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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ednababish on August 21, 2004, at 8:56:02
In reply to worried...please help, posted by devrisr on August 20, 2004, at 15:04:16
I would think that at sixteen, your girlfriend's chances of short-term treatment and complete recovery are greater than for those of us who have reached adulthood with lifelong problems and set patterns of self-defeating thinking patterns. Because she is young, and because lexapro paves the way for restructuring the negative thought patterns, with therapy she probably stands a greater chance of having a SSRI-free life.
Lexapro is not "addictive," to my knowledge; it makes those who take it more functional because it enables the brain to use it's seratonin the way nature intended but depression has inhibited. After nine to twelve months, she will be weened off of the lexapro if she feels better. It is only after this AND if she has a relapse will her doctor be able to tell if she will need an antidepressant for the long term--perhaps even for life.
I am puzzled by your concern in this matter, though. You DO want your girlfriend to feel better, don't you? Whether she will need an antidepressant for life is her problem, not yours, so please don't assume that her depression has anything to do with you. She has a physical disorder--Depression is a physical disorder. Taking Lexapro does not make her a drug addict; it makes her someone who has a real physical problem and needs medication to become and remain better. If she had cancer, would you be concerned about the amount of chemotherapy she would have to have?
WE tend to assume that depression is a sign of personal weakness. It's not. And that taking antidepressants is a lot like taking something like ecstacy. Trust me, it's not. They take a long time to work, and they make you anything from sick to nearly deathly ill in the beginning.
One word of caution: do NOT "sweat" her about this. This will only add to the problem and make her feel worse. She is not dropping lexapro to get high; she is not a druggie. She has been prescribed this because she has a physical condition that warrants medical intervention.
Posted by Missy K on August 21, 2004, at 10:37:38
In reply to Re: worried...please help, posted by ednababish on August 21, 2004, at 8:56:02
I wanted to thank you (ednababish) for your response to that post. I was on Lex back in January for SAD, went off in April as I was feeling better, but started having anxiety attacks and depression again a month ago. So my doc put me back on Lex. I'm past the side effects and feeling 100% better (aside from a little shakiness on occasion), not snapping at my kids, just all around happier, and I'm grateful for this. But I am having trouble reconciling myself with the idea that I truly need this medication, that this is not something I should be ashamed of. I know intellectually that this is a physical problem, that it is not a sign of weakness, (my family has a very strong history of depression, addictions, etc, on both sides) but I still have trouble accepting it. Your (very well worded) response had a very reassuring effect on me, and I appreciate it. I knew there was a reason I came back here...Thanks.
-Missy
Posted by calico cat on August 21, 2004, at 14:12:48
In reply to Re: worried...please help, posted by Missy K on August 21, 2004, at 10:37:38
Hi Lynne and everyone. For some strange reason, I have to confirm my registration every other day, and then my long messages don't get sent. I don't know why this keeps happening, but anyway, here I am.
This is the third day I am on lex. - 10 mg - and wellbutrin - 150 mg. I had an energy burst this morning, but then I felt ready to fall asleep around 11. My psych. nurse said that this is a common combination. I sure hope it works because I have got to stop these naps.
By the way, the Lion King was fabulous.
Have a good rest of the weekend, Calico Cat
Posted by calico cat on August 21, 2004, at 14:21:40
In reply to Re: mrs. c's birthday, posted by Mrs. C on August 18, 2004, at 22:12:53
>Hi Mrs. C., While I can get posted, I am writing. I saw the Lion King at the newly refurbished opera house in Boston. It was really tremendous. The costumes, the scenery, the singing, everything was done to perfection. My friend and I got these tickets one year ago and it was well worth the wait.
On Thursday of last week, my kids and some friends went to the warp tour. I had never heard of this before, but I guess it is a way for new bands to get started.
Mrs. C., did you get my message about my birthday being in October too?
