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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mills on February 5, 2003, at 10:52:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro hasn't kicked in yet-4mills, posted by Dysfunk on February 5, 2003, at 10:46:02
I hear you, it has really helped me too
> Thanks for responding. I am on 40 mg Prozac, which is minimal and with 10 mg Lex, I still feel lousy. I am going to wait it out. I am glad to have this board for both encouragement and insight. Dysfunk
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 5, 2003, at 11:21:23
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I am new to anti-d's. I am self diagnosed as having general anxiety disorder. This seems to have been building ever since I had a child while trying to finish college some years ago. 3 years ago i was divorced, happily i might add, and i noticed a difference in my behavior when I had trouble making ordinary conversation with old friends, i just thought i was growing different. Well i got fed up with it and dedided to work on my skills, and started pushing myself into more social situations and trying to get outside myself. I made some progress, but always felt something holding me back and couldnt figure out what it was. Shortly after, I fell into a slump that I didnt recognize as depression or anxiety, i thought it would pass. Well it didnt, finally i did the same and decided again to work through it, and again made progress, but was always held back, this time though things got real bad. I was finding myself with aching back, aching legs, just tensse all the time with no real reason to be.
I would sometimes get sweaty hands, didnt want to do anything. Had a hard time even forcing myself out the house, and sometimes just drove around town aimlessly, just looking for relief in anything. Never came. So i looked up anxiety and saw the symptoms and realized that this was my problem, so i tried to solve it on my own....didnt happen.....
So i went to the doctor and he gave me some lexapro to try out.....
I have been on it for 16 days now....i am feeling much better, i actually cooked a nice dinner last night, enjoyed the movie i watched, and put some clothes up.....
i still feel a little detached, I was feeling detached before taking it too, it comes and goes in waves.....
i have trouble getting to sleep sometimes, but once i fall asleep i stay asleep....
no nauseous feeling or any other side affect, except with vision sometimes, not too bad though...
i hoping it starts to work a little bit better in the next week or two, i feel a little better today....i take 10 mg a dayto people who have experiences with this, do anti-d's help releive the detached feeling and depersonalized feelings that accompany anxiety and depression, and how for those feelings to start to subside?
Posted by Theona on February 5, 2003, at 13:37:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Dysfunk on February 5, 2003, at 10:43:07
> It amazes me how the medicine effects us all so differently! I have terrible constipation, but I do have reflux too. Hang in there, hopefully it will pass soon (no pun intended).
What surprises me is that different SSRIs effect the same person so differently. I don't pretend to understand the differences. I do understand Lexapro is kind of what I jokingly call a new designer SSRI, so I expect it to be different, but for sure, from personal experience, I know life on the different SSRIs before Lexapro has been different, and also different when I had different needs. About 6 years ago, I was on Zoloft for anxiety and it took the maximum dose to have any effect at all. Years later, when on Celexa, a moderate dose worked fine. Now, recently, I can't take Celexa again as it makes me quite nauseated, even after 4 months, so I don't get what's going on at all.
All I know is that if Lexapro works, I plan to stay on it in hopes things stay consistent for a long time.
Posted by Sussus on February 5, 2003, at 16:47:03
In reply to New to Lexapro » sussus, posted by Theona on February 4, 2003, at 21:39:37
Theona - I really appreciate your message and I too, look forward to the days when I want to and can work all day. I hate my living room - I have spent a year here. And many years in various living rooms...
The good news is that today I shared my struggle with my mom and she was so compassionate. She suffered a major breakdown when I was 7 or 8 years old - which I will never forget.
I have really hesitated to tell any realatives about my depression, as I couldn't deal with judgement - their specialty. But Mom was the best. She said she totally related and I can call her anytime. What a relief!
So for today I was brave and actually went to my office for 2 hours - a big deal for me....
Thanks for the encouragement - hang in there.
