd sure want to know. Interaction of drugs is a question mark at best and any indication that sheds light is worth pursuing. Thanks for your vigilance and connective thinking.
>
> > Is anyone here hypothyroid and on Lex? I have noticed a lot of people here describe being tired while taking Lex. I have found the tiredness on Lex to be very similar the tiredness I felt before I knew I was hypothyroid. I am wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience or if anyone has become hypothyroid after being on Lex. I have not yet been rechecked for my thyroid levels because I am thinking it is the Lex, not the thyroid but am interested in what you all have to say. I am very tired all the time and sleep a lot. I have been on Lexapro for a little over a month. Thanks!! I appreciate the opportunity to ask questions in a forum like this!
>
>
Posted by ednababish on February 9, 2004, at 10:16:18
In reply to Recovery and Release, posted by sexylexy on February 9, 2004, at 9:28:58
Lexy,
I used to cry a lot because everything was so overwhelming--and it seemed like every emotion got bunched up and channel into one ineffective emotional release. Now the crying, when it does happen (which is a lot less frequently) is from a simple, not a complex, emotional response. What I do find is I laugh pretty hard at things I used to find a bit silly or stupid. I also find myself not sceond-guessing myself, which is wonderful. Sounds to me like you're right on track.
Edna Babish
Posted by sexylexy on February 9, 2004, at 11:16:11
In reply to Re: Recovery and Release, posted by ednababish on February 9, 2004, at 10:16:18
Edna,
Wow! That sounds wonderful, I cannot wait to have the confidence to not second guess myself or have to ask, is that the depression or me talking. I am also glad to know that the laughter will come back, that is what makes me really happy. I do feel as though things are getting better which is wonderful. You have been a great support for me. I do wonder though, how many mgs are you on, for how long and what is your depression story? If these things are too personal please forgive me, I am just interested and glad to know that the sun is shining for you again!
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on February 9, 2004, at 17:33:25
In reply to Re: Recovery and Release » ednababish, posted by sexylexy on February 9, 2004, at 11:16:11
Hi,
I'm starting my 8th week on Lexapro and I feel so flat. It's strange. My boyfriend ruined a new $40 sweater by putting it through the wash (I told him a thousand times not to wash it) and I just can't summon a reaction one way or the other. Ordinarily I'd either be angry or think it was funny - the sweater shrunk to about half it's original size and looks like it was made for a doll. But like I said, I didn't really have a reaction.
It's a huge relief not to feel anxious or depressed, but I only feel really happy for brief moments during the day. I'm trying not to get discouraged, especially since I'm in the middle of increasing to 20 mg. I know it will take a while for my body to adjust...I guess I could just use a little bit of encouragement. Sorry, this sounds like an echo of Lexy's earlier post about "Lexapro Purgatory." (Hey, at least I have company.)
K.
Posted by Mrs. C on February 9, 2004, at 17:48:02
In reply to Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on February 9, 2004, at 17:33:25
Dear K, You're fine. Relax and try to stop reading so much into your reactions to things. You are feeling less depressed and anxious right? The emotions will come back and believe me it will be soon. I do remember feeling "numb" before I actually began to have normal feelings again. Those include anger, sadness, joy, patience, stress, etc. All the normal feelings of life. I am just able to handle them better with Lex and what a relief! Keep the faith dear! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on February 9, 2004, at 17:49:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro Purgatory please respond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by ednababish on February 7, 2004, at 10:45:07
Right on Edna!!! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on February 9, 2004, at 17:56:29
In reply to Re: Lexapro Purgatory please respond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by vandy on February 7, 2004, at 11:08:00
Lexy, Yeah!!! I am so happy for you. You are almost there! Yes, I did feel what you are feeling before I actually felt the Lex "kick in". I also know what you mean by "fighting with yourself". I had this inner voice always telling me "something isn't right, you should be worrying about something" which resulted, of course, in me finding something to worry about! That voice is gone and I am finally able to enjoy my life again without the constant worry. Sometimes, very rarely and usually right before my time of the month that voice tries to get to me again. I say "tries to" because I am now able to fight it and win! I hope that you continue to improve, I know you will! Mrs. C
Posted by sexylexy on February 9, 2004, at 19:16:35
In reply to Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on February 9, 2004, at 17:33:25
Hey K~
It is nice to know that we are not alone. I have not really had emotional flatness but definitley felt like "huh, another day, not depressed but not happy just kind a floating there" I bet this is your version of Lexapro Purgatory. I hope it gets better soon.