Always great to hear from you, Calico Cat
Hi Calico, where are you going to see The Lion King? I have wanted to see it for some time now. How fun for you. I am glad that you feel better about your med combo and I pray that you continue to feel good. I am only on Lex so I can't give out much advice about the combo but I think others here have tried it. Have a great time tonight and let us know how it was. Mrs. C
Posted by PinkSuede on August 21, 2004, at 17:25:12
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi all,
I've been on Lex since Nov. '03 and it's working great.
I recently went through a period of extreme stress and upped my dosage (Dr's OK) to 10 mg from 5 mg. I'm now doing OK, but the fatigue is really bad not to mention the inability to achieve orgasm, which wasn't a problem at 5.
Soooooo, starting tomorrow I'm going to go back to 5. Has anyone else ever decreased their dosage and if so, what s/e's did you experience?? I had mild nausea when I increased but nothing horrible. I'm hoping I can get back to 5 without any really bad effects.
Pink
Posted by Baz on August 21, 2004, at 17:45:02
In reply to Lexapro dosage, posted by PinkSuede on August 21, 2004, at 17:25:12
Hi Pink~I am always adjusting my dosage. My doctor wanted me to up my doseage from 10mg to 20mg and I found that at 20 I was feeling very depressed. So I am experimenting around with 2 days at 10 and one day at 20 just to find the best recipe for me. Also at 20 I was less "sexually funtional" now at this mix I am feeling better.
My doctor knows I do this.
Baz
Posted by devrisr on August 22, 2004, at 18:52:22
In reply to Re: worried...please help, posted by calico cat on August 21, 2004, at 14:12:48
I appreciate the reply...I'm not saying that she's weak...the problem is that her mom has been on antidepressants for over 4 years now, and when off of them is a much worse person than before. This is worring her, and so I'm concerend for her. She dosn't want to get to where she has to take it for ever, or becomes worse off than before. She also informs me that her doc said she can probably over come her depression with out drugs, and she'd prefer that method. But her parents who are over controlling won't have it because they're on drugs and they think that's the way to do it. that's what i'm really concerend about i guess.
Posted by Mrs. C on August 22, 2004, at 23:17:21
In reply to Re: had a bad day today - Mrs. C » captain, posted by JenStar on August 20, 2004, at 16:02:04
Hi Jenstar,
No, I dont think that going back on Lex is a sign of weakness. If anything it is a sign that you are willing to do whatever it takes to make your life better. I have never had any second thoughts about taking medication to help with my "issues". If you had diabetes would you feel weak for taking medication for that? Of course not. Mental illness is exactly that...an illness and why not treat it? Thanks for all of your supportive posts. I really enjoy reading them and I hope that you are feeling better soon. Mrs. C
Posted by SAW on August 23, 2004, at 2:18:09
In reply to Re: had a bad day today - Mrs. C, posted by Mrs. C on August 22, 2004, at 23:17:21
My GP compared taking med to putting fuel in a car. Something necessary to keep you going. Felt much less guilty after that.
Regards
Sabrina
Posted by Missy K on August 23, 2004, at 7:46:55
In reply to Re: had a bad day today - Mrs. C » captain, posted by JenStar on August 20, 2004, at 16:02:04
Jenstar,
I know exactly how you feel. I don't have the paranoia about health issues, though, it is all about the parenting...am I ruining my children? Is everything I do with them just a step closer to them becoming serial killers? Or just plain hating me? I went off in April and was getting more and more anxious and irritable, and my husband was telling me I was going to be a complete loon before the year was over if I didn't do something about it. And in all fairness, he was right. So I sucked it up and went to the doctor and got back on the lex. And I am much better. But I have the same issues, I wanted to be able to deal on my own. You have to keep reminding yourself, this is not my fault. This is a physical illness, it is not going to go away on its own (at least not right now) and you live a better life when you're on it. You are a strong person taking control of your own health and well-being. I have to keep telling myself the same thing, and I'm coming to terms with it.
Sorry about the ramble, I hope you feel better...