Sussus
Posted by Sussus on February 5, 2003, at 16:48:17
In reply to New to Lexapro » sussus, posted by Theona on February 4, 2003, at 21:39:37
Theona - I really appreciate your message and I too, look forward to the days when I want to and can work all day. I hate my living room - I have spent a year here. And many years in various living rooms...
The good news is that today I shared my struggle with my mom and she was so compassionate. She suffered a major breakdown when I was 7 or 8 years old - which I will never forget.
I have really hesitated to tell any realatives about my depression, as I couldn't deal with judgement - their specialty. But Mom was the best. She said she totally related and I can call her anytime. What a relief!
So for today I was brave and actually went to my office for 2 hours - a big deal for me....
Thanks for the encouragement - hang in there.
Sussus
Posted by pibb on February 5, 2003, at 18:48:37
In reply to New lex user, posted by Chuck2112 on February 5, 2003, at 11:21:23
My son is in a residential treatment facility. He is taking seroquel and now 20mg lexapro. He was on 40mg celexa, but the doctor wanted to try lexapro to help his OCD behaviors- primarily the obsession. He switched to lexapro 2 1/2 weeks ago and things are not going well. He feels extremely frustrated. He says he feels like he physically cannot stop himself from agruing. He is also now talking non stop (to others, himself, bedposts etc). I don't know that much about lexapro so I am wondering if I should ask that he be taken off of the lexapro or wait it out?
Posted by mlj 123 on February 5, 2003, at 18:57:23
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by sussus on February 4, 2003, at 20:19:48
Ive been on it 3 months now. things are much better. no panic attacks since Ive started it
Posted by mlj 123 on February 5, 2003, at 19:07:07
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by nhg on February 4, 2003, at 21:04:09
Tight muscles are also a main side effect from anxiety as well as acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome. I lost 20 pounds from aniety/panic and the mustle spasms in my neck were horrible. The doc says its all anxiety. This is before any medicine Ive taken. The Old Chinese believe acid reflux only is caused from harmony being out of balance in your soul. They belive if you can heal within yourself you can heal your stomach problems. ....Just a book I read about acute axiety. However Im not Chinese I do see that my severe stomach/mustle spasms have subsided.
Posted by mlj 123 on February 5, 2003, at 19:12:44
In reply to New lex user, posted by Chuck2112 on February 5, 2003, at 11:21:23
Your story is a very fimilar one. good luck. glad your feeling better.
Posted by EGR on February 5, 2003, at 19:16:45
In reply to Re: Changing time of Lex -- EGR » EGR, posted by bozeman on February 3, 2003, at 21:54:54
I had that happen to me at Christmas time and it was scary. That's why I went ahead and increased my dosage. In retrospect, I probably would be okay at 10. I'm thinking about decreasing to 15 but want to wait until I've been on 20 for two full months. I don't have any trouble sleeping either... except for last night and I think that's more because I had 3 sick kids. I noticed that on the days I don't take the Wellbutrin, I'm sleepier during the day. So far, still haven't been able to test it on the sse (my husband left town when I got back... :-( ) But soon! Take care and don't get scared of feeling "normal".
EGR
Posted by Theona on February 5, 2003, at 21:32:46
In reply to New lex user, posted by Chuck2112 on February 5, 2003, at 11:21:23
> I am new to anti-d's. I am self diagnosed as having general anxiety disorder. This seems to have been building ever since I had a child while trying to finish college some years ago. 3 years ago i was divorced, happily i might add, and i noticed a difference in my behavior when I had trouble making ordinary conversation with old friends, i just thought i was growing different. Well i got fed up with it and dedided to work on my skills, and started pushing myself into more social situations and trying to get outside myself. I made some progress, but always felt something holding me back and couldnt figure out what it was. Shortly after, I fell into a slump that I didnt recognize as depression or anxiety, i thought it would pass. Well it didnt, finally i did the same and decided again to work through it, and again made progress, but was always held back, this time though things got real bad. I was finding myself with aching back, aching legs, just tensse all the time with no real reason to be.