At this point I am glad I stayed at 10mg, felt pretty good today, I would say that I am running at about 75-80%. This is nice because I felt BAD on Friday. I hope all goes well for you and you start seeing some improvement very soon.
Lexy
Posted by Pfinstegg on February 9, 2004, at 22:19:37
In reply to Re: Hypothyroid and Lex?, posted by LynneDa on February 9, 2004, at 9:40:43
I don't know whether Lex contributes to hypothyroidism, but I think it would be good to have regular check-ups for your thyroid values- T3, T4 and TSH. I do it every 3 months, as I' m also hypothyroid. Taking Cytomel in addition to Synthroid made a big difference in getting the depression under control. I did take Lexapro for about 8 months, but have now been off for a month. I think it was the most acceptable AD I have taken, but it certainly wiped out my sex life, and also left me feeling sort of flat. But if I get a recurrence of severe depression, Lex is the one I would go to first. The endocrinologist I go to had to be pressured a bit by me to add Cytomel when I first saw him 18 months go, but when I went back for a real check-up last week, he had changed a lot: he's now checking carefully for depression, and, if it's there, he gives the combination type thyroid replacement. When I was taking Lex, I was never tired.
Pfinstegg
Posted by bill-bob on February 10, 2004, at 1:07:02
In reply to Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on February 9, 2004, at 17:33:25
K-
I was somewhat flat for awhile but I feel mostly out of that phase now (after about 9 weeks on Lex). I'm only on 10 mg and don't feel a need to go higher since pretty much all of the depressive symptoms are gone. In fact, I feel reasonably normal enough (aside from sexual se's) that sometimes I wonder why I'm taking the pill each day - but thinking about not taking them does give me anxiety!
I'm curious why you are going to 20 mg. Was the 10 mg dose not working for you? I'm just wondering if your feeling of flatness is perhaps due to too much Lex???
B-B
Posted by Colin Michaels on February 10, 2004, at 3:18:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro dosage for anxiety?, posted by thib on February 4, 2004, at 12:52:57
I am looking for a good ssri for my severe ocd that plagues my mind everywaking moment. What is the best SSRI that will help me think clear again? I am looking for one that will cause less sedation. I have tried paxil, prozac and zoloft and they made me tired.
Posted by Bill LL on February 10, 2004, at 8:32:42
In reply to Re: Is Lexapro better than Celexa or any of them?, posted by Colin Michaels on February 10, 2004, at 3:18:04
Provigil can be good to add to an SSRI to help eliminate tiredness. It works with all SSRI's except Celexa and Lexapro.
Posted by shequinn on February 10, 2004, at 10:16:34
In reply to Re: Is Lexapro better than Celexa or any of them?, posted by Bill LL on February 10, 2004, at 8:32:42
My husband is on Lexapro, and is having what may be dosage issues. At 5mg, he's still depressed - at 10, he can't stop laughing (sometimes at inappropriate moments). He'd like to take 7.5mg, but we can't figure out how to split a pill into quarters reliably. (Our doctor told us that he could just take a Lexapro once a day whenever he felt moody, and take it just once or twice a week if he felt like it, and that there was no such thing as a withdrawal issue, so we don't really feel we can consult him on this one - he seems to have some serious information problems.) Any ideas?
Posted by KathrynLex on February 10, 2004, at 10:49:37
In reply to Lexapro dosage, posted by shequinn on February 10, 2004, at 10:16:34
Hi Shequinn,
A good pill cutter should be able to cut the pills in to quarters. There are a lot of people who take 7.5 mgs with very good results.
I've discussed lex withdrawl with my pdoc who said it can happen if you stop taking it suddenly. It's important to taper off of it slowly to give your body time to adjust to a lower dose.
On the other hand, lex stays in your system for quite a while. (I'm not sure how long.) So if your husband takes a pill once or twice a week he probably won't suffer from withdrawl.
But I would just go buy a good pill cutter. Good luck to both of you!
K.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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