Missy
Posted by trucker on August 23, 2004, at 8:38:50
In reply to Re: had a bad day today - Mrs. C, posted by Mrs. C on August 22, 2004, at 23:17:21
i second this.. if you had a heart condition... would you feel guilty about taking your meds for that?? same with lex... we are usually on it because as we age are hormones fluckuate... then we get what is called a chemical imbalance... and in order to make things work right we need meds.. and the right balance.. don't feel guilty.. and don't tell friends and family cause they all get weirded out over it and think we are wacked out... very untrue.. most of us gets this problem due to the change... and others because of a thing called polycystic ovarian syndrom (pcos) which is a whole body aliment. and affects hormones and putuitory glands and the whole body.. take care of your self.. BE KIND TO YOURSELF!
trucker
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////> Hi Jenstar,
> No, I dont think that going back on Lex is a sign of weakness. If anything it is a sign that you are willing to do whatever it takes to make your life better. I have never had any second thoughts about taking medication to help with my "issues". If you had diabetes would you feel weak for taking medication for that? Of course not. Mental illness is exactly that...an illness and why not treat it? Thanks for all of your supportive posts. I really enjoy reading them and I hope that you are feeling better soon. Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on August 23, 2004, at 11:24:08
In reply to Re: Lexapro dosage, posted by Baz on August 21, 2004, at 17:45:02
Wow, lots of posts about Lex increasing, decreasing and why are we taking it! I love reading everyone's thoughts and opinions and am grateful for everyone's feedback and support.
Here are my thoughts. I was on Lex 9 months, went up to 20mg. Got very, very tired, gained 15 lbs in 6 months (very unusual for me), yet wasn't depressed, anxious, angry or crying (except over the weight I could not lose!!!). So, weaned off Lex (with no bad effects as I decreased)and went on Wellbutrin SR 300mg. This has been for 2 months. I'm awake, have great orgasms but lost only 6 lbs. (low carbing). AND, horror of horrors, I am depressed, crying, angry and not coping again. I'm 41, dx PMDD.
So, I went back on Lex at 5mg a few days ago. I cannot take being the mean, snappish, crying witch I am without the Lex. I absolutely hate it that I have to take meds, so I am with many of you there. But, it helps me function and cope. My kids and husband deserve and need a balanced mom. And I need to be able to function at work.
I am slowly resigning myself to the fact that I will need to deal with the weight gain, sexual problems & other s/e's cuz they are not as bad as the ME that I am without Lex. I am not the type of person who deals well with being perceived as weak or needy or inefficient or unable to cope! This is tough.
I feel for every one of you who are struggling with these hormonal imbalances that make us feel so abnormal and unable to cope. But, like Edna and Mrs. C. have stated, it's a physical illness that needs treatment.
Good luck and BIG HUGS to all :-)
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
Posted by Mrs. C on August 24, 2004, at 21:35:17
In reply to Re: Lexapro dosage, posted by LynneDa on August 23, 2004, at 11:24:08
Hey Lynne,
Great to hear from you. I am so sorry that you have had such a tough time. To me, weight gain is insignificant compared to being anxious, depressed, etc. I am very surprised that so many people hear would rather stop taking the med than gain a little bit of weight. Of course I have battled most of my thirties with my weight. I did not gain any weight while taking lex and in fact have lost weight on Atkins. I am back on it after a few weeks break. Craving sugar a little bit today but I am coping okay. Good luck to you and I hope that you find what you are looking for soon, Mrs. C
Posted by dare on August 25, 2004, at 0:44:29
In reply to Re: worried...please help, posted by devrisr on August 22, 2004, at 18:52:22
my daughter has been on lexapro for 2 years and it has nearly destroyed her. i have been investigating this drug and this is one thing i found.....* June 26, 2004 Lawsuits are starting. Lexapro manufacture, Forrest Laboratories, has stated recently concluded test found that it's antidepressant Lexapro did not help depressed children. Negative and hidden clinical trials on Celexa from Europe are being disclosed at the moment. Lexapro is designed from Celexa. The best Forrest Labs could do in Europe to even run their trials for Celexa was to use H. Lundbeck, the Danish company that developed Celexa.