>
> I would sometimes get sweaty hands, didnt want to do anything. Had a hard time even forcing myself out the house, and sometimes just drove around town aimlessly, just looking for relief in anything. Never came. So i looked up anxiety and saw the symptoms and realized that this was my problem, so i tried to solve it on my own....didnt happen.....
>
> So i went to the doctor and he gave me some lexapro to try out.....
>
> I have been on it for 16 days now....i am feeling much better, i actually cooked a nice dinner last night, enjoyed the movie i watched, and put some clothes up.....
> i still feel a little detached, I was feeling detached before taking it too, it comes and goes in waves.....
> i have trouble getting to sleep sometimes, but once i fall asleep i stay asleep....
> no nauseous feeling or any other side affect, except with vision sometimes, not too bad though...
> i hoping it starts to work a little bit better in the next week or two, i feel a little better today....i take 10 mg a day
>
> to people who have experiences with this, do anti-d's help releive the detached feeling and depersonalized feelings that accompany anxiety and depression, and how for those feelings to start to subside?From Theona:
I am seeing your note about being self-diagnosed, and I guess I'm concerned about your not having supportive therapy along with the medication, if I am understanding you correctly. The medications can relieve physical symptoms, but it's really hard to be objective about complex behaviors we have developed to cope with the symptoms for so long. Even an amicable divorce is a trauma in life, and traumas can make existing tendencies worse. Getting guidance on the healing process can insure a more steady climb out of the hole. When we are alone, very alone, it is hard to see what we are doing that's odd or different, except what's pronounced.
I've done the medication route without therapy in the past, but recovery was not lasting. I thought if the high anxiety and chronic depression were gone, I'd get on with life. But when symptoms returned when I'd go off and on medications, I didn't have a "plan," so to speak. I want to make steady progress. I know I don't see myself objectively. So I am in my 3rd week, working with a cognitive behavioral therapist, an am surprised, already, to learn how little I have been dealing with feelings because I have been "coping" on my own for so long. Additionally, the therapist works closely with a medicating psychiatrist so that my dosage and effectiveness of Lexapro can be evaluated.
Before, I have worked with my famiily doctor, who is brilliant, funny, concerned, and just the best. But these drugs for depression, anxiety and conditions like OCD are not his daily bread.
I would have diagnosed myself as primarily having high anxiety, too, 4 years ago, but now I know it's OCD. Getting a good, professional diagnosis can mean getting the right help, holistically, and getting better in a lasting way.
I hear all of you say, "I want to feel normal." Me too. Now, on Lexapro for a week, I am not having side effects, but I moved to it from being on Celexa for 4 months. On Lexapro, I no longer have 2 hours of nausea a day. It still remains to be seen if the dose is right for the anxiety and obsessing. The compulsions are reducing. I am working more even-paced throughout the day at work. I suspect I will eventually be moved to 20mg of Lexapro.
How do they know when you are on too high a dose of an SSRI? What happens?
Theona
Posted by Shan on February 5, 2003, at 23:07:24
In reply to Re: New lex user, posted by Theona on February 5, 2003, at 21:32:46
I was on Prozac for about 6 months at 40 mg and then I began feeling depressed, argumentative again so my PCP switched me to Lexapro. I've been on it for 2 weeks and have had night sweats twice, the only side effects of Prozac were headaches that went away after a month, and insomnia. I don't have the upbeat mood that I had when I began Prozac, and I'm not sure I'm getting the results I want from Lexapro. I'm not sure I'm giving it the time it deserves or if I should switch to a higher dose. If you have any insight on this-please let me know-thanks
Posted by bozeman on February 6, 2003, at 0:54:46
In reply to Re: Changing time of Lex -- EGR » bozeman, posted by EGR on February 5, 2003, at 19:16:45
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 9:39:39
In reply to Re: New lex user, posted by Theona on February 5, 2003, at 21:32:46
>
> From Theona:
>
> I am seeing your note about being self-diagnosed, and I guess I'm concerned about your not having supportive therapy along with the medication, if I am understanding you correctly. The medications can relieve physical symptoms, but it's really hard to be objective about complex behaviors we have developed to cope with the symptoms for so long. Even an amicable divorce is a trauma in life, and traumas can make existing tendencies worse. Getting guidance on the healing process can insure a more steady climb out of the hole. When we are alone, very alone, it is hard to see what we are doing that's odd or different, except what's pronounced.
>
> I've done the medication route without therapy in the past, but recovery was not lasting. I thought if the high anxiety and chronic depression were gone, I'd get on with life. But when symptoms returned when I'd go off and on medications, I didn't have a "plan," so to speak. I want to make steady progress. I know I don't see myself objectively. So I am in my 3rd week, working with a cognitive behavioral therapist, an am surprised, already, to learn how little I have been dealing with feelings because I have been "coping" on my own for so long. Additionally, the therapist works closely with a medicating psychiatrist so that my dosage and effectiveness of Lexapro can be evaluated.
>
> Before, I have worked with my famiily doctor, who is brilliant, funny, concerned, and just the best. But these drugs for depression, anxiety and conditions like OCD are not his daily bread.
>
> I would have diagnosed myself as primarily having high anxiety, too, 4 years ago, but now I know it's OCD. Getting a good, professional diagnosis can mean getting the right help, holistically, and getting better in a lasting way.
>
> I hear all of you say, "I want to feel normal." Me too. Now, on Lexapro for a week, I am not having side effects, but I moved to it from being on Celexa for 4 months. On Lexapro, I no longer have 2 hours of nausea a day. It still remains to be seen if the dose is right for the anxiety and obsessing. The compulsions are reducing. I am working more even-paced throughout the day at work. I suspect I will eventually be moved to 20mg of Lexapro.
>
> How do they know when you are on too high a dose of an SSRI? What happens?
>
> Theona
>
>Theona,
I really appreciate your post and your wisdom/concern. I do plan to seek some counseling, but right now, I have things in my life that need my attention, and I think that without the meds I either wont address them or wont do it with the attention it needs. I am already starting to find myself getting back to my former self, I just am wondering how much more better I can expect to feel.I am pretty aware of myself and my feelings, and am pretty sure that as I became a father I forgot about myself, and just need help getting it back. This anxiety and depression runs in my family, so its not just about counseling either.
So my plan is to first get myself to a state where I can deal effectively with things, and slowly see what counseling can do for me.
So my question is this....
I have been on the LExapro for 2-1/2 weeks and I am each day feeling a touch better, but feel I need to feel just a little bit better, and than I will feel comfortable just conversing and joking with my coworkers again. So with these drugs, does it generally work like this whereas you slowly start feeling bettter, and how much better....I want a normal flow of thoughts like I am used to.....
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 9:51:14
In reply to Re: New lex user-Theona --Anyone!!!!, posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 9:39:39
I want to say that I dont ever have panic attacks...and do fairly well considering how I feel, I usually joke and have fun at work and go out on weekends, go to parties meet and talk to new people....but I just have trouble being totally at ease while doing it....so when it gets to one on one conversation is when I sometimes choke up or zone out.....i just dont relax....i have actually managed to meet and start seeing a girl in the past 2 months....luckily we can not see each other on a daily basis which gives me time to work through some of this....
any thoughts?????
Posted by greeneyes on February 6, 2003, at 10:09:50
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Today is my 9th day on lexapro(5mg) and I have absolutely NO appetite. I have to remind myself to pick up a snack here and there, but I still just choke that down because I am not hungry. Anyone else go through that? If so, for how long? I move up to 10mg this weekend, and I'm just hoping that the increase doesn't make this worse! Thanks for any input
greeneyes
Posted by MaryZee on February 6, 2003, at 14:27:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by tanguerey on January 28, 2003, at 12:43:13
> > I took celexa for four months and have been on lexapro for six months since I switched. I find lexapro to work better. Celexa caused severe insomnia for me; however, lexapro does not. The side-effects from lexapro are a little different though: I find that I have a very decreased sex drive with lexapro. I also find that I am a little lazier on lexapro (I think the proper way to define this is 'amotivational syndrome').