If your child was prescribed Lexapro or you were prescribed Lexapro while under the age of 18 and there were adverse reactions, you may wish to file a lawsuit.
this is from this website http://www.prozactruth.com/lexapro.htm#sideeffectsthere is also alot of feedback from people who have used lexapro...you should check it out and have your girlfriend read it as well. if her doctor is wise enough to work through her depression without drugs i would recommend doing that first... lexapro has serious side effects and is certainly NOT for situational depression.
good for you for caring enough to check things out...i trusted my daughter with doctors when i shouldn't have...i have changed her doctor and he is getting her off the meds ...it will be a long hard road but finally the right one...learning coping skills. she has been on and off meds for almost 20 years and misdiagnosed for them all..anyway check out the website and good luck!!
Posted by captain on August 25, 2004, at 8:42:43
In reply to Re: worried...please help, posted by dare on August 25, 2004, at 0:44:29
Dare- Thank you for your post! I read that site and appreciate you sending it out. I only take lex for anxiety but have not enjoyed the side effects such as excessive sweating, constipation, sleep problems, inorgasmia and weight gain. I would rather (right now at least) learn how to cope with my anxiety. I am sure I would feel different if I suffered from depression but I do not know what that is like. Right now I don't know if my anxiety is enough to need this med.
Again - many thanks!
Captain
Posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 10:34:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by Mrs. C on July 6, 2004, at 20:55:56
Hello everyone!
I am on Lex 10 mg, recently switched to it from Celexa. I was also prescribed 5 mg Valium by my pdoc to manage my anxiety/panic attacks but I am very reluctant to take it because I am afraid that Valium won't help my anxiety and I am gonna panic since there would be no more chance for me.
Now I am anxious all the time and just cant make myself to take the Valium. Anyone,please help
Posted by ednababish on August 25, 2004, at 10:36:32
In reply to Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 10:34:03
May I ask why you were switched from celexa to lexapro?
Posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 10:43:10
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by ednababish on August 25, 2004, at 10:36:32
My pdoc switched me from Celexa to Lexapro because he said Lexapro is the more effective one and it has less side effects (which is not really true)
Posted by ednababish on August 25, 2004, at 12:03:52
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 10:43:10
I hate to be nosy, but what side effects are you speaking of? I'm having SSE issues with lexapro at 20mgs--I had fewer with 30mgs celexa. My doctor is thinking of switching me over to celexa if this does not improve with an herbal remedy. It's been three years and a lot of life changes since I took celexa, but about the only thing I have noticed is (I believe) I am calmer with lexapro and have fewer anxiety problems. Please tell what the side effects have been for you with both drugs.
Edna
Posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 12:49:17
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by ednababish on August 25, 2004, at 12:03:52
Hi Edna,
The funny thing that I had no SE with Celexa whatsoever. I had my conditions improved and I decided to get off Celexa and quit it cold turkey. The withdrawal symtoms were terrible. I had constand tingling in my arms and my head (like little electrical impulses that bothered me a lot). Anxiety was back too.
I decided to go back to Celexa but I didnt have anymore of it. By this time I had to go to a different pdoc (insurance issues) and he gave me Lexapro, which he said is the same thing as Celexa. I started taking 10 mg of Lex and those symptoms went right away. But I also got some severe side effects like fatigue, dizziness, hot flashes etc. It 's liking living in a thick fog. I've been on Lex for over a month already and the SE have been subsiding but my anxiety still persists. Now I decided to give it more time and if I dont fell better by Nov.1, I am going back on Celexa.
Like I said I was also prescribed 5 mg Valium. But my problem is I cant make myself to take a Valium pill and I dont know what to do. Valium is like a "last resort" for me (at least that's what I think) and if for some reason Valium will not work I am gonna freak out even worse. So here I am being anxious but saving Valium for the "worst case scenario".> I hate to be nosy, but what side effects are you speaking of? I'm having SSE issues with lexapro at 20mgs--I had fewer with 30mgs celexa. My doctor is thinking of switching me over to celexa if this does not improve with an herbal remedy. It's been three years and a lot of life changes since I took celexa, but about the only thing I have noticed is (I believe) I am calmer with lexapro and have fewer anxiety problems. Please tell what the side effects have been for you with both drugs.