> >
> > The important thing to remember is that everyone has different brain chemsitry: a single person's reaction to a drug does not define that drug's effects/side-effects.
>
>
> I'm switching from Effexor to Lexapro. I developed high blood pressure and had to switch. Also, I've had chest pains. Someone posted that they developed an ulcer. I would be interest to know what it felt like. I've been to a cardiologist and the heart seems OK. Pains are centered. Could this be an esophogeal ulcer?
>
> Any input would be appreciated. Chest pains are scary.
>
> Tanguerey
>Hi! I've been on Lexpro for two weeks. The last two days have started having "chest pains". Sort of feels like something "punching" me (not hard) in the chest. Have had all heart tests three months ago and got an o.k. Have mitral valve prolapse and mild heart murmor - but everything else was fine. Also, today for the first time since starting Lexpro I feel very weepy. And the constant sleepiness has not improved. I was on Prozac for ten years and was switched to Lexapro.
No weaning from Prozac - just stopped it and started taking Lexapro. Anyone have any positive comments on Lexapro? Is it worth hanging in there with this medication? Not so sure :( Would appreciate any advice everyone!!!!!
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 15:02:05
In reply to No appetite????, posted by greeneyes on February 6, 2003, at 10:09:50
> Today is my 9th day on lexapro(5mg) and I have absolutely NO appetite. I have to remind myself to pick up a snack here and there, but I still just choke that down because I am not hungry. Anyone else go through that? If so, for how long? I move up to 10mg this weekend, and I'm just hoping that the increase doesn't make this worse! Thanks for any input
>
> greeneyes
I have not had that problem. I have been on Lex for 17 days now. It has helped a bit but am still waiting for it to kick up a notch. Hope it happens soon.
Posted by greeneyes on February 6, 2003, at 15:28:22
In reply to Re: No appetite????, posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 15:02:05
> > Today is my 9th day on lexapro(5mg) and I have absolutely NO appetite. I have to remind myself to pick up a snack here and there, but I still just choke that down because I am not hungry. Anyone else go through that? If so, for how long? I move up to 10mg this weekend, and I'm just hoping that the increase doesn't make this worse! Thanks for any input
> >
> > greeneyes
>
>
> I have not had that problem. I have been on Lex for 17 days now. It has helped a bit but am still waiting for it to kick up a notch. Hope it happens soon.
>I'm the same with noticing that it has helped a bit-and I emphasize "bit"- with the anxiety. I'm actually noticing the appetite thing more than the anxiety relief so... we'll see after my increase
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 15:40:15
In reply to Re: No appetite???? » Chuck2112, posted by greeneyes on February 6, 2003, at 15:28:22
> > > Today is my 9th day on lexapro(5mg) and I have absolutely NO appetite. I have to remind myself to pick up a snack here and there, but I still just choke that down because I am not hungry. Anyone else go through that? If so, for how long? I move up to 10mg this weekend, and I'm just hoping that the increase doesn't make this worse! Thanks for any input
> > >
> > > greeneyes
> >
> >
> > I have not had that problem. I have been on Lex for 17 days now. It has helped a bit but am still waiting for it to kick up a notch. Hope it happens soon.
> >
>
> I'm the same with noticing that it has helped a bit-and I emphasize "bit"- with the anxiety. I'm actually noticing the appetite thing more than the anxiety relief so... we'll see after my increase
What is going to be the increase?
I am taking 10mg, I have tried taking it at several times throughout the day, so far I think the best time for me has been at around 7pm.
Here is my basic daily run through. Today was the first day I was able to get up easily, but i didnt exactly jump up either. When I get to work I am usually fine. My main problem is that the anxiety keeps me from being able to relax and just be "here". So conversation with others is sparse at best. This is usually better until about 11am or lunch time, than from about lunch through 5pm i seem to hit a slump, and in the evening i seem to be much better. I dont know why, are there peak times for medicines like these? I wouldnt imagine there is except maybe for the first few weeks. Anyhow, I am trying to be impatient.
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 15:42:33
In reply to Re: No appetite????-daily run through, posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 15:40:15
i meant to say i am trying to not be impatient
Posted by greeneyes on February 6, 2003, at 17:13:12
In reply to Re: No appetite????-daily run through, posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 15:40:15
> > > > Today is my 9th day on lexapro(5mg) and I have absolutely NO appetite. I have to remind myself to pick up a snack here and there, but I still just choke that down because I am not hungry. Anyone else go through that? If so, for how long? I move up to 10mg this weekend, and I'm just hoping that the increase doesn't make this worse! Thanks for any input
> > > >
> > > > greeneyes
> > >
> > >
> > > I have not had that problem. I have been on Lex for 17 days now. It has helped a bit but am still waiting for it to kick up a notch. Hope it happens soon.
> > >
> >
> > I'm the same with noticing that it has helped a bit-and I emphasize "bit"- with the anxiety. I'm actually noticing the appetite thing more than the anxiety relief so... we'll see after my increase
>
>
> What is going to be the increase?
> I am taking 10mg, I have tried taking it at several times throughout the day, so far I think the best time for me has been at around 7pm.
> Here is my basic daily run through. Today was the first day I was able to get up easily, but i didnt exactly jump up either. When I get to work I am usually fine. My main problem is that the anxiety keeps me from being able to relax and just be "here". So conversation with others is sparse at best. This is usually better until about 11am or lunch time, than from about lunch through 5pm i seem to hit a slump, and in the evening i seem to be much better. I dont know why, are there peak times for medicines like these? I wouldnt imagine there is except maybe for the first few weeks. Anyhow, I am trying to be impatient.
>
I'm going from 5 mg to 10 mg. My doc suggested that I take mine by 9am, which I have been doing. I usually jump right out of the bed, but have been having some trouble in the mornings. I get up, get the kids going, and then take the med. I have "sinking" spell sometime around 11am or so. But, when I pop out of that, I'm ready to go. I feel extremely productive during the afternoon and early evening hours, but I still have so much anxiety that I must take something(ambien) to actually get to sleep. Probably the sleep meds that are keeping me from getting going in the mornings. Guess it's just a trade off until this stuff really gets going...
Posted by Donia on February 6, 2003, at 20:22:34
In reply to Re: No appetite????, posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 15:02:05
Yes, I am not having an appetite either. I have been on lexapro for 3 weeks and still not much of an appetite. I only weigh 115lbs so I dont want this side effect either. I also had this problem when I was on zoloft. It lasted a month or so and then I started gaining weight. All together on zoloft, I went from 102lbs to 125lbs, with my normal weight then being 108lbs. I hope I get some appetite back but dont want to gain again. As long as I stop at around 125 I will be ok. I stopped taking the zoloft so I dont know if my weight would have kept going up or not.
Posted by Leo Bostar on February 6, 2003, at 20:54:55
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
My dose was increased from 10mg to 20mg after I reported no therapeutic effect. When I started each dose, I felt extremely uncomfortable for 2-3 days (anxiety, confusion, headaches). After that, nothing much happened.
Now it's been over a month, and I still don't feel anything at all after adjusting to the new dose.
Does this drug actually do anything? If so, what?
Posted by missinglynxx on February 6, 2003, at 23:49:57
In reply to Now on 20mg, still no therapeutic effect, posted by Leo Bostar on February 6, 2003, at 20:54:55
> My dose was increased from 10mg to 20mg after I reported no therapeutic effect. When I started each dose, I felt extremely uncomfortable for 2-3 days (anxiety, confusion, headaches). After that, nothing much happened.
>
> Now it's been over a month, and I still don't feel anything at all after adjusting to the new dose.
>
> Does this drug actually do anything? If so, what?
>
>
>
Leo , you will do well. BUT remember sometimes it takes 5 weeks to feel the improvement. dont most medications for any illness, take 4 weeks to really Kick In? Hang in there, buddy
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