>
> Edna
Posted by captain on August 25, 2004, at 13:51:15
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 12:49:17
Alex - you have never taken a valium? I can't imagine that you will feel anxious at ALL after taking one of those! :) It really calms your nerves. Have you tried xanax? You should talk to your doc abotu getting a rx for xanax or ativan as that also calms your nerves and I would think it is a lot less potent than a valium.
Both are VERY relaxing.
Good luck!
captain
Posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 13:59:02
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by captain on August 25, 2004, at 13:51:15
Hi captain, thx for your reply.
My problem is that I am afraid to take Valium because if Valium wouldn't work --what am I gonna do next? I guess I just have to try and take the pill and see what happens. If it wont work I guess I 'll just get drunk:(> Alex - you have never taken a valium? I can't imagine that you will feel anxious at ALL after taking one of those! :) It really calms your nerves. Have you tried xanax? You should talk to your doc abotu getting a rx for xanax or ativan as that also calms your nerves and I would think it is a lot less potent than a valium.
>
> Both are VERY relaxing.
> Good luck!
> captain
Posted by ednababish on August 25, 2004, at 14:37:45
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 13:59:02
Dear Alex,
Hope that's a joke about getting drunk. Hate to be a mother hen, but alcohol and alcohol withdrawal (also known as the morning after) exacerbates panic symptoms. It also short circuits the efeectiveness of antidepressants. Although I've never used it, I understand 5mgs of ativan works wonders for anxiety and panic.
Edna
Posted by ednababish on August 25, 2004, at 14:50:51
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 12:49:17
Dear Alex,
I did not see really obvious results with lexapro until three month after I increased to 20mgs. I have very little anxiety right now, although I am currently 1) on my period 2) a college professor stumbling through my first week of classes with 50 bored, miserable, and hostile freshman comp students, and 3) in trouble with my dean. Six months ago this combination would have reduced me to utterly disfunctional and absolutely sick with anxiety; now I see the big picture and know that this too shall pass.
Why did I tell you this? Because you may need more lexapro than you are currently taking to kick the anxiety. Although the manufacturers say 10mgs lexapro equals 40mgs celexa, it's not true. From my experience (and everyone is different) 20mgs lexapro equals 30 mgs celexa.
And another thing about ativan--I have a friend who hates to take anything, but she hates shots more. 5 mgs of ativan got her through minor surgery, and she gave it two thumbs up! She reported she felt fine and functional, sufficiently worried but not out of control scared. It's worth looking into.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 19:10:11
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by ednababish on August 25, 2004, at 14:50:51
Thank you Edna,
I have never heard od Ativan, might look into it.
Right now I've decided to take that Valium pill at my next anxiety/panic attack whatever happens.
I'll report on the progress. Thank you again for your support, Edna.> Dear Alex,
>
> I did not see really obvious results with lexapro until three month after I increased to 20mgs. I have very little anxiety right now, although I am currently 1) on my period 2) a college professor stumbling through my first week of classes with 50 bored, miserable, and hostile freshman comp students, and 3) in trouble with my dean. Six months ago this combination would have reduced me to utterly disfunctional and absolutely sick with anxiety; now I see the big picture and know that this too shall pass.
>
> Why did I tell you this? Because you may need more lexapro than you are currently taking to kick the anxiety. Although the manufacturers say 10mgs lexapro equals 40mgs celexa, it's not true. From my experience (and everyone is different) 20mgs lexapro equals 30 mgs celexa.
>
> And another thing about ativan--I have a friend who hates to take anything, but she hates shots more. 5 mgs of ativan got her through minor surgery, and she gave it two thumbs up! She reported she felt fine and functional, sufficiently worried but not out of control scared. It's worth looking into.
>
> Good luck and keep us posted.
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